Frankfurt to Johannesburg Flights

Flying from Frankfurt to Johannesburg provides one of the most convenient connections between Germany and Southern Africa. The route is popular with holidaymakers, business travellers, people visiting family and friends, and passengers continuing to destinations elsewhere in South Africa or neighbouring countries.

Best dates to travel from Frankfurt to Johannesburg

Best dates to travel from Frankfurt to Johannesburg

Return-trip prices collected from different providers to help you find dates with cheaper flights for your next trip. Prices and availability can change, so check the latest fare before booking. Last collected on November 4, 2026.

All trip durations

  1. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 36 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  2. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 38 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  3. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 36 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  4. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 43 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  5. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 48 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 550.62Indicative return price

Cheapest dates we found for this trip length

  1. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 3 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 561.85Indicative return price
  2. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 8 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 618.04Indicative return price
  3. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 6 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 618.04Indicative return price
  4. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 3 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 651.75Indicative return price
  5. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 3 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 662.99Indicative return price

Cheapest dates we found for this trip length

  1. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 13 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 561.85Indicative return price
  2. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 15 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 561.85Indicative return price
  3. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 18 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 573.09Indicative return price
  4. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 20 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 573.09Indicative return price
  5. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 15 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 573.09Indicative return price

Cheapest dates we found for this trip length

  1. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 36 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  2. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 38 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  3. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 36 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  4. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 43 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 539.38Indicative return price
  5. Frankfurt → Johannesburg 48 days
    Departure
    Return
    $ 550.62Indicative return price

Route Overview

Origin Frankfurt, Germany
  • Frankfurt Main Airport Frankfurt FRA
  • Frankfurt-Hahn Airport Frankfurt HHN
Destination Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Lanseria International Airport Johannesburg HLA
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg JNB
Distance Approximately 8,700 km (5,406 miles)
Average Flight Time 10 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours
Cheapest Month to Fly February
Estimated Fare From $ 539.38 return
Busiest Month December

Flying from Frankfurt to Johannesburg

Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s major international aviation hubs and offers particularly convenient access to South Africa. The availability of a direct Frankfurt–Johannesburg flight means travellers can leave Germany in the evening and arrive in South Africa without needing to change aircraft along the way. Lufthansa operates direct services between Frankfurt Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport, with a flight time of around 10 hours 30 minutes.

Johannesburg is also Southern Africa’s largest aviation hub, making it an excellent starting point for journeys to Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique.

For many passengers, direct travel provides several advantages:

  • Shorter overall journey time
  • No connection airport
  • Easier baggage handling
  • Simpler journeys with children
  • Less time spent in transit
  • More convenient travel for passengers connecting onwards from Johannesburg

Connecting flights remain worth comparing when they provide a lower fare, more suitable departure time or better baggage allowance.

Direct Flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg

Yes. Direct flights operate between Frankfurt and Johannesburg.

Lufthansa operates the non-stop route between:

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

The flight takes approximately 10 hours 30 minutes and covers around 8,690 kilometres.

For travellers who value convenience, the direct service avoids adding several hours of transit time through another airport.

This can be especially worthwhile if you’re:

  • Travelling with young children
  • Carrying several checked bags
  • Visiting South Africa for a shorter trip
  • Connecting to another flight after Johannesburg
  • Continuing by road after arrival

Direct or Connecting: Which Is Better?

Choose a direct flight if you value:

  • The shortest journey
  • No airport connection
  • Simpler baggage handling
  • Easier family travel
  • Less time spent in airports
  • A straightforward arrival in Johannesburg

Consider a connecting flight if you value:

  • Potentially lower fares
  • More airline choices
  • Different baggage allowances
  • Alternative departure times
  • Greater availability on specific dates

Because Frankfurt already has a non-stop Johannesburg service, a connection is usually most attractive when it offers a meaningful saving or another important benefit.

Choosing the Best Frankfurt to Johannesburg Flight

Compare Total Journey Time

A direct journey takes around 10hours 30min. A connecting itinerary can easily turn that into 14, 16 or more hours depending on the layover. If the price difference is relatively small, the direct flight may offer much better overall value.

Check Baggage

Long-haul travellers often need checked luggage, particularly when visiting family or staying in South Africa for several weeks.

Compare:

  • Number of checked bags
  • Weight allowance
  • Cabin baggage
  • Charges for additional bags
  • Sports equipment fees

Consider Your Arrival Time

Johannesburg is an important connecting airport. If you’re continuing to Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, Harare or another destination, arriving at a convenient time can give you a much wider choice of onward flights.

Arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport

Flights arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg’s main international airport. O.R. Tambo is South Africa’s largest aviation hub and offers extensive domestic and regional connections. This makes Johannesburg particularly useful for passengers continuing to destinations throughout Southern Africa rather than ending their journey in the city.

