Distance from Johannesburg to Lagos

The straight-line (great-circle) distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Lagos, Nigeria is 4,508 km (2,801 miles). A nonstop flight takes about 6 h 10 min.

🇿🇦 → 🇳🇬

Johannesburg, South Africa to Lagos, Nigeria
Straight-line distance
4,508 km
2,801 miles
Flight time
6h 10m
Nonstop, approximate
Direction
Northwest
From Johannesburg (320°)
Time difference
1 h
UTC+2 vs UTC+1

Route Map

City Information

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Johannesburg

South Africa
Population: about 4.8 million (City of Johannesburg, 2022 census); larger Gauteng urban region
Airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Time Zone: UTC+2
Language: English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho
Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
🇳🇬

Lagos

Nigeria
Population: about 16 million (metropolitan area, UN estimate)
Airport: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
Time Zone: UTC+1
Language: English; Yoruba widely spoken
Currency: Nigerian naira (NGN)

About This Route

4,508 km is the great-circle distance between the two city centres, calculated with the haversine formula. Flight paths are usually somewhat longer because aircraft follow air-traffic routes, and airports are not in the city centres. From Johannesburg, Lagos lies to the northwest.

Flights

Nonstop flights of about 6 hours have been operated at times by South African and Nigerian airlines; otherwise, one-stop connections via Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lomé or Gulf hubs are common. Check current schedules.

The flight time shown (6 h 10 min) assumes a nonstop flight at an average of 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Airports: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS).

By Road and Land Borders

There is no practical overland route; the journey would cross at least six countries including DR Congo. Travel is by air.

About Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa's largest city and economic centre, founded after the 1886 Witwatersrand gold rush. O.R. Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa by passenger numbers in most years and the main hub for southern Africa.

Highlights: Apartheid Museum, Soweto, Constitution Hill, Maboneng, Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO) nearby

About Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria's largest city and commercial centre, and one of the largest urban areas in Africa. Lagos was Nigeria's capital until 1991, when the capital moved to Abuja.

Highlights: Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Tarkwa Bay Beach, National Museum (Onikan)

Practical Tips

  • Time: Lagos is 1 hour behind Johannesburg.
  • Currency: Johannesburg uses the South African rand (ZAR); Lagos uses the Nigerian naira (NGN).
  • Visas: Entry rules between South Africa and Nigeria depend on your nationality; check our visa requirements tool and official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Johannesburg from Lagos?

Johannesburg is 4,508 km (2,801 miles) from Lagos in a straight line. There is no practical road route between the two cities.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Lagos?

A nonstop flight takes about 6 h 10 min, based on 4,508 km at an average 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off, climb and landing. Scheduled times vary with winds and routing.

Can you travel from Johannesburg to Lagos by road?

Not in practice; the overland route crosses at least six countries including DR Congo. Travellers fly.

What is the time difference between Johannesburg and Lagos?

Lagos is 1 hour behind Johannesburg.

Related Routes and Guides

Use the distance calculator for any other pair of African cities, or see the list of distance pages.