Cheap Flights to Durban

Popular airlines to Durban

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What you need to know for your flight 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.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately High$368
February73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$304
March73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately High$250
April69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$307
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately Low$345
June63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately Low$344
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverage$262
August63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverage$236
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$297
October67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverage$349
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately Low$330
December71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverage$436

*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.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Durban?
Plan your trip for if you're hoping to get a good price on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Durban. Try to avoid traveling during peak periods such as school vacation time or public holidays.
Which US cities fly direct to Durban?
To fly to Durban nonstop, check the "Direct flights only" box when you explore journeys on Expedia and we'll show you all the available options to compare.
How to find a cheap flight to Durban?
Book early to maximize your chances of getting cheap flights to Durban. Also, consider traveling during off-peak months like February and March. If you leave on a Thursday, you'll save 16% on average compared to departing on a Sunday.* Save time searching every day and create a price alert on the Expedia app. We'll update you when fares change.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Durban?
Staying flexible with your plans may help you to find last-minute deals on cheap flights to Durban. To view all the available options, try looking at different ticket types, changing your Durban trip dates, jetting out of an alternative airport or going with another carrier.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Durban?
Get the travel dates you want and a fare that suits your budget by booking your domestic flight to Durban up to 28 days in advance. Search for tickets two to four months ahead if you're jetting to Durban from an international destination.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Durban?
Generally, you can find cheap flights to Durban on a Sunday. You can save around 8% on average compared to those who book on a Friday, which is often the most expensive day for tickets.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Durban?
A total of 10 carriers connect 13 airports across the globe to Durban. Here are some of the key airlines to Durban, where King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) is the chief entry point:

  • Safair
  • South African Airways
  • Global Aviation
  • CemAir

Where do you fly into Durban?
King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) is the main hub for passengers flying to Durban. Or you can arrive at Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB). Compare fares between the two airports to find the most convenient or cost-effective way to fly to Durban.
How far is the airport from central Durban?
If you're touching down at King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR), you'll be around 17 mi north of the center of Durban.
Can I save money by booking a Durban trip package?
Bundle your flights and accommodations and you could save hundreds of dollars. Better yet, you can add extras like activities and car rentals to your Durban flight and hotel package deal. With Expedia, it's a breeze to organize all your Durban travel plans in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Durban?
You can typically change or cancel your flight to Durban within 24 hours of booking. However, be mindful that some fares are non-refundable. In those cases, you may receive a credit toward future travel instead of a direct refund. Be sure to check the airline's terms and conditions in your itinerary for specific details. Use Expedia's "Changes included" or "No cancel fee" filters during your search to find cheap flights to Durban with flexible change policies. For additional information, browse our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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Travel information

Destination airport
Durban
Destination airport IATA code
DUR

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