Cheap Flights to Durban (DUR)

Passengers on flights to Durban can't help but be struck how much the ocean shapes this glittering city on South Africa's eastern coast. The deep blues of the Indian Ocean contrast perfectly with Durban's long golden shoreline. Thanks to the ocean, this port city has a thriving culture to go with its stunning beaches. Durban brims with a heady mix of Indian colour, Zulu sass and British cool – a combination that's never less than electric.

When should I book flights to Durban?

With the seasons in this southern hemisphere city flipped on their heads, you might think December to February would be a great time to come. But the heat and humidity here are sapping. Instead, the mild, dry spring months of September and October are when Durban is a delight. Luckily this is also when cheap flights to Durban South Africa become easy to find. Watch out for spikes in December, July and August, though. Ticket prices generally climb as your day of departure draws near, but you might just be able to get cheap tickets to Durban as late as three to four weeks before you head off.

Where can I fly to Durban from?

If you're looking for the shortest flights to Durban, then travel with a national carrier like British Airways. After a quick stopover in Johannesburg, you'll land in Durban 14 hours after taking off from Heathrow. For cheap flights to Durban South Africa, you’ll need to be prepared for a day or more spent travelling. Low-cost airlines flying from Gatwick, like Turkish and Emirates, have the best rates. From Birmingham, look to Lufthansa, Swiss International or Air France to cover the 8,000 miles in 16 to 18 hours. Further north, British Airways can whisk you to Durban from Glasgow and Edinburgh with a minimum of fuss and in maximum comfort.

Getting from King Shaka International Airport to my hotel

Built for the World Cup in 2010, King Shaka airport at La Mercy is about 20 miles north of Durban. Even those travelling on cheap flights to Durban can take advantage of its excellent hourly shuttle bus, which costs less than ZAR 100 and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre. A separate shuttle service serves the long line of beachfront hotels north of Durban. A taxi can be quicker, but will cost you as much as ZAR 400.

What can I do in Durban once my flight has landed?

This city's continental culture clash – where India meets Africa along a seemingly endless beach – offers plenty for the Durban-bound to do. Long days lazing in the sun or having fun with those curling ocean waves are one option. Dipping into the bright colours and spicy flavours from the world's largest Indian ex-pat community is another. But Durban has recently expanded its offering to visitors. In uShaka Marine World, it has a soaring world-class aquarium that is sure to delight. The Suncoast Casino is a spangled playground where you can shout with glee as stars perform – or get all glamourous watching the roulette wheels spin. Whatever you do, your memories of Durban are sure to be indelible.