King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is the main airport for Durban and South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province in the eastern parts of the country. If you want to visit Drakensberg Mountains, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, or the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, Durban is a logical first stop.
The airport is located in La Mercy, 35 km north of Durban's city centre and about 20 km from Umhlanga. DUR is relatively new - it opened in 2010 just in time for the World Cup, replacing the much older Durban International Airport.
Today, DUR is South Africa's third-busiest airport after Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo (JNB) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT). It handles around 5-6 million passengers per year.
Major Airlines - CemAir, FlySafair
Most flights at Durban Airport are domestic. The airport does not receive nearly as many international flights as Johannesburg or Cape Town.
CemAir is the largest domestic carrier. It flies to the largest cities in South Africa, as well as Bloemfontein, George, and Port Elizabeth.
The low-cost carrier FlySafair serves nearly the same number of routes from DUR.
Other smaller domestic airlines include the flag carrier South African Airways, LIFT, and Airlink. The latter also flies to some regional destinations like Harare in neighboring Zimbabwe.
International coverage is limited, though some of the largest airlines connect Durban to their major hubs, allowing onward flights to most of the world. For example, Emirates operates direct flights to Dubai, Qatar Airways flies to Doha, and Turkish Airlines offers the longest flight from Durban to Istanbul.
Check the live departure board at King Shaka International Airport.
Terminal Layout and Gates
Durban’s King Shaka International Airport has one terminal for all flights.
It is divided into sections as follows:
Domestic flights on the south side.
International flights on the north side.
The two sections have separate Security checkpoints leading to their respective airside areas.
As is standard for modern airports, Arrivals are on the lower floor while Departures are on the upper floor.
The terminal includes 72 check-in counters, 18 self-service kiosks, 34 aircraft stands, and 16 jet bridges.
The terminal is open 24/7.
Free Wi-Fi and other services
King Shaka Airport offers free Wi-Fi in all areas of the terminal. Connect to the network “ACSA Guest” or “# AIRPORTS FREE Wi-Fi’. You will have to register on the welcome page, which should open automatically.
You may use the Wi-Fi for up to 4 hours or 1 GB of bandwidth, whichever comes first.
If you need more than 4 hours, you may pay to continue using the internet by connecting to the “# AIRPORTS PREMIUM Wi-Fi" network.
Other passenger services at the airport include:
ATMs: Nedbank, ABSA, Netbank, and Standard Bank all have cash machines landside at the airport. Bidvest Bank and Capitec have ATMs in the domestic airside area.
Currency exchange: Travelex offers currency services at the airport.
Prayer room: A multi-faith room available in the terminal.
Baby-care facilities: Designated restrooms throughout the terminal are equipped with the necessary tools.
Luggage wrapping: In the Check-in Area. Costs 120 ZAR per piece.
Porter services: Porters are identifiable by their uniforms. The customary gratuity is 20 ZAR per item of luggage.
Information desk: Located on the ground floor and open 24/7.
Tourist information kiosk: Located in Arrivals. Offers information about events, attractions, accommodation, sightseeing tours, and services in the province. The kiosk is open every day from 8 AM (9 AM on Sundays) to 9 PM.
Find out the best things to do in Durban.
Lounges at Durban Airport
King Shaka Airport has several lounges, most of which cater to those flying domestically.
The Bidvest Premier Lounge is open to all passengers and located on the second floor of the departures terminal, airside. To reach, turn right after the Security check, then walk to the lifts/stairs and go up to the 3rd floor. The lounge will be on the right.
The lounge offers unlimited hot and cold beverages, snacks, sandwiches, showers, a smoking room, and reading materials. Entrance is allowed up to 2 hours before the departure of your flight and costs 334 ZAR. The Bidvest Lounge is open every day from 04:45 AM to 9:15 PM.
The FNB Slow Lounge is another lounge in the domestic section of the airport. Its quality buffet, barista coffee, and shower facilities make it a preferred choice for many travelers who seek the utmost luxury. You may be eligible for complimentary access depending on your FNB status; otherwise, the standard fee is 250 ZAR.
The last domestic lounge is for passengers of South African Airways. The airline’s business lounge is located on the third floor of Departures. It is open daily between 4:30 AM (5:30 AM on Sundays) and 8:00 PM. Only premium customers of South African Airways can enter the lounge.
If you’re flying internationally, your choice is easy - the only lounge is the uMp(h)afa Lounge, which is open to all, regardless of the airline. The lounge is located on the third floor of the international area, airside. Its hours are 2 PM to 7 PM daily, and it accepts various lounge membership passes, as well as paid entry costing ~29 USD if prepaid online.
Dining Options at DUR
The arrivals food court includes:
KFC: A world-famous fried chicken chain.
Steers: Flame-grilled burgers.
Milky Lane: Offers desserts like waffles, whizzers, and shakes.
Kauai: A popular South African chain for healthier meals.
Landside, in the Piazza, there is a branch of Mugg & Bean cafe and a Spur Steak Ranches restaurant.
Coffee you can get from Fego Coffee Shop or Zululand Brewing Company, both of which have locations airside in both the domestic and international sections.
Lastly, Wimpy is the go-to place for a sit-down meal in the domestic section, airside. It is a fast-food casual dining chain famous for its hamburgers, chicken, and fries.
Transport to and from the airport
Unfortunately, no regular city buses serve King Shaka Airport. The airport also isn’t connected to the railway network.
This leaves minibus shuttles as the only public transportation option at DUR. These are provided by four companies: Airbus Shuttle Service, Margate Shuttle Service, Skyways Shuttle Service, and Southern Shuttle. Shuttle buses run from 4:30 AM to 10 PM with a set fare of 50 ZAR.
However, official airport taxis, as well as Uber and Bolt, are well-recommended.
There are two taxi counters: one on the right side within the Arrivals hall and another outside Arrivals. Ride-hailing mobile apps have a designated stop on Level -1 of the car park, left of the terminal.
A taxi ride to Durban city center costs around 400-500 ZAR, whereas Uber and Bolt are a little cheaper at 350-450 ZAR.
Typical driving times are:
Umhlanga: 15-20 minutes
Ballito: 20-25 minutes
Durban city centre: 35-45 minutes
uShaka Marine World: ~40 minutes
If you’re planning to explore more of KwaZulu-Natal, especially its game reserves, the Midlands, or the Drakensberg, you should consider renting a car. You can do so right at DUR airport from one of the 9 companies, including major world leaders like Avis and Hertz, as well as local companies like First Car Rental and Select Car Hire. One-way rentals with drop-off in, for example, Cape Town, are possible with nearly all providers.
Parking at Durban Airport
All parking facilities are within walking distance of the terminal. They include:
Multi-storey parking with 1500 spaces. Parking fees start at 25 ZAR per hour.
Shaded parking with 2500 spaces. Parking fees start at 25 ZAR per hour.
Long-stay parking with 500 spaces. Parking fees are around 540 ZAR per day.
Hotels near King Shaka International Airport
There are no airport hotels near Durban Airport. The nearest option is the La Ru Resort, located about 2.5 km from the terminal. Branded as a resort-hotel, this is a somewhat isolated venue with its own pool, landscaped gardens, and on-site bar&resaurant.
Since the airport is really close to the seaside, a few hotels in La Mercy and Desainager are suitable options for stays near DUR. Examples include 6 Dolphin Views, Eden Rose Manor, and WAVES Beach Hotel, all within a short drive (15-20 minutes) from the terminal.
Also about 20 minutes from the airport is uMhlanga, where you can find some of South Africa's best-known luxury hotels, including The Oyster Box and the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Durban, South Africa
