$756 Cheap Flights to Durban

Flights to Durban at a glance

Traveling to Durban is easy—simply select from a range of full-service or low-cost airlines. Compare flight schedules and journey times to find the cheapest flight that meets your budget and plans for exploring the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Durban: King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)
• Closest (typical) airport to Durban: King Shaka International Airport, DUR (around 18 miles)
• Flights per week: 100+ flights arriving across Durban airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Durban: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Durban

Durban is a vibrant city that caters to families and offers a variety of entertainment options, making it an ideal destination for city vacations. Travelers flock to Durban for its beautiful beaches, family activities, and business opportunities, with two major airports serving the area.

• King Shaka International Airport (DUR): Situated in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 18 miles from Durban, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking around 3 domestic cities and 10 international spots. Travelers can opt for an upgrade to business class for enhanced comfort, subject to the airlines and routes. Notable carriers include South African Airways, Cemair, and South African Airlink.
• Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB): Found in The Msunduzi, uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal, about 40 miles from Durban, this airport primarily services domestic flights. The key airline operating here is South African Airlink, providing efficient travel options for local passengers.

Top routes to Durban

• Johannesburg (JNB) to Durban (PZB/DUR), with one-way fares starting at around $65
• Cape Town (CPT) to Durban (DUR), with one-way flights starting at around $85
• Harare (HRE) to Durban (DUR), with one-way airfare from around $180
• New York (JFK) to Durban (DUR), with one-way flight options from around $620
• Boston (BOS) to Durban (DUR), with one-way airfare from around $580

Cheapest routes to Durban

• Johannesburg (JNB) to Durban (PZB/DUR), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $65
• Cape Town (CPT) to Durban (DUR), with low one-way fares from around $85
• Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Durban (DUR), with budget one-way fares from around $140
• Harare (HRE) to Durban (DUR), with low one-way fares from around $180
• Lusaka (LUN) to Durban (DUR), with affordable one-way prices from around $220

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Durban

• South African Airways: Offers flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), representing about 27% of arrivals in Durban. A one-way ticket averages around $320, with business class available on select routes.
• Cemair: Provides service to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), making up roughly 22% of arrivals to Durban. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $110.
• South African Airlink: Operates flights to both Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR), accounting for nearly 17% of arrivals in Durban. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $150.
• Hahn Air: Flies into King Shaka International Airport (DUR), contributing to around 9% of arrivals in Durban. The typical one-way fare is approximately $180.
• FlexFlight: Serves King Shaka International Airport (DUR), responsible for about 3% of arrivals to Durban. Average one-way fares are around $130.

Best time to fly to Durban

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Durban are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Durban can reach up to 73.9°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 68.9°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $236, roughly 26% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? March offers an average one-way fare of around $250, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Durban

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Durban is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Durban hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Durban flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Durban

Durban welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Durban efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Durban, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Durban is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Durban on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Durban

• Durban Beachfront: Located around the area of Durban, Durban Beachfront is a vibrant neighborhood perfect for family outings and beach lovers. Enjoy the sun and surf at Durban Beach, or explore the scenic Blue Lagoon, ideal for outdoor relaxation. For family fun, Mini Town theme park offers a delightful experience. The beachfront area also features a water park and a lively shopping scene, making it a hub for entertainment and leisure activities.
• Berea: Situated in the area of Durban, Berea is a charming village that caters to families and business travelers alike. Stroll along Florida Road, known for its trendy cafes and shops, or unwind in the serene Durban Botanical Gardens, perfect for a romantic afternoon. The University of KwaZulu-Natal adds a modern touch to this neighborhood, making it an intriguing spot for city exploration and cultural immersion.
• South Beach: South Beach is located around the area of Durban and is ideal for those seeking adventure and entertainment. The neighborhood boasts a range of attractions, including the Durban International Convention Centre, perfect for business events. Explore local culture at the West Street Mosque or visit the Durban City Hall, home to a natural history museum. With its proximity to the beach and water park, South Beach is a lively area for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Tips for short-haul flights to Durban

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more affordable. Optimize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest garments, and planning your outfits strategically. This approach also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Durban

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin synchronizing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Durban

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Durban on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Durban. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Durban. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Durban, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Durban

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Durban in 2026 starts from $1,360, while one-way tickets start from from $756. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Durban. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Durban

Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Condor, American Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Durban. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Durban and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Durban, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Durban. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Durban plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Durban

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Durban.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Durban are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Durban. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Durban for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Durban. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Durban flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Durban. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.