Travelling from Johannesburg to Dubai: what you need to know
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Johannesburg's main airport. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Johannesburg to Dubai leaving from here.
When working out where to arrive in Dubai, Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are the primary gateways.
A direct flight from Johannesburg to Dubai takes an average of 8 hours 14 minutes. The timezone in Dubai is UTC+4, making it 2 hours ahead of Johannesburg.
The busiest route for flights from Johannesburg to Dubai is from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Dubai Airport (DXB). Choose from 30 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from JNB to DXB is the 13:25 Emirates option. If you prefer to travel later, the last departure is at 22:20 with Emirates.
To ensure you get on your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
To travel to United Arab Emirates for tourism purposes, you'll need an e-visa if you have a passport from South Africa. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and duration of your trip. Always check the most recent guidelines before you book your cheap flight from Johannesburg to Dubai.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Johannesburg to Dubai, they're available from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Fly from JNB to Dubai Airport (DXB) in one seamless journey.
Emirates is a leading airline that operates direct flights from Johannesburg to Dubai leaving from JNB.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for flights from Johannesburg to Dubai leaving from O.R. Tambo International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
JNB is around 29 kilometres from central Johannesburg. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 29 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Johannesburg to Dubai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai takes about 16 minutes by car. It's approximately 14 kilometres away.
Travelling on public transport takes about 49 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near DXB if you're taking a late flight from Johannesburg to Dubai. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
The centre of Dubai is about 56 kilometres from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). As soon as your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 45 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 2 hours and 5 minutes.
After your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai, kick back at a hotel close to DWC. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Dubai
Currently, $426 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Johannesburg to Dubai. The cheapest price for a return flight is $735. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from Johannesburg to Dubai, reserve your journey 9 months before your departure date.
May is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Johannesburg to Dubai. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of searching for cheap tickets from Johannesburg to Dubai every day.
Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Johannesburg to Dubai, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Dubai
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai. July is the most popular month to visit Dubai. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
When booking your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai, consider the type of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Dubai, with temperatures ranging from 30ºC to 42ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 14ºC and 25ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Johannesburg to Dubai sometime around then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Johannesburg to Dubai, explore our selection of hotels including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall Heart and Desert safari tourism are must-visits when exploring Dubai.
Complete your Dubai trip with a car rental
Browse our range of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Johannesburg to Dubai. Whether you're searching for an economy ride, a standard vehicle or even something that'll turn heads, you can easily compare companies in one go to get the best deal.