The Rainbow Nation’s capital, Johannesburg is an iconic destination that welcomes both leisure and business travellers all year round. The city is the economic epicentre of South Africa, and is also its administrative and political heart.

Book a flight ticket to Johannesburg with Qatar Airways and find out for yourself why it is one of the most diverse cities in South Africa

A 19th-century gold rush gave birth to the city that is now home to vibrant cultural and economic scenes. Known locally as “Joburg” or “Jozi”, it has shaken off its troubled past and is now firmly set on realising a bright future.

New developments in the city centre and inner suburbs ensure that modern-day Johannesburg is thriving. Fly to Johannesburg and discover the cultural hub of Newtown to the historic Soweto township, the city has plenty on offer for curious travellers.

Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations in the world. The resort region of Phuket welcomes travellers from all over the globe, including business travellers and entrepreneurs. 

Passengers flying from Phuket with Qatar Airways will find that this airport – the third busiest in Thailand – is incredibly warm and welcoming, with the customer experience at its core focus. 

Professional, attentive staff make sure every aspect of your journey is smooth and hassle-free, and the airport’s exceptional facilities make this starting point to your journey one to remember.

Transportation and parking

The easiest and quickest way to get to the airport from downtown Phuket is by taxi, and limousine services are also available and can be arranged through your concierge or hotel reception. 

The journey by taxi from the centre of the city to the airport takes approximately an hour, but can be longer if traffic is heavy. So if you are travelling during the morning or evening rush hour then allow extra time for your journey, and agree to the fare beforehand. 

An alternative is the Airport Bus, which is a dedicated bus route taking approximately 80 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre. Parking is quite limited, with space for around 400 cars in the short and long-term car parks, so it may be advisable to make alternative arrangements for your car and travel to the airport by alternative transport means.

At the airport

Passengers flying from Phuket with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 2. The airport has undergone major redevelopment in recent years, and the terminal’s facilities have been upgraded to cater for the growing passenger traffic as well as larger aircraft. 

The increased capacity means that the airport can now handle around 30 departures an hour, and the upgraded check-in process has certainly helped ease congestion. However, as with all airports, security is tight so allow around two hours before you are due to board to check-in and go through the regular security checks.

Facilities and amenities

The airport houses a considerable retail area with Duty Free shops, local stores selling souvenirs and trinkets, as well as luxury items. Look out in particular for quality jewellery pieces at affordable prices. Currency exchange and ATMs are located throughout the airport, and Wi-Fi access is free for the first two hours. 

The main restaurant is on the third floor, serving authentic Thai food, and there are several snack bars, fast food outlets and other beverage stands throughout the terminal.

The Rainbow Nation’s capital, Johannesburg is an iconic destination that welcomes both leisure and business travellers all year round. The city is the economic epicentre of South Africa, and is also its administrative and political heart.

Book a flight to Johannesburg with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a city that’s lively, vibrant and welcoming, with a rich and complex culture and plenty of character. And with six million trees planted within the city, it’s also one of the world’s greenest metropolis, making it cool and pleasant during the hotter summer months.

Tourist attractions

Johannesburg is a huge city, so it’s good to have a couple of reference points to work with. The easiest to recognise are the Brixton Tower and the Hillbrow Tower, both of which you can use to orientate yourself.

The Market Theatre area is the city’s cultural heart, where you’ll find plenty of live music and street performances. Johannesburg Art Gallery, on the corner of Klein and King George street, is the largest art gallery in Africa and houses an astonishing collection of internationally important works, as well as a rich selection of native art.

The Origins Centre - The South African Museum of Rock Art, explores the ancient history of humanity in Africa, including its archaeological roots and progress throughout the continent. A fascinating and very different museum.

No trip is complete without a visit to the Top of Africa, in the Carlton Centre on Commissioner St, and Africa’s tallest building. From here you can get an exceptional panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside, all the way to the rugged and dramatic coastline.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Johannesburg with Qatar Airways land at O.R. Tambo International Airport, 21km from the city centre and the busiest airport in Africa. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Johannesburg please check the visa and passport requirements.