Nairobi to Johannesburg
4h 02m The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) covers 2,912 km (1,810 miles) and takes approximately 4h 02m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south on an initial great-circle bearing of 198°, passing near 13.8° S, 32.8° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 5h 18m | 5h 43m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 3h 44m | 4h 09m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 3h 14m | 3h 39m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 3h 26m | 3h 51m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| NBO | JNB | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport | O.R. Tambo International Airport |
| City | Nairobi | Johannesburg |
| Country | Kenya | South Africa |
| ICAO | HKJK | FAOR |
| Coordinates | -1.3189, 36.9282 | -26.1401, 28.2468 |
| Elevation | 5,330 ft | 5,558 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?
A non-stop flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Johannesburg (JNB) takes about 4h 02m. The great-circle distance is 2,912 km (1,810 miles, 1,572 nautical miles), flying south on an initial bearing of 198°.
How far is Nairobi from Johannesburg?
2,912 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,810 miles or 1,572 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between NBO and JNB?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 2,912 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.