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Cheap Flights Deals to Johannesburg From Port Elizabeth(Gqeberha)
Interactive map with cheap flight prices from Port Elizabeth
Cheap Flights to Johannesburg From Port Elizabeth
Traveling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg doesn’t have to break the bank. This guide will help you find cheap flights between the Friendly City and Joburg.
Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg Flights
The air route from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Johannesburg (JNB) spans roughly 980 kilometers (610 miles). Flights usually take about 1 hour and 40 minutes gate-to-gate. This aerial option saves you from the lengthy 10-12 hour drive along the N1 highway, making it the practical choice for most travelers.
Finding the Best Flight Deals
Flight prices between these cities generally range from R900 to R2,200 one-way, depending on when you book. Using price comparison websites like cheapflightcheck.com helps you quickly scan all available airlines to find the lowest fares without visiting multiple booking sites.
The key to securing the best rates is being flexible with your travel dates when possible. Even shifting your flight by a day or two can sometimes save hundreds of rand. Tools on cheapflightcheck.com allow you to easily view prices across different dates to spot these savings opportunities.
Airlines Serving the PE-Johannesburg Route
Several carriers operate on this route, giving you options at different price points. Airlink offers frequent connections between these cities with its smaller regional jets. Though sometimes priced slightly higher than other options, they often have more flight time choices throughout the day.
FlySafair has established itself as a value leader on this route. Their straightforward pricing model and regular promotions make them popular with budget-conscious travelers. When they run sales, you can sometimes find one-way fares as low as R800.
South African Airways also serves this route with slightly more in-flight amenities, though usually at higher price points. For those traveling for business or needing more flexibility, their fares may still represent good value despite the premium.
Best Times to Book Your Flight
Booking 6-10 weeks ahead typically secures the best fares between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Last-minute deals are rare on this route, as flights often fill up with business travelers. When you book, have your ID number or passport details ready, as these are required during the reservation process.
For the booking itself, you’ll need:
- Full names exactly as they appear on your ID/passport
- Contact phone number that you’ll have access to during travel
- Email address for receiving confirmation and updates
- Credit/debit card for payment (some airlines add surcharges for certain card types)
- Traveler birthdates for any children or senior discounts
Flight prices tend to increase dramatically during school holidays, especially the December-January period and Easter breaks. If you must travel during these times, booking as far ahead as possible becomes even more important. When traveling during these peak periods, electronic check-in 24 hours before your flight becomes essential as airports are significantly busier.
Weekday flights often cost less than weekend options. Tuesday and Wednesday departures can be 15-25% cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights when leisure travel peaks. When searching on cheapflightcheck.com, try selecting the “flexible dates” option to easily compare prices across the week. The price difference between a Tuesday morning flight and a Friday afternoon flight can sometimes be as much as R600-R800 on this route.
Port Elizabeth Airport Tips & Requirements
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (formerly Port Elizabeth International) is compact and efficient. Located just 5 kilometers from the city center, it’s easy and affordable to reach.
When traveling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, make sure to bring:
- Your South African ID book or card (essential for all domestic flights)
- Your passport if you’re a foreign visitor
- Your printed boarding pass or electronic ticket on your phone
- Credit/debit card for any airport purchases (though cash is also accepted)
For domestic flights from Port Elizabeth, arrive at least 75 minutes before departure during weekdays and 90 minutes on weekends or public holidays. The check-in counters typically close 40 minutes before flight time, with no exceptions made for late arrivals. During the December holiday season, add an extra 30 minutes to your arrival time as queues become significantly longer.
The security check at Chief Dawid Stuurman is usually quick, but remember to remove laptops from bags and ensure liquids are in containers smaller than 100ml. Having these ready before reaching security will speed up your processing.
Food options at the airport are limited and somewhat expensive. Consider eating before you arrive or bringing snacks if you’re on a tight budget. There is a small café past security, but its prices reflect the captive market. The airport does have free drinking water fountains where you can fill empty bottles after passing through security.
Navigating O.R. Tambo International
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, you’ll need to:
- Keep your boarding pass handy until you exit the terminal (sometimes checked at various points)
- Have your ID or passport ready for potential verification
- Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel (displayed on screens throughout the arrival area)
- Complete any car rental paperwork if you’ve pre-booked a vehicle
The domestic arrivals area at O.R. Tambo can be busy, especially during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Follow the marked signs to ground transportation options or the Gautrain station. During busy periods, allow 15-20 minutes just to navigate from your arrival gate to the main terminal exit.
