Durban's central business district, beachfront, and uShaka Marine World area.

About Durban City Center

Durban (eThekwini in Zulu) is South Africa\'s third-largest city and the busiest port in Africa, situated on the warm Indian Ocean coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The Golden Mile beachfront stretches from uShaka Marine World—a massive aquarium and water park built into a replicated shipwreck—northward past surf beaches, the Moses Mabhida Stadium (built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with its iconic arch), and the beachfront promenade popular with joggers and rickshaw riders.

Durban has the largest Indian diaspora community outside of India, reflected in the Victoria Street Market and the bustling Indian Quarter (Grey Street) where curry houses, spice merchants, and textile shops create a Little India atmosphere. Bunny chow—a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry—was invented here and remains Durban\'s signature dish. The city centre has an Art Deco heritage along Smith Street, while the surrounding area offers the Valley of 1,000 Hills for Zulu cultural experiences and the Drakensberg Mountains within a three-hour drive.

Nearby Landmarks

uShaka Marine World Moses Mabhida Stadium Victoria Street Market Golden Mile Beach Durban Botanic Gardens

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 25-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $15-20
Time 25-40 min

Arrivals Level, designated ride-hailing zone

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take the Airport Shuttle SA from King Shaka Airport to Durban city center.
2. Shuttles depart regularly (ZAR 80–100, ~40 min).
3. Alternatively, Uber from the airport: ZAR 300–500 (30–45 min).
4. Metered taxi: approximately ZAR 400–600.
5. Rental car via N2 South: 30–40 min to beachfront hotels.

King Shaka Airport Shuttle

Cost $8-12
Time 35-45 min
Frequency Every 60-90 minutes

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $15-20 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $8-12 35-45 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Airport Shuttle SA service runs until approximately 10:00 PM. After that, metered taxis and Uber are available 24/7 from the airport (ZAR 400–600 to city center). The beachfront area is active until about 10:00 PM. Florida Road, Durban's restaurant strip, has bars open until midnight. Walking alone on the beachfront after dark is not recommended.

Luggage Tips

Airport shuttle buses have luggage compartments. Uber and taxis handle bags well. Durban's beachfront hotels (Elangeni, Garden Court) have bell service. If visiting the Victoria Street Market, travel light—the market is crowded and not suitable for dragging luggage. Keep bags in your vehicle or hotel.

Accessibility

The Durban beachfront promenade is flat, wide, and wheelchair-accessible—one of South Africa's most accessible waterfronts. uShaka Marine World has accessible facilities. Moses Mabhida Stadium has wheelchair access including the funicular to the arch. Hotels along the beachfront are generally accessible. The Indian Quarter has narrow, uneven sidewalks.