Johannesburg, South Africa → Windhoek, Namibia · ✈ 1h 59min · 🚗 19h 13min
639 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Johannesburg to Windhoek is 1,183 km (735 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 59min.
The straight-line distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia is approximately 1,183 kilometers (735 miles or 639 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Windhoek is located northwest of Johannesburg. Johannesburg is in Africa, in the Gauteng region of South Africa, while Windhoek is in Africa, in Khomas, Namibia. Both cities are in Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,183 km | ~1h 59min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,538 km | ~19h 13min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,420 km | ~11h 50min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Johannesburg to Windhoek. For 1,183 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,538 km, fuel costs for driving from Johannesburg to Windhoek are approximately $123–$231 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Johannesburg sits at 26.2041°S, 28.0473°E, while Windhoek is located at 22.5609°S, 17.0658°E. The initial compass bearing from Johannesburg to Windhoek is 288° (WNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Johannesburg heading roughly WNW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 3.64° and the longitude difference is 10.98°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Johannesburg and Windhoek is approximately 24.4817°S, 22.4772°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 592 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Windhoek is roughly 1 hour behind Johannesburg. When it is 09:00 in Johannesburg, it is approximately 08:00 in Windhoek. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Johannesburg is a major city in South Africa with a population of approximately 5,635,127. Located in the Gauteng region, it is an important hub in Africa. As one of the largest cities in South Africa, Johannesburg is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Johannesburg
Windhoek is a notable city in Namibia with a population of approximately 431,000. Situated in the Khomas region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Windhoek is a popular destination in the Khomas region of Namibia, known for its unique character and attractions.
1,183 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,183 km, the Johannesburg-Windhoek route is about 3.0% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 59min.
The straight-line distance from Johannesburg to Windhoek is approximately 1,183 kilometers (735 miles, 639 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 59min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 19h 13min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Windhoek is approximately -1h behind compared to Johannesburg.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,538 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,183 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.