Flights from Cape Town to Durban, South Africa

The largest city in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Durban is the third most populated city in the country after Johannesburg and Cape Town. Famous for being the busiest port in the country, it’s also a major tourist center because of its subtropical climate and many beaches and was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities in 2015. Home to the largest concentration of people of Indian heritage outside India, it has an Asian feel, with the streets and marketplaces of the Indian area echoing its cultural history. The city’s Golden Mile is also a prime destination for families, surfers, and fishermen.

Flying to Durban

1. Which Airports serve Cape Town to Durban?

Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest in South Africa and the third busiest in Africa. Located 12 miles from the city center, it offers both domestic and international flights and is the only airport in the area that offers scheduled passenger services. It offers flights to King Shaka International Airport, Durban’s main airport, located 36 miles to the north of the city – it took over from Durban International Airport in 2010.

2. Which Airlines operate flights from Cape Town to Durban?

There are daily direct flights from Cape Town to Durban by a variety of carriers to suit all budgets, including Safair, British Airways, Comair Ltd, South African and Mango.

3. How long is the flight?

The average direct flight from Cape Town to Durban is 1 hour and 59 minutes, and the most popular connecting city when flying there is Johannesburg.

4. Climate changes between Cape Town and Durban

There is very little difference in climate between Cape Town and Durban, so travelers don’t have to worry about planning for unfamiliar weather. The hottest month in both cities in February, with an average temperature of 73ºF in Cape Town and 77ºF in Durban. The coldest month is June, with an average of 55ºF in Cape Town and 64ºF in Durban. However, as far as rainfall is concerned, July is the wettest month in Cape Town with an average of 100 mm of rain, and in Durban, it’s January with an average of 130 mm of rain.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

The documentation required to fly between Cape Town and Durban is the same for all domestic internal flights, and the currency is the same, so it’s an easy route to take. Durban ranks third in the 20th Mercer Quality of Living Survey, partly because of its unique cultural mix and cuisine, excellent infrastructure and all-year-round warm weather.

Durban Information

The port city of Cape Town sits on South Africa’s south-west coast on a peninsula beneath Table Mountain. Its cable cars take visitors to the top for sweeping views of the city, harbor and Robben Island, the prison that once held Nelson Mandela and is now a living museum. Durban had a major makeover leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and now has a revamped waterfront. Known for its African, Indian and colonial influences, attractions include uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium; the Durban Botanic Gardens; and the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium.