The OR Tambo International Airport is one of the major hubs of transportation. It is the busiest one in the continent of Africa. Surprisingly, it can accommodate over twenty-five million passengers every year. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading towards South Africa or any other neighbouring African country. You will surely pass through this airport at some point. The OR Tambo International Airport of Johannesburg earned a reputation for being the cleanest of all airports. Undoubtedly, it is also the most efficient air transportation hub in all of Africa. In fact, travellers find it enjoyable to spend a long layover. After all, it received a facelift for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Things to know
There are two terminals at the OR Tambo International Airport. Terminal A tends to international flights, while Terminal B is for domestic flights. There is a link between the two terminals via an atrium. Therefore, it should be quite easy for passengers to walk in between them. However, Tambo airport parking can be quite a hassle. As already mentioned, it is the busiest airport in the largest continent in the world. Naturally, too many people will require car parking spaces for their vehicles. You may have to seek the services of third-party car parking agencies. Several reliable car parking service providers operate at the OR Tambo International Airport.
Car parking
The airport has a massive car parking zone and offers ample parking space. More than eleven thousand short-stay public parking bays are there at the airport site. In spite of all these facilities, location an empty spot can take you an hour or so. That is why many people are resorting to those third-party OR Tambo parking booking companies. However, if you are fortunate enough, then you may just get your spot. Your friends or family members can drop you at the airport and pick you up while waiting in the parking area. You don’t have to pay anything for the first twenty minutes. For long-stays, however, people avail the low-cost services of off-site car parking agencies. These companies offer round-the-clock shuttle services to and from the airport.
Transportation modes
Of course, everyone won’t arrive at the airport in their own cars. For those people, there are taxis, private vehicles, and app-cabs. These vehicles will pick you up from anywhere in Johannesburg and drop you where you want to go. You can also think about riding the high-speed Gautrain which connects Johannesburg and Pretoria. The train will stop at the OR Tambo International Airport on the way. If you are a foreign traveller, then you should be careful about the local taxis. These taxis are nothing but white minivans. They fill up on a first-come-first-serve basis. These cabs offer cheap fares, but their safety standards are questionable.
Eating and drinking
Flight delays aren’t something uncommon or rare. They can happen at any time. If you have a few hours to spend at the airport, then you may need something to eat and drink. The restaurants and eateries in Johannesburg can suit any budget. There are fast food outlets close to the airport, like ‘Steers’ and ‘Debonairs.’ If you are looking for an up-market restaurant, then visit ‘Champagne and oysters.’ The range of cuisines offered at these eateries is diverse and all-inclusive. The eateries reflect South Africa’s status at the Rainbow Nation. If you need something to drink before a long flight, then visit ‘Keg & Aviator’ pub.
Buying stuff
The OR Tambo International Airport has several retail outlets. They are eclectic, and they include everything from newsagents to book stores. You will also find designer clothing outlets and massage services. The ‘Big Five Duty-Free’ is one such store which offers discounted prices on alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics. So, if you are planning to buy last-minute souvenirs, then you won’t run out of choices here. However, the best place to buy African memorabilia is the ‘Out of Africa’ store. There are several outlets of this retail chain, and you will find them all over the airport. They sell everything from stuffed safari toys to Zulu beadwork.
Staying safe
Since the OR Tambo International Airport is one of the most important in the world, it holds a good record. Then again, everyone should acknowledge the fact that prevention is better than the cure. The baggage handlers of Johannesburg are quite infamous for their notoriety. So, if any of your bags pass through this airport, then make sure that you remove valuables from it. You should keep any of the costly items that you may have in your hand luggage.
Resource:
https://medium.com/@johanncalvin01/a-detailed-guide-on-the-or-tambo-international-airport-6e21d1f763d4
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