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Cheap Flights to Johannesburg From Durban, Special Deals
Interactive map with cheap flight prices from Durban, South Africa.
Find Cheap Flights from Durban to Johannesburg
Are you looking for cheap flights between Durban and Johannesburg? This popular South African route offers plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. Let’s explore how to find the best deals and what to expect when flying between these cities.
How Much Does a Durban to Johannesburg Flight Cost?
Flight prices between Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) typically range from R500 to R1,500 one-way, depending on the flight, and the price may change from time to time.
However, you can sometimes find special deals for under R500 if you book at the right time. Using comparison sites like cheapflightcheck.com helps you spot these bargains quickly without checking multiple airline websites.
The Flight Experience
The journey from Durban to Johannesburg covers about 500 km (310 miles) and takes approximately 1 hour of flying time. This makes it much faster than the 5-6 hour drive along the N3 highway. Most planes used on this route are single-aisle aircraft like Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s that provide a comfortable ride for this short hop.
Budget Airlines on the Durban-Johannesburg Route
Several airlines compete for passengers on this busy route, which helps keep prices reasonable. FlySafair usually offers the lowest fares, and I usually use it from Cape Town to other cities in South Africa, which run multiple flights daily between these cities. Their pricing model makes it easy to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Kulula is another budget option with a reputation for friendly service and occasional promotional fares. Its distinctive green livery is a common sight at both airports, and it frequently runs special offers worth checking on cheapflightcheck.com.
Lift Airlines has entered the market more recently but already offers competitive pricing. They’ve focused on customer-friendly policies like more flexible booking changes, which is useful if your travel plans shift.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Booking 4-8 weeks before your trip usually yields the best prices on the Durban-Johannesburg route. Last-minute deals do happen, but they’re not guaranteed, especially during busy travel days.
Sunday evenings are normally a good time to search for flight deals online. Many airlines adjust their pricing at the beginning of the week, and comparison sites like cheapflightcheck.com can show you which carriers have the best current offers.
School holidays and major public holidays see price increases across all airlines. If you need to travel during these periods, booking well in advance becomes even more important for keeping costs reasonable.
Cheapest Days to Fly
Mid-week flights generally offer better value than weekend travel. Tuesday and Wednesday flights from Durban to Johannesburg are usually 15-20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights when many leisure travelers are on the move.
Early morning flights (departing before 7 AM) or evening flights (after 7 PM) normally have lower fares. While these times might be less convenient, the savings can be substantial, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
King Shaka International Airport Tips
Durban’s King Shaka International is located about 35 km north of the city center in La Mercy. The airport is modern and efficient, making for a pleasant departure experience.
Getting to the airport from Durban takes about 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The airport shuttle service costs around R80-R100 per person, while an Uber or taxi might cost R250-R350 from central Durban.
King Shaka offers reasonably priced food options before security, so consider eating before entering the departure area if you’re watching your budget. The domestic terminal has fewer and sometimes pricier dining choices once you’re past security.
Arriving at O.R. Tambo International
O.R. Tambo International Airport serves as South Africa’s main aviation hub. After your short flight from Durban, you’ll find yourself in a much larger facility with many transportation options.
The Gautrain is perhaps the most efficient way to reach Johannesburg’s central areas from the airport. This modern rapid rail service connects to Sandton in about 15 minutes (R190) and Pretoria in about 40 minutes (R270).
For budget travelers, the Rea Vaya bus network can get you to various parts of Johannesburg at a fraction of the Gautrain cost, though it takes longer and requires more navigation skills. Many budget travelers use cheapflightcheck.com to find both flight and ground transportation deals as part of their trip planning.
Money-Saving Travel Hacks
To be informed about flash bargains, subscribe to airline newsletters. For short periods, budget airlines occasionally provide incredibly inexpensive fares, as low as R400 one-way between these locations.
To keep an eye on fare trends, use price comparison websites such as cheapflightcheck.com. These services might help you make reservations at the best time by notifying you when rates decrease on the dates you have selected.
Seek out packages that cover lodging or a rental car in addition to flying. These packages can occasionally be less expensive than purchasing each component separately, particularly when
What to Do in Johannesburg on a Budget
Johannesburg offers many affordable activities once you arrive. The Apartheid Museum offers student discounts and is occasionally free on certain public holidays. Constitution Hill also has reasonably priced tours that provide insight into South Africa’s history.
Maboneng Precinct offers free walking tours on Sundays where you can explore street art and urban culture without spending much. The area also has affordable cafes and shops worth exploring.
Melville and Braamfontein neighborhoods offer good-value restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife popular with students and young professionals. These areas provide authentic Johannesburg experiences without the high prices of more touristy districts.
Nature lovers can enjoy Johannesburg’s public parks like Delta Park or The Wilds, which offer free entry and beautiful green spaces for picnics or walking.
Business Travel Tips
If you’re traveling for business, consider joining airline loyalty programs even for these short domestic flights. The points accumulate quickly on frequently traveled routes like Durban-Johannesburg.
Many hotels near O.R. Tambo offer free airport shuttles, which can save transportation costs. If meetings are near the airport, these hotels often have day rates for travelers who need a base between meetings.
Book refundable fares if your meeting schedule might change. While slightly more expensive initially, they can save money compared to booking new last-minute flights if plans shift.
Make Your Trip Even Smoother
Download your airline’s app before travel day for mobile check-in and digital boarding passes. This saves time at the airport and helps you monitor any flight status changes.
Pack light with just carry-on luggage if possible. This not only saves on potential baggage fees but also means you can head straight to ground transportation upon arrival instead of waiting at baggage claim.
Bring your snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security. In-flight purchases can be surprisingly expensive on short routes, and this simple preparation keeps costs down.
Whether you’re visiting family, heading to business meetings, or exploring Johannesburg’s urban landscape, finding cheap flights from Durban makes the journey affordable. With regular price checks on cheapflightcheck.com and flexible travel dates when possible, you can enjoy this quick trip without straining your budget.