How do you get to Durban?
Getting There5.4/10Harder to reach than about 50% of cities
- Main airport
- King Shaka International Airport
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: kingshakainternationalairport.co.za, rome2rio.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- King Shaka Airport is modern and well-equipped with restaurants, retail, Wi-Fi, and VIP lounges.
- Shared shuttle buses offer the best budget option and run frequent schedules, but journeys are longer due to multiple hotel stops.
- Official metered taxis are reliable but fares vary by meter—confirm the meter is running before departing.
- No public trains currently operate between Durban and other major cities; Shosholoza Meyl service is planned to resume in 2027.
- Metrorail commuter trains serve local Durban neighborhoods and are used mainly by residents; safety varies by line and time of day.
- Day trips to major attractions (Drakensberg, Hluhluwe Park, Lesotho) typically require 1.5–3+ hours travel time; organized tours include transport.
- Book airport transfers in advance during peak season to ensure availability.
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00), affecting travel times.
Day Trip Access
Nearby Destinations
Umhlanga Rocks
- Access
- Direct shuttle service from airport; accessible by taxi, shuttle, or car
- Distance
- About 15-20 km north
- Highlights
- Affluent beach town with good beaches and holiday atmosphere
Valley of a Thousand Hills
- Access
- Car rental or guided tour from Durban
- Distance
- West of Durban, inland
- Highlights
- Rural countryside with scenic mountain views, wildlife, Zulu villages
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
- Access
- Guided day tours from Durban; private rental car
- Distance
- Approximately 1-2 hours north
- Highlights
- Large wildlife reserve (96,000 hectares) with Big Five safari opportunities
Drakensberg Mountains
- Access
- Guided day tours or car rental
- Distance
- Approximately 2-3 hours
- Highlights
- Hiking, mountain scenery, World Heritage Site Giant's Castle
Mandela Capture Site & Howick Falls
- Access
- Guided full-day tours from Durban
- Distance
- Approximately 1-2 hours via Pietermaritzburg
- Highlights
- Historical site near KZN's capital city; scenic waterfall
Sani Pass to Lesotho
- Access
- 4x4 guided day tours from Durban
- Distance
- Approximately 3+ hours (Himeville gateway)
- Highlights
- Mountain pass into Lesotho; Sotho village visits; highest pub in southern Africa
Phezulu Safari Park & Cultural Village
- Access
- Guided tours or car rental
- Distance
- Bothas Hill, inland Durban region
- Highlights
- Reptile park, Zulu cultural demonstrations, day-tour packages
Inanda Dam
- Access
- Car rental or organized tour
- Distance
- A few kilometers from Hillcrest, inland
- Highlights
- Water sports (canoeing, boating), scenic mountain backdrop, resorts nearby
Airport Ground Transport
Taxi (metered)
- Cost To City Center
- ZAR 415
- Notes
- Most convenient and fastest option. Pre-booking recommended. Ensure meter is running.
- Description
- Official airport taxis available 24/7 from the arrivals terminal ground level. Fares based on meter.
Shared shuttle bus
- Operators
- King Shaka Airport Shuttle, Margate Mini Coach, King Shaka International Airbus, Southern Shuttle
- Travel Time
- 45-60 minutes depending on stops
- Cost To City Center
- ZAR 100
- Notes
- Budget-friendly option; tickets can be purchased online or from driver.
- Description
- Multiple companies operate scheduled shuttles connecting airport to city center, Umhlanga, and major hotels. Operate approximately 7:30 to 22:30 at 30-45 minute intervals.
Reliable, budget option for those heading to city center.
- Cost
- ZAR 220
- Option
- Direct bus (Margate Coaches)
- Travel Time
- 25 minutes
- Description
- Direct bus service from airport to Durban Station. 5 departures daily.
Convenience of pre-booking; Uber available through app.
- Option
- Private transfer/Uber
- Cost Range To City
- ZAR 130
- Description
- Pre-arranged private transfers via companies like AtoB or Uber rideshare. Available 24/7.
Car rental
- Notes
- Credit card required as financial precaution. Valid driver's license mandatory. Book in advance during peak season.
- Description
- Major car rental companies have desks at airport. Immediate access to independent travel.
Ferry
- Status
- Not available
- Notes
- No current passenger ferry services documented for Durban.
Airport
- Code
- DUR
- Name
- King Shaka International Airport
- Travel Time To City
- 30-45 minutes depending on traffic
- Distance From City Center
- approximately 35 km (22 miles) north
Rail Connections
- Status
- Limited/Resuming
- Commuter Rail
- Metrorail KwaZulu-Natal operates local commuter rail services within and around Durban via multiple lines (South Coast Line, KwaMashu-Umlazi Line, Chatsworth Line). Main stations: Durban Station and Berea Road.
- Notes
- Check current operational status directly with PRASA or official sources before planning rail travel.
- Description
- Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger train service historically connected Durban to Johannesburg and Cape Town, but services have been disrupted. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) plans to resume operations in 2027.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Durban
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.