King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

International arrivals process through immigration, retrieve baggage on the ground floor, and pass through customs before entering the public arrivals hall.

• Disembark and follow the international arrivals signage towards immigration control.
• Present your passport, valid visa (if required), and entry documentation at the Department of Home Affairs counters.
• Proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect checked luggage.
• Pass through South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs, choosing the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare or the Red Channel if carrying taxable goods.
• Exit into the public arrivals hall to access ground transport, currency exchange, and mobile SIM providers.

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare (Uber / Bolt)

  App-based rideshare services pick up passengers outside the main terminal area.

  Time:

  30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  ZAR 300 - ZAR 500

• Bus

  Airport Shuttle Bus

  Private scheduled shuttles operate between the airport and major Durban hubs including Umhlanga and the beachfront.

  Time:

  40-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  ZAR 100 - ZAR 200

• Taxi

  Metered Taxi

  Official airport taxis are available from the rank directly outside the arrivals hall.

  Time:

  30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  ZAR 400 - ZAR 650

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Major vehicle hire companies operate from a dedicated car rental building connected to the terminal.

  Time:

  30-45 minutes to central Durban

  Typical cost:

  Varies by vehicle type and rental period

Transferring from international to domestic flights requires collecting checked luggage and passing through customs.

• Complete immigration and customs formalities in the international wing.
• Collect all checked baggage from the arrivals carousel.
• Walk to the domestic check-in counters located on the departures level of the same terminal.
• Allow at least 90 to 120 minutes for international-to-domestic flight connections.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

• Connect to the official airport Wi-Fi network on your device.
• Complete the basic registration form on the splash page.
• Free access is provided for a limited duration or data cap, after which paid top-ups are available.

Banking, cash machines, and currency exchange facilities are situated in the public area.

• ATMs from major South African banks are located in the arrivals hall.
• Foreign exchange desks operate in both international arrivals and departure areas.
• Payment cards are widely accepted throughout Durban, though carrying modest amounts of cash is helpful for small tips and local markets.

A range of quick-service food outlets, cafes, and sit-down options are available.

• The public landside area includes cafes and fast-food establishments.
• Airside departure zones feature restaurants and grab-and-go food outlets.
• Most food outlets operate during flight operational hours.

Airline lounges and independent pay-per-use lounges are available in the departure areas.

• Independent lounges offer entrance via pay-per-use rates or lounge membership programmes.
• Facilities generally include seating, Wi-Fi, food, beverages, and business services.
• Lounges are situated airside in both domestic and international departure corridors.

While there is no hotel inside the terminal, several properties are within a short driving distance.

• Accommodation options are concentrated in nearby areas such as Umhlanga and Ballito, roughly 15-20 minutes away by road.
• Hotel airport shuttles can be arranged directly with surrounding accommodation providers.
• The arrivals information desk can assist with hotel enquiries upon landing.

Baggage facilities include reclaim carousels, handling assistance, and wrapping services.

• Baggage trolleys are available near the reclaim carousels.
• Inquire at your airline's baggage handler counter in the reclaim hall for missing or damaged items.
• Luggage wrapping services are located in the public departures zone.

Basic family amenities are provided throughout the main terminal.

• Dedicated baby changing rooms are situated near primary restroom facilities.
• Lifts and ramps provide step-free access across all floor levels for strollers.
• Seating areas suitable for families are available in the departure lounges.

• ATMs and Foreign Exchange
• Mobile SIM Card Kiosks
• Car Rental Hub
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Prayer Rooms
• Information Counters
• First Aid Station

Local emergency number: 10111 / 112

• Dial 10111 for police emergencies or 112 from a mobile phone within South Africa.
• Contact airport security or staff immediately for medical assistance inside the terminal.
• For lost travel documents, report the incident to airport police and contact your country's embassy or consulate.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Airports Company South Africa - King Shaka InternationalOfficial airport source
• Department of Home Affairs - Immigration ServicesGovernment source
• South African Revenue Service - Traveller CustomsGovernment source
• South African Police ServiceGovernment source
• eThekwini Municipality / Durban TourismGovernment source