King Shaka Airport, named after the historic Zulu king, is located approximately 35 km north of Durban's centre, on the subtropical coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
It is the gateway to the Indian Ocean beaches, the Zulu culture of the province and the inland nature reserves of KwaZulu-Natal.
How to get to King Shaka International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to DUR
Parking near King Shaka International Airport
Multi-level parking is available adjacent to the terminal.
How to get to Durban from DUR
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at King Shaka International Airport
All major car rental companies have airport desks.
Hotels near King Shaka International Airport
Umhlanga
14-19 km from the airport, 15-20 minutes by car; there is also an hourly shuttle linking the airport to Umhlanga and Durban.
Best for: Those who want the shortest transfer from the airport, clean beaches and Gateway shopping, while staying outside central Durban.
- The shortest transfer from the airport among Durban's tourist areas
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Umhlanga Rocks beach within walking distance of the area's hotels
- Less history and big-city life than central Durban
- You need a car or taxi to reach the historic seafront and the ICC
Recommended hotels
- City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge Facing the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, 14 km and 15 minutes from the airport: the shortest transfer among the chain hotels in the area. View availability
- Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch In the Umhlanga Arch district, about 18-19 km and 20 minutes from the airport; pool, gym and breakfast cooked to order. View availability
- Sandals Guest House A guest house 200 metres from Umhlanga Rocks beach, one block from the village with restaurants and cafés; among the area's best-rated properties in reviews. View availability
Durban, Golden Mile
About 35 km from the airport, 30-35 minutes by car under normal conditions, up to 50-60 minutes at peak times.
Best for: Those who want the historic centre, the Durban ICC for conferences and the Golden Mile beach within walking distance of the hotel, accepting a longer transfer from the airport.
- North Beach and the Durban ICC within walking distance of the Golden Mile hotels
- More restaurants, museums and big-city life than Umhlanga
- Transfer from the airport almost double that of Umhlanga, especially at peak times
- Some areas of the centre require caution after dark
Recommended hotels
- City Lodge Hotel Durban At North Beach, a short walk from the Durban ICC and the beach; a paid airport shuttle is available on request. View availability
- Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Two towers overlooking the Golden Mile, 200 metres from North Beach; three pools and four restaurants for those who don't want to go far in the evening. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal handles domestic connections and some international routes to Africa and the Middle East.
Travelers should allow 2.5–3 hours ahead of departure.
Map of King Shaka International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why does Durban have such a strong Indian cultural influence?
Because it is home to the largest community of Indian origin outside India, which settled starting in the 19th century to work on sugarcane plantations: a legacy still very visible today in the city's neighborhoods, spice markets and cuisine.
Q. Are Durban's beaches safe for swimming?
Yes, the main city beaches along the Golden Mile have been protected by shark nets managed by the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board since the 1950s, a system that has made swimming a routine, worry-free activity for residents and tourists alike.
Q. Why is the airport called King Shaka?
It is named after King Shaka, the historic Zulu ruler who unified many clans of the region in the 19th century, a central figure in the history and culture of KwaZulu-Natal.
Q. What can you visit near Durban?
The subtropical beaches of the Indian Ocean, the Zulu culture of the province, and the nature reserves of the KwaZulu-Natal hinterland.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
