Flying from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport (KGL): what you need to know
Planning your vacation begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Johannesburg. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for booking a flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport (KGL) departing from here.
The average length of a direct flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport is 3 hours 57 minutes.
Kigali's timezone is UTC+2, which is the same as Johannesburg. Kigali International Airport is located in Kigali.
The busiest route is from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Kigali International Airport (KGL), with 11 direct services every week. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from JNB to KGL is the 03:10 RwandAir service. If you prefer to travel later, the last departure is at 17:20 with RwandAir.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight from Johannesburg to KGL. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll want to head there even earlier during popular months like July. Aim for two hours before domestic departures and as much as four hours for an international flight. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to relax or find something to eat.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
You can book a direct flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport (KGL) out of O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
You'll find a direct flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport with RwandAir. This popular carrier operates services from JNB.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Johannesburg to KGL. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Take a pause at one of these airports:
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
JNB is around 29 kilometres from central Johannesburg. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This useful travel app will give you the fastest route and your public transport options.
Have an early flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels close to O.R. Tambo International Airport:
About Kigali International Airport (KGL)
If you have a late flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near KGL:
Getting from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to central Kigali
Kigali International Airport to central Kigali is about 21 minutes by car. It's approximately 11 kilometres away. Find out what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing services.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 55 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport (KGL)
C$336 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport. Return flights start from C$420. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time.
To pick up flight tickets from Johannesburg to KGL, reserve your journey 9 months before your departure.
Plan your trip for June. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the best price across each month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Johannesburg to KGL couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as the price drops.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport.
The best time to fly from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport (KGL)
August is the busiest month to catch a flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport while April is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Kigali, consider the pace you like to travel at.
Before booking a flight from Johannesburg to KGL, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Kigali, with the temperature ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC.
May has average temperatures of between 14ºC and 25ºC. Search for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Kigali
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Kigali right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. Inema Art Centre, Kimironko Market and Campaign Against Genocide Museum are must-visits when exploring Kigali.
Complete your Kigali trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Kigali and explore the city at your own pace. Easily compare rates from trusted rental companies in one go after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Johannesburg to Kigali International Airport.
