King Shaka International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

King Shaka Airport, at La Mercy, is about 35 km (30-35 minutes by taxi, up to an hour in peak traffic) north of central Durban, but only 14-19 km (15-20 minutes) from Umhlanga, the nearest coastal suburb. Umhlanga is almost always the better choice, with the Gateway shopping centre, clean beaches and a shorter transfer; Durban's historic seafront, on the Golden Mile, remains the right choice for those who want the city centre and the Durban ICC, accepting half an hour more transfer time.

Umhlanga

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.
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.

See more hotels in this area →

Durban, Golden Mile

City centre · 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.

Pros

North Beach and the Durban ICC within walking distance of the Golden Mile hotels
More restaurants, museums and big-city life than Umhlanga

Cons

Transfer from the airport almost double that of Umhlanga, especially at peak times
Some areas of the centre require caution after dark

Recommended hotels in this area

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.
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.

See more hotels in this area →