Cheap Flights from Johannesburg to Rio De Janeiro Starting at $428

Flights from Johannesburg to Rio De Janeiro are operated by several airlines — TAAG Angola Airlines, Airlink, and Safair. This allows passengers to flexibly choose flights based on departure time, cost, and additional services. The minimum ticket price starts at $428, making this destination accessible to travelers with different budgets. We help compare all available options in real time, so you can book tickets at the best value for money. The service ensures transparent search and lets you book affordable flights in just a few clicks.

Rio de Janeiro is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) is the international gateway and typically handles most long-haul and full-service carriers, while Santos Dumont (SDU) acts as a convenient domestic and regional airport favored by business travelers and budget-conscious short-haul flyers. Galeão sits about 20–25 km from downtown (roughly 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic), with options including taxis, app rides, express buses and a suburban train/metro connection; fares can vary from modest bus fees to mid-range taxi or ride-share fares. Santos Dumont is much closer—around 2–6 km from the central area (10–20 minutes by taxi or tram)—and usually costs less to reach. Pros: Galeão offers broader international connections and more services; Santos Dumont excels in speed and convenience for city-center access. Cons: Galeão can be farther and subject to heavy traffic delays, while Santos Dumont may be pricier per kilometer and has fewer long-haul options.

Johannesburg is served mainly by O.R. Tambo International (JNB), the country’s largest international hub handling most long-haul and regional carriers, and Lanseria (HLA), a smaller airport often used by low-cost and charter operators. O.R. Tambo typically hosts full-service airlines and can be pricier for airport services, while Lanseria is usually favored for budget flights and private charters. O.R. Tambo sits about 22 km east of the city centre with Gautrain and taxis taking roughly 20–40 minutes (Gautrain fares generally higher than local taxis), whereas Lanseria is around 40 km northwest with shuttle buses or car transfers usually taking 40–60 minutes. Pros: O.R. Tambo offers extensive connections and facilities; cons: it can be busy and may require more time for transfers. Lanseria’s advantage is lower-cost carriers and less congestion, though it has fewer amenities and connections.