Overview
Durban is South Africa's warmest big city, a laid-back surf town on the Indian Ocean and the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal's beaches, the Drakensberg mountains and its game reserves. For UK travellers it pairs a beach break with safari, and there is almost no jet lag — Durban runs just one to two hours ahead of the UK. No airline flies there non-stop, so every route connects once.
Best time to fly to Durban
Durban has a subtropical climate and works as a year-round destination. The most comfortable spell for UK visitors is the dry season from May to September: sunny, mild days of around 22–24°C, low humidity and a sea temperature of roughly 19–21°C. November to March is hot, humid and prone to afternoon storms, though the ocean is at its warmest then. Fares climb over the December–January South African holidays, Easter and the UK summer break, so the shoulder months are better value — the When to book chart above shows the pattern.
Airlines and routes
With no non-stop service, you will change planes once. A common choice is British Airways or Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg (about 11 hours from Heathrow), then a one-hour hop to Durban with Airlink or FlySafair — roughly 14–16 hours in total including the connection. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha also fly into Durban, with feeder flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Scotland; allow around 16–19 hours overall. From Manchester, connecting through Dubai or Doha avoids backtracking to London.
Things to do in Durban
Compact and sunny, Durban is worth a few days before you head inland.
- Golden Mile: A long seafront promenade of wide beaches, piers and tidal pools, ideal for walking, cycling and swimming.
- uShaka Marine World: A large aquarium and water park built around a mock shipwreck, a firm favourite with families.
- Moses Mabhida Stadium: Ride the SkyCar to the top of the arch or take the adventure walk for sweeping city and ocean views.
- Victoria Street Market: The heart of Durban's Indian quarter, full of spice stalls, fabrics and curry counters.
- Valley of 1000 Hills: A scenic route of rolling green hills and viewpoints, an easy half-day trip from the city.
At King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
King Shaka International lies at La Mercy, about 35 km north of the city centre and next to Umhlanga. The drive in takes 30–45 minutes on the N2. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt wait at arrivals, scheduled shuttle services run to city hotels, and the major car hire firms have desks in the terminal. There is no rail link, so a road transfer is the only practical option.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Durban
- Book early for peak dates: For December, Easter and July–August travel, reserve three to six months ahead; other months are typically cheapest booked two to three months out.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday to Thursday departures, and trips outside the UK and South African school holidays, usually cost less.
- Stay flexible with dates: Shifting your trip by a few days can drop you into a lower fare band — use the price charts on this page to spot the cheaper weeks.
- Compare hubs: Check routings via Johannesburg, Dubai and Doha side by side, as the best value shifts by season and departure city.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date and have two or more blank pages. The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), and cards are widely accepted. No vaccinations are required for entry, and Durban itself is malaria-free, though far northern KwaZulu-Natal near the Mozambique border carries a seasonal risk — check the latest NHS Fit for Travel and TravelHealthPro advice before you travel.
