Landing at OR Tambo late at night, or catching a flight before sunrise? Spending the night near the airport saves you a drive across Johannesburg in traffic. These five hotels cover different budgets and styles, from a terminal-side stay you can reach in minutes to small boutique hotels in the leafy suburbs of the East Rand.
Shuttle times and costs change, so confirm them when you book.
1. Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Best for: the shortest possible trip to the terminal.
Southern Sun’s airport hotel is about 500 metres from the terminals, and its free shuttle runs around the clock every 15 minutes, which takes the stress out of an early check-in. The pick-up point is behind the InterContinental OR Tambo. With 366 rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a gym and eight meeting rooms, it also works well for a work stopover.
Details and booking on Visit Gauteng
2. Peermont D’Oreale Grande at Emperors Palace
Best for: a five-star night with something to do.
Right alongside the airport in Kempton Park, the D’Oreale Grande is the five-star hotel at the Emperors Palace resort, with more than 180 rooms and suites, a day spa and Aurelia’s fine-dining restaurant. Guests can use the resort’s casino, restaurants and entertainment, so a long layover can turn into an evening out. Peermont offers a complimentary airport shuttle.
Details and booking on Visit Gauteng
3. Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport
Best for: a familiar international brand.
On North Rand Road in Bardene, Boksburg, the Holiday Inn is a straightforward, reliable choice a short drive from the airport, and it lists an airport shuttle among its services.
Details and booking on Visit Gauteng
4. Afrique Boutique Hotel O.R. Tambo
Best for: a quiet, smaller hotel away from the airport strip.
In leafy Ravenswood, Boksburg, about 9 km from the airport, the Afrique Boutique Hotel is a small four-star hotel with garden-view rooms, a pool, a restaurant and bar, and conference rooms. It suits travellers who want a calmer night than a large airport hotel can offer, while still being close enough for an early flight.
Afrique Hospitality Group website
5. Lakeview Boutique Hotel & Conference Centre
Best for: a room with a view.
Lakeview, on Wilge Road in Farrarmere, Benoni, looks out over Homestead Lake. It is a four-star boutique hotel with a pool, on-site dining and conference facilities, and it was named Best of Benoni Hotel for 2025. It is a good pick if you are flying out of OR Tambo but also have business on the East Rand.
Details and booking on Visit Gauteng
Tips for an airport night
- Ask whether the airport shuttle is free and how often it runs, especially if your flight lands after midnight or leaves before 06:00.
- If you have an early flight, check whether breakfast can be packed or served early.
- Allow extra time in the morning peak, when traffic around the airport can be heavy.
- For getting around safely after you land, see our tips on staying safe in Gauteng.
