About Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

Also known as La Mercy Airport, Durban King Shaka International opened for business in May 2010, replacing the former Durban International Airport. Our Durban King Shaka International Airport guide provides information on how to get to the airport, terminal facilities and contact details.

Airport news:

A direct rail link with the city is planned as part of the second phase of airport development. Construction is due to begin in 2017.

Information:

An airport information desk (tel: +27 32 436 6758) is situated in the departures area. There is also a tourist information counter in Arrivals.

Website:

Driving directions:

From central Durban, take the N3 highway west for a short distance and turn north onto the N2 highway, which passes the airport. From this point, the terminals are signposted. The journey should take approximately 30 minutes.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Shuttle:Regular Coastal Motor Transport (tel: +27 31 465 5573; www.airportbustransport.co.za) shuttle buses operate to Durban city centre from 0430 to 2200 (journey time: around 30 minutes; fare: R50).

There is also an hourly shuttle (which must be pre-booked) linking the airport with Durban and Umhlanga hotels, the Durban beachfront and the International Convention Centre. Contact the airport information desk (tel: +27 32 436 6758) for more information.

All shuttle buses depart from outside the arrivals area.

Taxi:Taxi services are available outside Departures from the following companies: A Hassan Taxis (tel: +27 31 564 0734), City Cabs (tel: +27 31 577 2911) and Rikki Cabs (tel: +27 31 539 6844) amongst others. For a full list of taxi operators, check the airport’s website. Fares into Durban start at around R500, and the journey time is about 20-30 minutes. Visitors are advised to beware of illegal taxi touts.

Terminal facilities

Money:

Standard Bank provides exchange services and ATMs within the terminal. A VAT refund facility is available in Departures.

Food:

There are a number of restaurants and bars throughout the airport, with options in both Arrivals and Departures. Among these is a fish, sushi and seafood restaurant in the departures area.

Shopping:

Duty-free shopping is available airside in Departures. In addition, there are a number of shops selling local crafts, giftware, clothing and other items.

Luggage:

Porter services are available for those in need of assistance.

Other:

Other services available at Durban King Shaka International Airport include first-aid facilities and a pharmacy, located on the first floor. A Muslim prayer room and a chapel are also located within the airport.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The South African Airways business lounge (tel: +27 32 815 2044) and the Premier Lounge (tel: +27 32 436 7138) provide business services for passengers in the departures area, while ACSA offers a VIP lounge with similar facilities in Arrivals.

Extensive meeting and conference facilities, including those housed within the International Conference Centre (tel: +27 31 360 1000; www.icc.co.za), can be found in central Durban.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the airport (30 minutes or up to 50MB is available free of charge).

Disabled facilities:

Durban King Shaka International Airport is fully accessible with lifts and specially equipped toilets. Assistance is available from airport staff. Contact the airport and the relevant airline in advance to arrange specialist assistance.

Car parking:

Long- and short-term car parks are available at the airport, with space for almost 2,000 vehicles. The car parks are within walking distance of the terminal.

Car rental:

Car hire operators Avis, First, Hertz, Thrifty and Woodford are represented at the airport. Desks for these companies are located in Arrivals.