About Flights from Durban to Johannesburg
Durban to Johannesburg is the return leg of one of SA's most-flown domestic routes. Travellers heading back to Gauteng after coastal breaks or KZN business trips will find King Shaka a manageable airport — smaller and calmer than OR Tambo. The flight itself is under an hour, making it one of the easiest domestic connections in South Africa. Peak demand on the DUR→JNB side spikes hard at the end of the December holiday season as the country returns home — if you're flying back in early January, book early or expect to pay significantly more.
Route Facts
| From | King Shaka International Airport (DUR) |
|---|---|
| To | OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Distance | ~560 km |
| Flight time | ~1 hour (direct) |
| Airlines | FlySafair, Airlink, CemAir, South African Airways |
| Peak periods | December, Easter, school holidays |
| Best value months | February–April, September–October |
Best Time to Book & Fly
February–April is the cheapest period on the DUR–JNB route after the holiday season ends. September and October are also good value. Early January sees very high fares as holiday-makers return to Johannesburg — book this leg as far ahead as possible. Midweek departures (Tues/Wed) are routinely cheaper than weekend flying.
Baggage & Booking Notes
Low-cost carriers (FlySafair, CemAir): 7 kg cabin bag included. Checked baggage is a paid add-on — add it at booking to avoid airport surcharges.
Full-service (SAA, Airlink): Typically includes one checked bag in the base fare. Confirm your specific fare rules at booking.
Always check total cost including baggage before committing — the cheapest base fare can become the most expensive once bags are added.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Durban to Johannesburg?
Under 1 hour — typically 50–60 minutes in the air nonstop.
Which airlines fly DUR to JNB?
FlySafair, Airlink, CemAir, and SAA operate this route regularly.
Which airport do I depart from in Durban?
King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located at La Mercy about 35 km north of the Durban CBD. Budget 45–60 minutes from the city centre.
Is the early January DUR→JNB flight expensive?
Yes — often very expensive. This is the peak return leg after the December holiday season. Book 2–3 months in advance if you can.
What is the baggage allowance?
FlySafair includes a 7 kg cabin bag; checked luggage is a paid extra. SAA and Airlink usually include one checked bag in the fare.
Are there nonstop options?
Yes — all carriers on DUR→JNB fly direct. At under 60 minutes, there is no reason for a connection.
Should I book separately or as a return?
Compare both. Split one-way tickets can sometimes save money, especially if you're flexible on airline.
Is there a Gautrain connection from OR Tambo?
Yes — the Gautrain runs from OR Tambo to Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria. It is the fastest and most stress-free way to reach northern Johannesburg from the airport.
Explore more flight routes
Compare related South Africa domestic routes before you book.