More Information about Durban

Destination Overview

Durban is a coastal city on the eastern coast of South Africa. As a center for business and finance, it attracts regular business travelers, but tourists also come here to soak up the sun, surf, and beaches. The city is a mix of African, Indian and European influences. Its futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium is a center for various sports, as well as concerts and other events, and was one of the host stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The beautiful beachfront promenade is a wonderful place for an evening stroll, and the beach itself attracts keen surfers as well as sun worshippers. Other attractions include uShaka Marine World and the Durban Botanic Gardens.

Flying to Durban

1. Which Airports serve Johannesburg to Durban?

Situated in Kempton Park is the O.R. Tambo International Airport which serves the city of Johannesburg. Flights arrive at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, just over 20 miles north of Durban city center. The airport is served by various shuttle services, commercial buses, and taxis. There are several car rental facilities as well.

2. Which Airlines operate flights from Johannesburg to Durban?

There are plenty of choices when it comes to finding an airline for your flight from to Durban from Johannesburg. Carriers flying this route include British Airways Comair, South African Airways, Safair, Kulula, and Mango Airlines. There are over 20 flights a day, with most operators offering multiple daily flights.

3. How long is the flight?

If you've booked a direct flight to Durban from Johannesburg, you can expect your flight to take about 1 hour and 5 minutes from departure to arrival. Most flights are direct, but South African Airways does offer a flight that stops at Nelspruit that takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. There is no time zone difference.

4. Climate changes between Johannesburg and Durban

There is no major climate change to worry about on this trip. Durban is only around 300 miles from Johannesburg and average monthly temperatures usually only vary by a few degrees.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

There is also little to worry about in terms of preparation. The South African Rand is the currency used throughout the country, and cultural norms are the same in both cities. It is wise for travelers resident outside South Africa to carry passports and any required visas, even when traveling domestically, just in case the authorities ask to see your documents.

City Information

Johannesburg and Durban are both vibrant and fascinating South African cities, but many visitors to this region love to head to the coast, especially in the heat of a South African summer, and Durban provides big city lifestyle with plenty of sea, surf, and oceanside fun. While you are in the city, don’t miss the tranquil and biodiverse Botanic Gardens, the Phansi Museum, home to Southern African tribal artifacts, and the Temple of Understanding, the largest Hare Krishna temple in the southern hemisphere, designed in the shape of a lotus flower. After dark, sample some of Durban’s numerous and varied pubs, clubs, and restaurants.