Windhoek, Namibia → Johannesburg, South Africa · ✈ 1h 59min · 🚗 19h 13min
639 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from Windhoek to Johannesburg 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 Windhoek, Namibia to Johannesburg, South Africa 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.
Johannesburg is located southeast of Windhoek. Windhoek is in Africa, in the Khomas region of Namibia, while Johannesburg is in Africa, in Gauteng, South Africa. 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 Windhoek to Johannesburg. 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 Windhoek to Johannesburg 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.
Windhoek sits at 22.5609°S, 17.0658°E, while Johannesburg is located at 26.2041°S, 28.0473°E. The initial compass bearing from Windhoek to Johannesburg is 112° (ESE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Windhoek heading roughly ESE. 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 Windhoek and Johannesburg 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.
Johannesburg is roughly 1 hour ahead of Windhoek. When it is 09:00 in Windhoek, it is approximately 10:00 in Johannesburg. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Windhoek is a major city in Namibia with a population of approximately 431,000. Located in the Khomas region, it is an important hub in Africa. Despite its smaller size, Windhoek plays an important regional role in Namibia and attracts visitors year-round.
Johannesburg is a notable city in South Africa with a population of approximately 5,635,127. Situated in the Gauteng region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Johannesburg is one of South Africa's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
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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 Windhoek-Johannesburg route is about 3.0% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 59min.
The straight-line distance from Windhoek to Johannesburg 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.
Johannesburg is approximately +1h ahead compared to Windhoek.
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.