# King Shaka International Airport (DUR) > Durban, ZA · 35 km (22 mi) north of central Durban Web: https://airport.flights/airport/dur JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/dur.json ## Facts - **IATA**: DUR - **ICAO**: FALE - **Timezone**: Africa/Johannesburg - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: .62M/yr - **Official site**: https://www.airports.co.za/airports/king-shaka-international-airport ## Overview ## Welcome King Shaka International Airport (DUR) offers a distinct experience for travelers passing through South Africa. This compact single-terminal airport stands out with its calm, polished vibe, a unique blend of local craft shops, and an onsite KZN microbrewery. Situated 35 km north of Durban's bustling city center, DUR is appreciated by frequent flyers for its rapid check-in process and short walking distances, making it one of the least stressful airports in the country compared to major hubs like Johannesburg or Cape Town. ## At a glance With over 6.2 million passengers passing through its doors annually, King Shaka may be modest in size but not in efficiency or charm. The airport consists of a single Passenger Terminal and is served by airlines like FlySafair, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. It's well-regarded for delivering swift formalities and easy navigation. The terminal houses a range of dining spots and stores, mostly concentrated in the landside piazza and arrivals food court. ## Terminals & layout King Shaka features one passenger terminal that balances functionality with a sense of place. Here, travelers can appreciate the polished environment as they transition from landside to airside. You’ll find that most dining options are located before security; thus, it’s ideal to arrive early if you want a sit-down meal without rushing. Navigating the airport from curb to gate is straightforward, often taking less than 20 minutes at off-peak times. ## Getting to and from the city A range of transportation options facilitates easy access to Durban. Travelers looking for a budget option should consider the Coastal Motor Transport shuttle, which operates from the airport to the city for around R50, compared to the R500 typically charged by metered taxis. This shuttle service is available from 04:30 to 22:00, ensuring coverage throughout the day. For those preferring personal transport, multiple car rental desks — such as Avis and Hertz — are available on-site. ## Traveller essentials For passengers needing essentials or last-minute items, Dischem Pharmacy in Domestic Arrivals provides a full range of over-the-counter medications, plug adapters, and skincare needs. The pharmacy doubles as a mini-supermarket, a rarity for an airport of this size. Free airport-wide Wi-Fi is provided by ACSA, although it is capped at around 30 minutes or 50MB, so plan accordingly if you need access beyond checking emails or browsing. ## Dining & shopping highlights Dining at King Shaka is primarily a landside affair. Popular options include Mugg & Bean offering solid coffee and snacks — a preferred spot by local business travelers. For families, Spur presents a welcoming sit-down dining option perfect to manage hunger before takeoff. If healthier fare is on the menu, Kauai offers smoothies and bowls, ideal for a quick nutritious bite. Shopping enthusiasts should not miss the local craft shops such as EM Native and Mabote Art that present authentic Zulu beadwork and KZN-themed art, evoking a sense of region-specific culture. Big Five Duty Free and Exclusive Books offer broader selections for pre-flight purchases. ## Lounges King Shaka hosts four lounges, including the South African Airways Lounge in the Domestic Terminal and the more exclusive Umphafa Lounge in International Departures. Access to these lounges often depends on your ticket class or carrier agreements, and amenities include showers, hot food, and a full bar. The Premier Lounge charges R 300 for entry, catering to travelers looking for comfort and relaxation before their flight. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** For local brews and a quieter atmosphere, make your way to Zululand Brewing Company in Domestic Departures. - **Time:** Arrive 20-30 minutes ahead if intending to dine at Mugg & Bean or Spur landside. Most eateries close to boarding gates offer less variety. - **Local:** Discover authentic South African crafts at EM Native and Mabote Art before you fly. Ideal spots for last-minute gifts. - **Money:** Opt for the Coastal Motor Transport shuttle at about R50, significantly cheaper than taxi fares hovering around R500. - **Quiet:** For a peaceful area to work, Mugg & Bean and Kauai offer better seating and power outlets than most airside gates. - **Avoid:** Steer clear of unofficial taxi touts at arrivals; instead, head directly to the designated metered taxi ranks. ## Terminals (1) - **Passenger Terminal** — FlySafair, Emirates, Qatar Airways ## Dining (9) - **Fego Coffee Shop** - **Kauai** - **KFC** - **Milky Lane** - **Mugg & Bean** - **Spur** - **Steers** - **Wimpy** - **Zululand Brewing Company** ## Lounges (4) - **ACSA VIP Lounge** — Arrivals, VIP services - **Premier Lounge** — Departures, pay-in and airline contracts · R 300 - **South African Airways Lounge** — Domestic Terminal · Departures, airline business lounge - **Umphafa Lounge** — International Departures, Amex and partners ## Shops (24) - **Big Five Duty Free** - **Cellini** - **Cosmic Candy** - **Dischem Pharmacy** - **Electro** - **EM Native** - **Exclusive Books** - **Galleri Gifts** - **Granny's Fudge** - **Healthmart** - **Khasav** - **Lere Shoe Shine Services** - **Mabote Art** - **Moda** - **MTN** - **Ocean Africa** - **Sneakers** - **Sunglass Hut** - **Sunkissed Beauty** - **Sweet Treat** - **Twill** - **Vodacom** - **Woolworths** - **Yemaya** ## Parking (5) - **Long-term Parking** — Official on-site long stay - **Premium Parking** — Official on-site close to terminal - **Shaded Parking** — Official on-site covered - **Short-term Parking** — Official on-site short stay - **Valet Parking** — Official valet service ## Ground transport (10) - **A Hassan Taxis** — Metered taxi - **Avis** — On-airport car rental · 30-60 min - **City Cabs** — Metered taxi - **Coastal Motor Transport Shuttle** — Airport–Durban city shuttle - **First Car Rental** — On-airport car rental - **Hertz** — On-airport car rental - **Hotel Shuttle Services** — Airport–Durban and Umhlanga ho · 30-45 min - **Rikki Cabs** — Metered taxi - **Thrifty** — On-airport car rental · 40 min - **Woodford** — On-airport car rental ## Insider tips - _Insider_: For local brews and a quieter atmosphere, make your way to Zululand Brewing Company in Domestic Departures. - _Time_: Arrive 20-30 minutes ahead if intending to dine at Mugg & Bean or Spur landside. Most eateries close to boarding gates offer less variety. - _Local_: Discover authentic South African crafts at EM Native and Mabote Art before you fly. Ideal spots for last-minute gifts. - _Money_: Opt for the Coastal Motor Transport shuttle at about R50, significantly cheaper than taxi fares hovering around R500. - _Quiet_: For a peaceful area to work, Mugg & Bean and Kauai offer better seating and power outlets than most airside gates. - _Avoid_: Steer clear of unofficial taxi touts at arrivals; instead, head directly to the designated metered taxi ranks.