King Shaka International Airport serves Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Opened in 2010, it replaced the older Durban International Airport and handles both domestic and international flights. The airport sits about 40 kilometers north of Durban’s city center, making travel to downtown areas quick by car or taxi. It connects travelers to major cities across Africa and beyond. With modern facilities and regular services from multiple airlines, the airport supports tourism, business and local trade in the region.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type M
Type M:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
South African Rand (ZAR) £1 ≈ ZAR 22.10 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Africa, and credit cards are commonly used in most establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in South Africa, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Small tips for taxis and hotel staff are also appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, including parks and beaches. However, it is generally prohibited in public spaces like streets. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Designated smoking zones are available in certain locations. |
| Freedom Day (27 April) |
Celebrates South Africa's first democratic elections |
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| Christmas (25 December) |
A major festive holiday in the country |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (from mobile phones) |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | South Africa is famous for its wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. It offers a wide range of travel experiences from safaris to coastal adventures. |
King Shaka International Airport opened in 2010 to replace the older Durban International Airport and is located roughly 35 km north of Durban city center. It features a spacious, contemporary terminal equipped with numerous amenities including restaurants, duty-free shopping and business lounges.
The airport handles both domestic and international flights, acting as a key hub for airlines like South African Airways, British Airways and FlySafair. It is praised for its cleanliness, ample parking and friendly staff, though some travelers mention traffic congestion accessing the airport during peak hours as a downside.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, medical centers, luggage services and a variety of dining options reflecting local and international flavors. However, the airport is still growing, so some retail choices are limited compared to larger global hubs.
King Shaka Airport is a gateway to exploring Durban’s beaches, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains, offering travelers an exciting blend of urban and natural attractions.
Available to domestic and international travellers with premium access, MSL Lounge provides free Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, a quiet atmosphere, shower facilities, and business amenities. Access is via airline tickets, membership programmes, or pay-at-door.
Focusing on business travellers, this lounge offers comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and workspace facilities. Open to select passengers, it enhances the airport experience with personalised service.
Durban offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to budget hostels, mostly clustered around the city center and beachfront areas. Getting to and from the airport is smooth with plentiful hotel shuttle services and taxis.
To Durban City Center:
Located about 35 km south, the city centre is reachable via shuttle buses, taxis, and hire cars. Shuttle buses operate regularly and offer a cost-effective ride in about 45 minutes, while taxis take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, with fares around ZAR 400 – 600 (£18.25 – 27.37). Ride-hailing apps are also commonly used.
To Umhlanga:
About 25 km south of the airport, Umhlanga is a popular seaside town accessible by taxi or car in around 30 minutes. Public transport is limited, so pre-arranged transport is advisable for visitors.
To Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve:
Located roughly 250 km north, the game reserve is reachable by hire car or organised tours from Durban. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with comfortable road conditions but limited public transport options.
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