When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Durban?
The best time to find cheap flights to Durban is in the spring and autumn months. Airfares tend to be lower between March and June and September and November. June is considered one of the best months to visit Durban, since it’s dry, warm and sunny.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Durban?
Book your flights to Durban three and six months prior to your departure to get the best deals on airfares. Deals on last-minute flights do come up, but these can be limited and are never guaranteed. It’s better to book well in advance to get the most savings.
Flying to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Durban flights depart from all over the United Kingdom. You needn’t be constrained by region, as departures take place from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It should be noted, however, that there are more dates – and therefore more flexibility – if you choose to fly out of a London airport. Currently, there are no direct flights, so you will have to make one or more connections. Connections are usually made in the Middle East. Some routes departing out of London will have direct flights to Cape Town or Johannesburg before a short domestic flight to Durban. Carriers include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Emirates. Sometimes, choosing to fly with different airlines for each leg of your journey can result in excellent savings. On average, Durban flights will take 14.5 to 19 hours, depending on the length of your stopover.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Durban’s primary airport is King Shaka International Airport (DUR). It operates a cargo terminal along with a single passenger terminal. The passenger terminal is split into two levels with check-in and departures on the upper level and arrivals and baggage reclaim on the lower level.
Getting to the City King Shaka International Airport (DUR
Getting from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to the city is easy; there are plenty of options. A taxi rank can be found just outside the arrivals hall. Expect a cab ride into the city centre to cost 450 rand (approximately). The airport is also served by local buses that operate on a timetable and shuttle buses that depart when full. Both options have stops around the city at several big hotels.
Why visit Durban?
Don’t let Cape Town and Johannesburg try to fool you into thinking that they’re the only South African cities that matter. Durban knows how wow in its own way. This east coast city boasts a stunning beachfront, which every visitor should see at least once during their visit. It was revamped for the 2010 World Cup. Keep an eye out for dazzling, sand sculptures made by locals; they’ll make for a stunning holiday snap.
Leave the sandy beaches behind and head into the Big Blue. Shark dives are particularly popular with tourists. If you don’t fancy taking a dive beneath the waves yourself, you can get the full marine experience and stay dry at the same time by visiting the uShaka Marine World. Here, you’ll find one of the biggest aquariums in the world.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Visiting South Africa for tourism for up to 90 days does not require a visa. Your passport should be valid for six months after your date of arrival in the country to ensure a smooth immigration process and should have at least two free pages. Those travelling with children under the age of 18 must present the child’s full, unabridged birth certificate, i.e. the one that includes the parents’ details. South Africa uses the rand as their currency. You can purchase currency online or in person at travel money vendors or bureaus de change.