For budget travelers, the Gautrain offers good value at R190 from the airport to Sandton. From there, you can connect to other parts of the city. Trains run every 12-20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays (with reduced weekend schedules). The station is well-marked and located within the airport complex via a short indoor walk.
Shuttle services like Airport Link offer shared rides to major hotels and areas for around R250-R350 (this may vary) per person. You’ll find their booking counters in the arrivals hall, though pre-booking these services through sites recommended on cheapflightcheck.com can sometimes secure lower rates. Most require cash payment if booked on the spot.
Uber and other ride-sharing services operate at O.R. Tambo and often provide better value than traditional taxis for trips into the city. The designated pickup area is on the ground level of the parking garage. Follow signs for “Pick-up Zone” or “Ride Apps.” Expect to pay R300-R450 for rides to Sandton or similar distances.
Consider flying during off-peak hours for better rates. Early morning (before 7 AM) or evening flights (after 7 PM) often have lower fares since they’re less convenient for most travelers. These flights also typically face shorter check-in lines at both airports.
Before booking, check baggage allowances carefully. Some budget airlines charge R350 or more for checked bags, while only allowing 7kg of hand luggage free. If you’re traveling light, you can save significantly by bringing only carry-on luggage. Remember that most airlines strictly enforce these weight limits at both Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg airports.
Pack your travel snacks in your carry-on bag. Airport food prices are marked up considerably, and buying a simple sandwich and drink for each traveler can easily add R100-R150 per person to your trip cost. Just be sure any liquids purchased after security are consumed before your next flight.
Sign up for airline newsletters to get notified about flash sales. These limited-time offers sometimes drop fares to as low as R700 one-way between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Most sales are announced mid-week and require quick action as seats sell out rapidly.
Look for “flight only” options when booking. Some search engines automatically include extras you might not need, such as seat selection (R50-R150), priority boarding (R50-R100), or travel insurance. On cheapflightcheck.com, you can easily filter for basic fare options without these added frills.
If your travel dates are flexible, use the “price alert” features available on flight comparison websites. These will notify you when fares drop on your preferred route, helping you book at the optimal time. Setting alerts 2-3 months before your intended travel period gives you the best chance of catching a good deal.
Seasonal Considerations
Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg have different climate patterns, which can affect both flight prices and your travel experience. Johannesburg’s summer (October to March) brings afternoon thunderstorms that occasionally cause flight delays, while winters are dry and mild.
Flight prices typically drop during February and May, which are shoulder seasons for tourism in South Africa. These months offer good weather in Johannesburg along with better flight deals from Port Elizabeth.
The Johannesburg economy slows somewhat in December when many businesses close for the holidays. This can translate to better hotel deals in business districts, though flight prices remain high due to holiday leisure travel.
How to Get Around Johannesburg on a Budget
Once in Johannesburg, consider using the Rea Vaya bus network for affordable transportation between major attractions. A single trip costs around R16, making it significantly cheaper than taxis or ride-hail.
The Gautrain also offers reasonably priced day passes if you’ll be making multiple trips between areas like Sandton, Rosebank, and Park Station. At R200 for unlimited daily travel, this can represent good value for busy itineraries.
Free walking tours depart regularly from Braamfontein and Maboneng, offering budget-friendly ways to explore the city’s culture and history with knowledgeable local guides. Tips are expected but still make this much cheaper than paid tours.
Business Travel Tips
If you’re traveling for work, consider booking return flights together rather than separate one-ways. Round-trip bookings often receive priority during schedule disruptions and sometimes cost less than two one-way tickets.
Many Johannesburg hotels offer airport transfers included in their rates. When comparing accommodation options through links from cheapflightcheck.com, factor in these transportation savings when calculating the total trip cost.
For frequent travelers on this route, joining airline loyalty programs makes sense even for these shorter domestic flights. The points accumulate quickly and can lead to free flights or upgrades within a few months of regular travel.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
Even budget travelers should consider visiting the Apartheid Museum (R100 entry) for its powerful exhibits on South African history. Student and senior discounts are available, making it even more accessible.
Maboneng Sunday Market offers free entry and showcases local culture, food, and crafts. It’s an affordable way to experience Johannesburg’s creative energy without spending much money.
Constitution Hill provides insight into South Africa’s journey to democracy, with guided tours starting at R100. The panoramic city views from the old fort are worth the entry fee alone.
Finding cheap flights from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg takes a bit of planning, but the savings are worth it. By being flexible with dates, comparing options on cheapflightcheck.com, and following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy affordable travel between these important South African cities without compromising on comfort or convenience.