Getting Around, Durban Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Durban is a relatively easy city to negotiate, although its public transport system can seem rather limited. Taxis and rented cars are the most popular way for visitors to travel around the city.

Tourists can also try out the hand-drawn rickshaws, which travel along and around Durban's beachfront, and are one of the city's more unique modes of transport. For distances further afield, Durban is home to a good bus and coach network, along with trains offering connections to most major South African cities.

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) / Arriving by Air

Address: King Shaka Drive / N2 Road, La Mercy, 4405, South Africa
Tel: +32 436 6000
Replacing the Durban International Airport, the new King Shaka International Airport opened its doors to passengers in May 2010 and is already accommodating more than five million passengers per annum. The airport resides roughly 30 minutes from the city centre, being situated to the north and next to the towns of La Mercy and Genazzano. Notable airlines operating here include the likes of 1Time, Airlink, British Airways, Kulula, Mango, South African Airways, South African Express and Velvet Sky, all of which serve solely domestic South African destinations. International flights to Dubai are provided by Emirates, while Airlink flies to Maputo in Mozambique. Public buses, shuttles and taxis connect the city centre and surrounding areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

Car Rental

Like any major city, Durban's roads can become very busy during the morning and evening rush hour. It's best to time your journey outside of these periods. The city is well served by a road network, including the N3 to Johannesburg and the N2 to Cape Town.

Book your Durban Car Rental here.

Trains

Intercity train services operate from Johannesburg to Durban, and from Cape Town. However, if you wish to travel in real style, then opt to take the Blue Train. The route taken by this luxury train includes some magnificent scenery and, of course, guests get to enjoy some rather opulent surroundings and facilities.

Buses and Coaches

Municipal bus transport operates routes all over Durban. These buses depart and arrive from the bus depot, which is located in Alice Street in the central business district, and from the Workshop shopping centre. Mynah buses, which are distinctively painted blue, also operate in some parts of the city, including the beachfront.

The Durban People Mover serves 17 bus stops on two routes, linking the Golden Mile and the central business district. They operate regularly during the day and evening, from 06:30 to 23:00. Intercity buses and coaches depart from Durban's train station which is located in Umgeni Road.

Taxis

Both metered taxis and minibus taxis operate in Durban. Visitors must book metered taxis in advance. Minibus taxis can be hailed on the street and are usually the cheapest, if not necessarily the safest, way to travel.

Rickshaws

An unusual way of travelling around the city is to hire a rickshaw. Pulled by men dressed in colourful costumes and head-dresses, they take visitors on short trips along Durban's beachfront, allowing you to sit back and soak in the views.