A flight from London (LHR) to Johannesburg (JNB) typically takes about 11 h 20 min. The return, Johannesburg to London, takes about 11 h 45 min. The distance is 9,075 km (5,639 miles) along the great-circle path.
The jet stream, a fast river of air at cruising altitude, blows mostly from west to east. Flying London to Johannesburg you ride it, about 11 h 20 min; flying Johannesburg to London you fly into it, about 11 h 45 min. It is the same distance either way, which is why the westbound leg is usually the longer one.
Johannesburg is 2 hours ahead of London (standard time; the gap shifts by an hour for part of the year when only one of them is on daylight saving). Leave London at 10:00 and you land at about 23:18 Johannesburg time, the same day.
Johannesburg is only 2 hours ahead, which most people barely notice. Go to bed at local time, drink plenty of water and get outdoor light during the day, and you should be fine within a day or two.
General guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, ask your doctor before changing your sleep routine.
Range decides what can do this route without a stop. At 9,075 km it is within reach of Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER.
| Aircraft | Approx. range | Estimated LHR–JNB |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320neo | 6,300 km | needs a stop |
| Boeing 737-800 | 5,400 km | needs a stop |
| Airbus A321LR | 7,400 km | needs a stop |
| Boeing 787-9 | 14,100 km | 10 h 25 min |
| Airbus A350-900 | 15,000 km | 10 h 25 min |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 13,650 km | 10 h 25 min |
Distance is the great-circle distance between London Heathrow and Johannesburg O. R. Tambo. Time is that distance at about 830 km/h cruise, adjusted for the prevailing jet stream, plus roughly 35 minutes for taxi, climb and descent. It is a typical scheduled-time estimate, not a timetable: airlines publish their own, and daily winds, routing and air traffic can move a long flight by half an hour or more. Reviewed October 2026.
About 11 h 20 min from LHR to JNB. The return flight is about 11 h 45 min.
From London to Johannesburg it is typically about 11 h 20 min, covering 9,075 km.
9,075 km (5,639 miles, 4,900 nautical miles) in a straight line.
The jet stream blows west to east, so the eastbound flight is shorter than the westbound one. The distance is identical.
Johannesburg is 2 hours ahead of London in standard time.
At 9,075 km it is within the range of long-haul airliners such as the Boeing 777-300ER, so a non-stop flight is possible; check airline schedules for what is actually operated.
A difference this small usually clears in a day or two.
London to São Paulo · London to Sydney · London to Edinburgh · London to Delhi · London to Dublin · London to Hong Kong
Flight time calculator · See which aircraft are flying over you right now