Finding the cheapest ticket from Durban to Johannesburg can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt, but honestly, it’s totally doable once you know the tricks! I remember my first time trying to figure out the best way to get between these two fantastic cities without breaking the bank, and it took some digging. But don’t worry, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. This guide is packed with all the insider tips, airline breakdowns, and booking hacks you’ll need to score those sweet deals. We’re talking about everything from the best time to book to which airlines are usually your best bet. Ready to save some cash on your next trip? Let’s dive in and find those budget-friendly flights! If you’re eager to start searching right away, you can 👉 Find the best discounts on flights from Durban to Johannesburg here.
The route between Durban DUR and Johannesburg JNB is one of South Africa’s busiest, and for good reason. Whether you’re heading to Joburg for business, visiting family, or exploring the “City of Gold” for leisure, everyone wants to get there affordably. The good news is that with multiple airlines competing on this popular route, cheap flights from Durban to Johannesburg are quite common if you know where and when to look. Our goal here is to give you all the info you need to find not just a cheap ticket, but the cheapest possible one.
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Why Everyone Flies Durban to Johannesburg
The Durban to Johannesburg route is like a superhighway in the sky for South Africans. Durban, with its beautiful beaches and subtropical climate, is a popular holiday spot, while Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse, offering endless business opportunities, cultural experiences, and connections to the rest of the world. With roughly 500 kilometers separating the two cities, flying is by far the most convenient and time-efficient option, taking just about 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes in the air. This high demand and short flight time mean that airlines are constantly vying for your business, which creates a perfect environment for finding great deals.
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The Airlines Flying This Route: Who’s Who in the Sky?
You’ve got a few solid options when it comes to airlines flying from Durban King Shaka International DUR to Johannesburg. Knowing who flies where and what they offer is key to finding your cheapest ticket. The main players are FlySafair, Lift, and South African Airways, with Airlink and CemAir also offering routes.
FlySafair: Your Budget Champion
When you hear “cheapest flights from Durban to Johannesburg,” FlySafair often comes to mind first, and for good reason. They’ve built a strong reputation as a reliable low-cost carrier in South Africa. You’ll find a ton of FlySafair flights from Durban to Johannesburg, covering both O.R. Tambo JNB and Lanseria HLA airports.
- Pricing: FlySafair regularly offers one-way tickets starting as low as R433 to OR Tambo and R547 to Lanseria, though prices can vary quite a bit.
- Baggage: Typically, you get 7kg of hand luggage included. Checked baggage usually comes at an additional cost, often around R150 for 20kg, so keep that in mind when comparing overall prices.
- Punctuality: They boast a high on-time performance, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to stick to a schedule.
Lift Airlines: The New Kids on the Block
Lift Airlines launched a few years ago and quickly made a name for itself with a focus on flexibility and customer service. They’re definitely a strong contender if you’re looking for cheap flights from Durban to Johannesburg. Cheapest Ticket from Delhi to Toronto: Your Ultimate Guide
- Pricing: You can find one-way Lift flights from Durban to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo starting from around R439. Like FlySafair, their prices fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
- Flexibility: One of Lift’s big selling points is their flexibility – they often allow changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before departure with a refund to your Lift wallet, which is pretty handy if your plans are still up in the air.
- Baggage: Their “Economy – No Bag” option means just 7kg hand luggage. If you need a checked bag 23kg, you’d go for “Economy – 7kg hand luggage + 1 checked bag,” or pre-pay for extra luggage at about R150 per bag.
South African Airways SAA: The Legacy Carrier
While South African Airways SAA might not always be the absolute cheapest option, they are a well-established carrier offering a full-service experience. They fly direct from Durban to O.R. Tambo.
- Pricing: SAA flights tend to be a bit higher than the budget airlines, but sometimes they have competitive sales, so it’s always worth checking. Typical prices can range from $95–175.
- Inclusions: Often, SAA tickets include checked baggage and sometimes even a meal or snack, which can make the overall value comparable if you’d otherwise pay extra on a low-cost carrier.
Other Contenders: Airlink & CemAir
Airlink and CemAir also operate flights on this route, primarily to O.R. Tambo.
- Airlink: They’re known for their extensive regional network and reliable service. Their fares usually include checked baggage 20kg Economy, 30kg Business and in-flight meals/beverages, which can be a deciding factor for some travelers. One-way flights might start around R883.
- CemAir: Another option to consider, sometimes offering good deals, especially if other airlines are fully booked or more expensive. One-way flights could be around R869.
What About Mango Airlines?
You might still see searches for “cheapest flights from Durban to Johannesburg Mango,” but it’s crucial to know that Mango Airlines ceased operations. So, if you’re looking for cheap flights, you’ll need to focus on the active airlines like FlySafair, Lift, SAA, Airlink, and CemAir. Don’t waste your time looking for Mango flights!
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When to Book for the Best Deals
This is where the real magic happens! Timing is everything when it comes to getting a cheap ticket from Durban to Johannesburg. How to Snag the Cheapest Ticket from Delhi to Goa: Your Ultimate Guide
Best Time of Year to Fly
The prices for flights from Durban to Johannesburg can really swing depending on the season and local events.
- Cheapest Months: Generally, you’ll find the best prices in April, May, June, and January. Think about shoulder seasons or just after major holidays when demand dips.
- Most Expensive Months: December is almost always the priciest due to festive season travel. July can also be expensive, especially around the Durban July horse racing event, which draws a huge crowd.