Getting from Johannesburg Airport

Travellers have several ways to reach Johannesburg and surrounding areas:

  • Gautrain
  • Hotel transfers
  • Ride-hailing services
  • Airport taxis
  • Private transfers
  • Car hire

The Gautrain provides a particularly convenient link between the airport and areas such as Sandton. If you’re planning a road trip or travelling onwards towards Pretoria, Mpumalanga or Kruger National Park, collecting a rental car at the airport can also be practical.


Tripenger Travel Tip

Compare the direct Lufthansa fare before choosing a connection

Frankfurt has the significant advantage of a non-stop Johannesburg service. If a connecting itinerary is only slightly cheaper, consider how many extra hours you’re adding to your journey. For example, saving €60 may not provide much value if it turns a 10.5 hour direct journey into a 16-hour trip.

Compare:

fare + baggage + journey time + arrival time

before making your decision.

Airlines and Connections from Frankfurt to Johannesburg

Based on current route reference data, these are possible airline and airport combinations serving Frankfurt to Johannesburg.

  • Condor Frankfurt (FRA) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
  • Lufthansa Frankfurt (FRA) → Johannesburg (JNB) 9 routes
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Dresden (DRS) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Hanover (HAJ) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Bremen (BRE) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Ljubljana (LJU) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Pula (PUY) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Rijeka (RJK) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Westerland (GWT) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
    • Frankfurt (FRA) → Bastia (BIA) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB)
  • Ethiopian Airlines Frankfurt (FRA) → Addis Ababa (ADD) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
  • Qatar Airways Frankfurt (FRA) → Doha (DOH) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
  • Air China Frankfurt (FRA) → Shenzhen (SZX) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route

View more flight connections

Best Time to Fly This Route

Flight prices on this route vary throughout the year, with demand increasing during European summer holidays, Easter, and the Christmas season. December is typically the busiest month as holidaymakers and visitors head to South Africa during its summer. Travellers looking for lower fares often find the best deals by booking two to four months in advance and travelling during quieter months such as February, March, or May. 

Prices can change according to:

  • Passenger demand
  • Seat availability
  • German school holidays
  • South African holiday periods
  • Major events
  • How early you book
  • Fare type
  • Baggage allowance

Christmas and the surrounding holiday period can be particularly busy because it coincides with summer in South Africa and increased travel by people visiting family and friends. If your dates are flexible, comparing several departure and return combinations can help you find better value.

Tripenger helps you compare Frankfurt-to-Johannesburg flights across airlines and travel providers.

Search your travel dates to compare:

  • Direct flights
  • Connecting flights
  • Airfares
  • Journey times
  • Baggage allowances
  • Departure times
  • Arrival times
  • Fare conditions

Whether you're visiting family, travelling for business, planning a South African holiday or connecting elsewhere in Southern Africa, Tripenger helps you compare the complete journey rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised fare.

 

Things to Do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the country's main commercial and financial centre. Known locally as Joburg or Jozi, the city combines modern business districts, shopping, restaurants, museums and neighbourhoods closely connected to South Africa's history.

Popular places to explore include:

  • Apartheid Museum
  • Constitution Hill
  • Soweto
  • Sandton
  • Maboneng
  • Gold Reef City

Johannesburg also provides easy access to attractions beyond the city. Pretoria is within easy reach, while the Cradle of Humankind makes an interesting day trip. Travellers beginning a wildlife holiday can also continue towards Kruger National Park by road or domestic flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there direct flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
Yes. Lufthansa operates non-stop flights between Frankfurt Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
A direct flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg takes from around 10 hours 30 minutes. Connecting itineraries take longer depending on the stopover airport and layover.
Which airline flies direct from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
Lufthansa operates direct flights between Frankfurt Airport and Johannesburg.
How much are flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
Economy return fares can start from around €700 at the lower end of the market, although actual prices vary according to travel dates, airline, baggage, cabin and availability.
Which airport do Frankfurt to Johannesburg flights arrive at?
Flights arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, whose IATA airport code is JNB. It is Johannesburg's main international airport and South Africa's largest aviation hub.
How far is Frankfurt from Johannesburg?
The air distance between Frankfurt and Johannesburg is approximately 8,690 kilometres, or around 5,400 miles.
Is it better to fly direct or connect from Frankfurt to Johannesburg?
The direct flight provides the shortest and simplest journey. Connecting flights can sometimes offer lower fares, different baggage allowances or alternative departure times, so compare the total journey time and final price.
Is Johannesburg a good airport for connecting to Southern Africa?
Yes. O.R. Tambo International Airport has extensive domestic and regional connections, making Johannesburg a convenient gateway to South Africa and destinations across Southern Africa.