Flights to Durban

What are the best places to stay in Durban?

Station Drive Precinct

Station Drive Precinct is a hip residential area. Book your flights to Durban and make your way around the area’s craft breweries, grab breakfast at the Morning Trade Market on Sundays, and shop the latest trends from local fashion designers. The neighbourhood is a 30-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and is close to the beaches as well as the city centre.

Morningside

Located 26 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Morningside is one of the best neighbourhoods in Durban thanks to its bustling Florida Road. The two-kilometre street is lined with Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings that house pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries. If you want to soak up the city's nightlife, you can't go wrong with a flights to Durban and a hotel in Morningside.

North Beach

North Beach is where you'll find one of the most popular beaches in Durban, as well as the famous Durban Beach Front Promenade. It stretches from the Moses Mabhida Stadium to uShaka Marine World, and there's a skate park along the way. The only downside is that it's a 30-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport (DUR). With no public transport options available, you'll need to hire a car once your flights to Durban land or use the airport’s WiFi to request an Uber to your hotel.

Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks is one of Durban's most affluent areas. Its palm-lined streets are where you'll find some of the best hotels and restaurants in South Africa. Stay here if you're planning to use return flights to Durban to indulge in a luxurious holiday.

What are the best cafes in Durban?

Lineage Coffee

Located in Hillcrest, Lineage Coffee is a firm favourite of coffee lovers in Durban. The cafe’s steampunk vibe has a loyal local following, and its brew won the coveted KZN Cafe Society Awards in 2016. As Hillcrest is 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre, you'll need to hire a car with your flights to Durban if you want to get your caffeine fix here.

The Bean Green Coffee Roastery

For a great cup of coffee located slightly closer than Hillcrest, head to the Bean Green Coffee Roastery in Bulwer once you’re settled in from your flights to Durban. It's a quick 10-minute drive from the city centre and has been featured by the KZN Cafe Society for its award-winning cappuccino. The cafe roasts their Ethiopian coffee beans on-site, and you can browse local artworks while you sip your coffee.

Coffee Tree

Coffee Tree is one of Durban's quirkiest coffee shops. It has two branches in Glenwood and Umhlali in Ballito. It is a must-visit for coffee lovers travelling on an airfare to Durban. Glenwood is only a short drive from attractions like uShaka Marine World, making it a good option for breakfast or lunch.

What are the top tips for travelling with children to Durban?

Go on a hike

For a family day trip everyone will love, plan a hike to Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. You can meander through coastal dune forests while keeping an eye out for some of the 208 bird species in the reserve. Visitors can sign up for a 30-minute guided walk (which can be booked before your flights to Durban arrive), or you can follow the well-marked route by yourself. The walk isn't too strenuous, so it’s a good option if you’re holidaying on plane tickets to Durban with younger children. It is also a great way of getting out of the city for a few hours.

Visit Funworld

Funworld is one of the best things to do with kids in Durban. The beachfront amusement park will keep young children busy for hours, from trips in the aerial cableway overlooking the city, to turns on the thrilling bumper cars. Most rides cost between R10-15 (up to $1.50 AUD), so it’s a relatively affordable activity for families buying cheap flights to Durban and who want to keep to a strict budget.

Valley of 1000 Hills

Get the kids tickets to Durban and head for the Valley of 1000 Hills. You can hop on-board vintage steam trains and cruise around one of South Africa's oldest railway lines. The train runs from Kloof Station until Inchanga Station on the last Sunday of every month, and tickets cost between R140-200 ($14 to $20 AUD). When you get off at Inchanga, you can shop at the craft market or experience a traditional South African braai at the nearby picnic area.