Durban International Airport

Durban International Airport (DUR)

Durban is the smallest of the three international airports of South Africa (the other two are Johannesburg and Cape Town). In the coming years, it is likely that a new airport will be built in La Mercy, to the north of Durban, which has to be operational before the start of the World Football Championships in 2010.

Rates are mentioned here in South African rand. 1 euro is worth a little over 12 rand (March 2008).

Local transport

Train

There is no train connection to the airport of Durban.

Car and bus

The airport is located 18 kilometres to the south of Durban. From the city, follow the M4 motorway; the exit to the airport is clearly indicated.

In front of the terminal building, there are Sunride Shuttle (tel: +27(0)31 451 6545), Super Shuttle (tel: +27(0)31 465 1606) and Coastal Motor Transport (tel: +27(0)31 465 5573) buses bound for Durban. There is also a bus connection to Pietermaritzburg, operated by Cheetah Coaches (tel: +27(0)31 420 2666).

Car rental

In the Arrivals Hall, there are desks of car rental companies Avis, Budget, Imperial, Hertz, Europcar, Khaya, National Alamo, Tempest, Thrifty and Woodford. You can also book a rental car in advance at EasyTerra, which offers a comparison of several providers.

Taxi

There are always enough taxis at the taxi stand in front of the Departure Hall. There are various taxi companies, including A Hassan (tel: +27(0)31 845 663), Aussies Radio Taxis (tel: +27(0)31 309 7888), Boshoff (tel: +27(0)31 306 6330), Checkers Radio Taxis (tel: +27(0)31 465 5573) and Eagle Radio Taxis (tel: +27(0)31 337 2442).

Park

Immediately in front of the terminal building there is a large parking area. Areas A and B are for long-term parking, D and C for short-term parking. Rates are about 8 rand for the first hour, and after that 3 rand per hour. At the cheapest places the daily rate is 39 rand, at the most expensive 50 rand.

Services

Hotels

There are no hotels at this airport, but there are a few simple B&B's. The Tourist Information Center (tel: +27(0)31 451 6947) can provide you with more information. The better hotels are only located in Durban itself, including Protea Hotel Edward (tel: +27(0)31 337 3681), The Royal Hotel (tel: +27(0) 31 333 6000), Blue Waters Hotel (tel: +27(0)31 332 4272) and Zimbali Lodge (tel: +27(0)31 765 4446). For more hotels and online booking, visit Booking.com. They offer a wide range of hotels at very reasonable Internet rates.

Shops and restaurants

Durban Airport has a good variety of shops, restaurants, (snack) bars and cafés. The shops include a surf store and a shop with typically South African products.

Luggage

It is not possible to store luggage at this airport. The lost and found counter is located at the baggage handling area.

Information

In the Departure Hall, there is an information center of the Airports Company South Africa (tel: +27(0)31 451 6758). In addition, there are telephones throughout the terminal building that can be used to contact the information directly. In the Arrivals Hall, there is a hotel reservation table, as well a Mr Info touch screen with information about tourist attractions and places to see. In the domestic flight section, finally, there is an office of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority (tel: +27(0)31 451 6947).

Business

In the Arrivals Hall of the international terminal, there is a VIP Lounge and Conference Centre of ACSA (Airports Company South Africa). For reservations and more information, call: +27(0)31 451 6666. In the Departure Hall of the domestic section, there is a business lounge of South African Airways (tel: +27(0)31 450 2246). In addition, in the domestic terminal, there is a Rennies VIP lounge, that is open to anyone against payment.

More extensive business facilities are provided by the better hotels in Durban, like Protea Hotel Edward and The Royal (see under Hotels).

Disabled

The airport of Durban is very accessible to disabled . There are modified elevators and toilets. In addition, there are wheelchair slopes and handicapped parking spaces.

Other services

Exchange offices and ATM's are located in the Arrivals Hall and in the Departure Hall for international flights. The tourist agency in the Arrivals Hall offers fax and Internet facilities. Wireless Internet is available. In the Departure Hall, there is a pharmacy(tel: +27(0)31 408 1016). First Aid can be contacted via the information desk or via special telephones throughout the terminal building.

Contact

Address

Durban International Airport
Airports Company South Africa
PO Box X1
Durban International Airport 4029
South Africa

Telephone, fax, e-mail

Telephone: +27(0)31 451 6666
Fax: +27(0)31 451 6672
E-mail: via contact form

Airport codes

IATA airport code: DUR
ICAO airport code: FADN