King Shaka International Airport at a glance
King Shaka International Airport has the IATA code DUR. It sits at La Mercy, about 35 km north of Durban, and is reached by the N2 or the R102 and M65. That figure is a distance, not a drive time. Traffic decides how long you need, so allow extra time before a flight.
There is no airport railway. Do not confuse it with the Gautrain in Gauteng. From the terminal you travel on the road: shuttle buses wait outside International Arrivals, taxi companies work from the arrivals area, and ride apps and rental companies also serve the airport. This page is an independent guide and is not run by the airport or its operator.
Private transfer prices for 2026
One transfer operator's price list, valid to 31 December 2026. Prices are per vehicle, not per person, and can change.
| Transfer from the airport | SUV, 1 to 3 people | Minibus, 3 to 7 people |
|---|---|---|
| Durban city, Umhlanga, La Lucia, Sibaya, Mount Edgecombe | R770 | R1,150 |
| Ballito, Zimbali, Salt Rock | R1,050 | R1,400 |
| Umkomaas, Scottburgh | R1,700 | R1,950 |
The operator adds 10 percent for transport between 23:00 and 06:00 for 1 to 4 people, and an oversize luggage trailer costs extra. These are fixed vehicle prices, not taxi meter fares and not public bus fares. Confirm the final price, the luggage and the direction when you request the quote.
Our pick: a city tour for your first day
After the transfer into town, a tour with pickup means no hire car and no search for a driver. The transfer options are listed above.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Durban tours and transfers
City tours, safaris and day trips from Durban, with live prices and availability.
Your options from the terminal
What is available at the airport.
Shuttle buses
Airport shuttle buses stand outside the International Arrivals terminal. The companies named by the airport include Airbus, Margate, Skyways and Southern Shuttle. Southern Shuttle collects at the public transportation area. Ask for the current fare and timetable, because they change.
Taxi companies
Taxi companies work from the arrivals area. Choose a company and agree the price before you get in. The German Foreign Office recommends reliable pre-booked taxi companies and advises against hailing cars in the street and against minibus taxis.
Ride apps
Uber serves the airport. Example prices on its site are based on historical averages and are not fixed fares, so check the price in the app. App-booked rides are not risk-free either.
Hire cars
Rental desks at the airport include Avis and Budget, Bluu, Europcar and Tempest, First, Hertz and Firefly, and Woodford with Alamo and Enterprise. Compare the daily rate, the insurance and the conditions for Lesotho if you plan to cross the border. See the Drakensberg guide for Sani Pass rules.
Book a private transfer from King Shaka Airport (DUR) to Durban at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Which option suits you
A quick comparison of the ways to leave the airport.
| Option | Best for | Price | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | Late arrivals, families, luggage | From R770 per vehicle (2026) | Book ahead and confirm the final price |
| Airport shuttle | Solo travellers and couples | – | Ask for the current fare and timetable |
| Taxi company | Short notice | Agree before you ride | Use a company, not a car hailed in the street |
| Ride app | Comparing prices in the app | Not a fixed fare | Not risk-free |
| Hire car | Day trips and the coast north | – | Check insurance and the rules for Lesotho |
If you arrive after dark, a pre-booked transfer is the option that fits the official advice best. If you land in the day and travel light, a shuttle or a taxi company is simpler. For day trips to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi or the coast, a hire car or a guided tour saves a second transfer. Compare the tours before you rent.
Arriving safely, especially at night
The UK advice names a higher risk of crime after dark, including at transport hubs. The German advice recommends pre-booked transport. For a late flight, book your transfer in advance, send the driver your flight number and agree where you meet. Check the driver's name before you get in and keep your luggage in sight.
If you rent a car, plan your first drive in daylight where you can. A late arrival at an unfamiliar hotel is easier with a driver than with a map app. Read our safety guide for more.
Choosing where to go first
Pages for the next step.
King Shaka International Airport: frequently asked questions
How far is King Shaka Airport from Durban?
It is about 35 km north of Durban, at La Mercy. The drive time depends on traffic, so plan extra time before a flight.
Is there a train from the airport?
No. There is no airport railway. You travel by shuttle, taxi, ride app or hire car.
How much is a transfer to Umhlanga?
One transfer operator lists R770 for an SUV with 1 to 3 people and R1,150 for a minibus with 3 to 7 people to Durban, Umhlanga and La Lucia in 2026. A 10 percent surcharge applies at night.
Can I use Uber at King Shaka Airport?
Yes, Uber serves the airport. Check the price in the app, since published example prices are not fixed fares.
Which car rental companies are at the airport?
Avis and Budget, Bluu, Europcar and Tempest, First, Hertz and Firefly, and Woodford with Alamo and Enterprise.