Getting Around Durban: A Visitor's Guide
Durban offers visitors several options for moving around the city, from public buses and trains to taxis and ride-hailing services. The choice depends on your comfort level, budget, and destination within this coastal city.
Arriving at King Shaka International Airport
King Shaka International Airport is located north of Durban and serves as the main entry point for visitors flying into the city. From the airport, you have several options for reaching your hotel or accommodation in the city centre or along the beachfront.
An affordable airport shuttle bus service operates from the terminal, departing every hour on the hour (or when the bus has gathered several passengers). This service costs R80 per person and provides a budget-friendly alternative to taxis, though journey times may be longer. Metered taxis are also available from a taxi rank near the airport, though fares to hotels on Marine Parade and the city centre can be substantial. Be aware that taxi drivers may approach you aggressively before you reach the official shuttle service.
Public Buses
Durban operates several bus services that are useful for getting around the city and to nearby suburbs.
The Durban People Mover is a dedicated service featuring CCTV cameras and wheelchair-accessible ramps. These buses run from 6 AM until 11 PM, departing every 15 minutes. They serve key destinations including the CBD, Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World, and the beachfront. A single trip costs R4 (valid for one hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis), or you can purchase a full-day pass for R10.
Mynah buses provide a cheaper option for travelling between the Berea suburbs and the city, with fares of R5 during off-peak hours (8 AM–3:30 PM) and R6 during peak times. These buses depart from the Workshop Terminus (Pine Street Terminus) every 30 minutes and serve destinations including Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, and various beach areas. Unlike some other services, Mynah buses display destinations on electronic displays rather than route numbers; you must flag the bus to stop at your chosen stop.
Aqualine buses serve suburban routes departing from the Pine Street Terminus approximately every hour. Weekly coupons are available and can save up to 35% compared to cash fares. Services connect to areas including Umhlanga Rocks, Pinetown, and major shopping destinations. It is advisable to have exact change when boarding and to request a receipt.
Train Services
Durban has two main rail networks serving different purposes. Metrorail KZN operates a commuter train network throughout the metropolitan area, with services connecting central Durban to various suburbs and nearby towns such as Pinetown and south coast resort areas. Schedules are primarily designed for commuters rather than tourists.
Intercity trains are limited, with Shosholoza Meyl operating services on Friday and Sunday nights from Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg to Durban Station, located about 1 kilometre north of the city centre along Umgeni Road.
Metered Taxis
Registered metered taxis are a common, relatively safe, and inexpensive way to get around Durban. Unlike minibus taxis, metered taxis do not operate set routes and must be called for pickup. They offer point-to-point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transport services. Several established taxi companies operate in Durban and can be contacted in advance.
Minibus Taxis
Minibus taxis, known locally as "combi taxis," are distinctive brightly decorated vehicles with music playing and conductors signalling from windows to indicate seat availability and destinations. They are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. However, they operate on set routes designed for commuters and are generally not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the city, as navigating routes and stops can be challenging. When in doubt, metered taxis or buses are safer choices.
Ride-Hailing Services
Uber operates in Durban and is popular throughout South Africa. It offers a fast and reliable taxi service and is often cheaper than traditional metered taxis. This option may appeal to visitors seeking a familiar booking method.
Walkability
The central bus station is a 20-minute walk from the beachfront, indicating that portions of the city centre are accessible on foot. However, specific information about pedestrian-friendly areas and walking conditions is limited, so it is advisable to check locally about walkability for your intended routes.
Getting Around by Car
Car rental is available and offers flexibility for exploring the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. If you choose this option, ensure you have updated street maps or GPS, as some street names have changed, and it helps to have a reference list of old and new names.
Other Options
Rickshaw rides are offered along the beachfront primarily as a tourist amusement rather than a serious transport option. For those seeking premium travel experiences, helicopter charter services operate from Virginia Airport and offer scenic flights and VIP transfers throughout the region.