How to Get to Durban. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Essentials

Airport Overview

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) serves as the main aerial gateway, located 35 km north of Durban's city center.

Airport Services

Duty-free shopping.
Various restaurants and cafes.
Free Wi-Fi access.

Flight Connections

Domestic airlines connect Durban to major From South africa cities like Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT).

International Routes

Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha).
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) offer international links.
Dollar Flight Clubfor flight deals.

Peak Season Pricing

Flight prices reach their highest during peak seasons (Dec-Jan, Jun-Jul).

Shoulder Season Value

Shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Nov) often present improved flight value.

Airport Transfers

Uber, Bolt, or airport shuttles transport you to accommodation.

Airport to City Transport

Convenient Shuttles & Ride-Share

Airport shuttles (e.g., Umhlanga Rocks Shuttle).
Uber and Bolt services are readily available.
Metered taxis are available; agree on fare or use meter.
Car hire companies at the airport.

Car Rental Options

Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, and Sixt.
Valid driver'a driving license and International Driving Permit.
Credit card for deposit.
DiscoverCars.comfor rental comparisons.

Local Flight Booking Tools

Domestic Carriers

South African Airways, CemAir, FlySafair, Airlink, LIFT.

Regional Connections

Airlink offers routes to Harare, Lusaka, Maputo.

Flight Search

Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Land Journey Details

Border Crossings

South Africa shares land borders with various countries. Standard immigration applies upon entry.

Entry Documentation

Valid passport and visa (if needed).
Yellow Fever certificate (if from a risk country).
Necessary vehicle documentation if driving your own car.

Bus & Rail Travel

Reputable companies offer intercity bus services to major cities. Train services exist but are irregular.

Transport Choices

Intercity bus services: Intercape, Greyhound, Translux, Eldo Coaches.
Shosholoza Meyl long-distance rail (irregular).
Trains generally not recommended for tourists due to reliability.

Driving in SA

Driving yourself offers freedom to explore. Important rules apply.

Driver's Checklist

Drive on the left-hand side.
Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit.
Major highways are well-maintained, rural roads vary.

Road Safety

Roads are generally good, but stay vigilant for traffic and potential hazards.

Driving Safely

Avoid driving at night, especially unfamiliar zones.
Keep car doors locked and windows closed.
Toll roads are common; have cash or card.

Road Hazards

Reckless driving by a number of motorists.
Presence of pedestrians on rural roads.
Animals on rural roads.

Potential for opportunistic crime at intersections.
Heavy traffic during peak commuting hours.
Potholes on some secondary roads after heavy rains.

Sea & Departure

Cruise Ship Gateway

Durban functions as a popular the cruise ship terminal, with seasonal cruises to Mozambique and other South African ports.

Cruise Details

MSC Cruises operate from Durban.
Destinations include Pomene, Portuguese Island (Mozambique).
Immigration at Durban Cruise Terminal requires passport and visa.

Local Waterways

Durban does not have significant river getting around for arrival or passenger transport.

Water Travel Overview

City's main waterways are coastal.
Harbor cruises offer scenic views.
Not used for point-to-point transit.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from King Shaka International Airport.

Departure Timing

Arrive 2 hours for internal flights, 3 hours for international flights.

Airport Amenities

Duty-free, restaurants, cafes, VIP lounges available for departing travelers.

Planning Your Movement

Pre-Travel Checks

Before you travel, confirm all documentation and transport details for a seamless trip.

Final Steps

Double-check passport validity.
Review visa requirements.
Confirm flight schedules.

Local Navigation Aids

Use apps and local advice to navigate Durban's transport landscape efficiently.

Smart Travel

Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
Uber/Bolt for ride-sharing convenience.
Ask locals for minibus taxi routes.

Departure Checklist

Baggage Prep

Check airline baggage allowances and restrictions.

Security Screening

Prepare for airport security checks, liquid limits.

Currency Conversion

Convert remaining local currency or spend it.

Travel Flow

Efficiently managing your arrivals and departures leads to a stress-free travel experience.

How to Get to Durban