Flying from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Sao Paulo is home to a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg departing from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) or Viracopos Airport (VCP).
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the primary hub where you can touch down in Johannesburg.
The average time for a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg is 8 hours 48 minutes. Johannesburg's timezone is UTC+2, making Johannesburg 5 hours ahead of Sao Paulo.
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 8 flights a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg is with LATAM Airlines at 22:45. Go for the first GRU to JNB departure with South African Airways at 17:05 to maximise your time in Johannesburg.
To ensure you catch your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you have a passport from Brazil and plan to travel to South Africa for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, visa and entry requirements may vary based on your reason for visiting and can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before booking a cheap flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg.
Flying from Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, you can leave from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Get from GRU to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in one seamless trip.
If you want to leave from GRU, you can take a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg with LATAM Airlines.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg leaving from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
GRU is about 26 kilometres from central Sao Paulo. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 32 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel near Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Viracopos Airport (VCP)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, here's where you can stop when taking off from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
You can arrive at VCP from the centre of Sao Paulo in about 1 hour and 16 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport takes roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 97 kilometres or so.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before boarding your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg? Unwind in a hotel near Viracopos Airport before your trip officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is approximately 29 kilometres. It'll take you about 29 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. Book one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Johannesburg. Following your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, expect a drive time of approximately 51 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You'll find some cosy hotels to park your luggage (and yourself) near HLA. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg at one of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg is 467 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 513 €. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
To score cheap tickets from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, book your trip 3 months before your departure.
November is the cheapest month for tickets from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped. We'll notify you as soon as the price changes.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. Simply enter your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
February is the quietest month for flights from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, while July is the most popular. Figure out the best time to go to Johannesburg based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg for January if you'd like to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Johannesburg to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
July has average temperatures of between 4ºC and 20ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg sometime around then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Johannesburg right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Johannesburg itinerary.
Complete your Johannesburg trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Johannesburg and explore on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.