Days of the Week Matter
Flexibility with your travel days can save you a bundle.
- Cheapest Days to Depart: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are frequently the cheapest days to fly. Some sources also suggest Mondays and Thursdays for FlySafair.
- Cheapest Time of Day: Evening flights are often less expensive than afternoon flights, potentially saving you up to 14-86% on your ticket! Early morning or late-night flights can also sometimes be cheaper as they’re less convenient for most travelers.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm Booking in Advance
This is probably the most consistent piece of advice you’ll hear for domestic flights: book ahead!
- Optimal Booking Window: Data suggests that booking around 40 to 59 days 6 to 8 weeks in advance is typically the sweet spot for finding the cheapest flights from Durban to Johannesburg.
- Last-Minute Trap: Waiting until the last minute usually means you’ll pay significantly more, especially on a busy route like this one. While you might occasionally get a fluke last-minute deal, it’s not a reliable strategy.
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Strategies to Snag Those Cheap Tickets
Now that you know the ‘when,’ let’s talk about the ‘how.’ Here are some tried-and-true tactics to help you lock in the lowest fares. How to Score the Best Bus Tickets from Cape Town to Mthatha
Be Flexible with Your Dates
I know I just hammered this home, but it’s worth repeating. If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, use the “flexible dates” or ” +/- 3 days” option on flight comparison websites. This lets you see a wider range of prices and often reveals significantly cheaper options just a day or two before or after your initial search.
Consider Both OR Tambo and Lanseria
Johannesburg has two main airports: O.R. Tambo International JNB and Lanseria International HLA. While O.R. Tambo is the largest and busiest, Lanseria can sometimes offer cheaper flights, particularly with FlySafair.
- Location: Lanseria is northwest of the city, while O.R. Tambo is east. Factor in the cost and time of getting to and from each airport to your final destination in Johannesburg. Sometimes a slightly cheaper flight to Lanseria might be offset by higher taxi or shuttle costs.
Use Flight Comparison Sites
Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo, and Travelstart are your best friends here. They aggregate prices from multiple airlines and online travel agencies, making it easy to compare at a glance.
- Search broad, then narrow: Start with a broad search for your dates, then use their filters to refine by airline, time of day, or other preferences.
- “Everywhere” or “Cheapest Month” features: Some sites offer tools to show you the cheapest days to fly across an entire month, or even to a destination if your dates are completely flexible.
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Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Price Alerts
Airlines love to send out promotions and flash sales to their subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from FlySafair, Lift, and SAA. Many flight comparison sites also let you set up price alerts for specific routes. You’ll get an email notification when the price drops, which can be super helpful for catching a deal on cheap flights from Durban to Johannesburg. How to Snag the Cheapest Air Ticket from Toronto to Calgary
Think About One-Way vs. Return Flights
Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a single return ticket. It’s not always the case, but it’s worth checking, especially with budget carriers. For example, you might find a cheap one-way flight from Durban to Johannesburg FlySafair and then a cheap one-way Lift flight back.
Pack Light: Beware of Baggage Fees
Remember what we discussed about baggage with FlySafair and Lift? Those checked bag fees can quickly add up. If you can manage with just a small carry-on bag usually 7kg, you’ll often save a good chunk of money. Always double-check the airline’s baggage policy before booking, as it can be the difference between a “cheap” ticket and a surprisingly expensive one. Lift, for example, charges R150 for an extra bag if pre-paid online.
Clear Your Cookies Incognito Mode
This is a classic travel hack! Some websites might track your searches and potentially increase prices if they see you repeatedly looking at the same route. While not definitively proven across all platforms, it doesn’t hurt to search for flights in an incognito or private browsing window, or to clear your browser’s cookies.
Check Direct with Airlines
While comparison sites are great, sometimes the airline’s own website might have exclusive deals or slightly different pricing. After you’ve found a good option on a comparison site, it’s always a good idea to quickly jump over to the airline’s official site e.g., FlySafair’s website or Lift’s website to see if you can beat that price.
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Average Flight Prices: What to Expect
It’s tough to give an exact “average” price because, as you’ve seen, it fluctuates so much! However, to give you a rough idea, for a one-way flight from Durban to Johannesburg, you can sometimes find tickets starting anywhere from R400 to R700 on budget carriers if you book in advance and are flexible. Return flights can range from R800 to R1500+, depending heavily on the season, how far out you book, and the specific airline. During peak season, expect those prices to jump significantly.
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Beyond the Ticket Price: Hidden Costs
A “cheap flight” isn’t always the cheapest total cost. Don’t get caught out by these common extras:
- Baggage Fees: We’ve covered this, but it’s the biggest one. If your ticket doesn’t include checked luggage, factor in the cost.
- Seat Selection: Many low-cost carriers charge extra if you want to pick your specific seat. If you’re okay with whatever seat you get, you can skip this.
- Airport Transfers: How will you get from O.R. Tambo or Lanseria to your final destination in Johannesburg? Taxis, ride-sharing apps, Gautrain from OR Tambo, or shuttle services all have different costs. A cheaper flight to Lanseria might mean a more expensive transfer if your final destination is on the other side of Joburg.
- In-flight Snacks/Drinks: Budget airlines typically charge for everything on board. If you need a drink or a snack, plan to bring your own or buy it at the airport before you board. Airlink, however, usually includes meals and beverages.
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Making Your Trip Smooth
Once you’ve nailed down that cheap ticket from Durban to Johannesburg, here are a few more tips to ensure your journey is stress-free: Dubai to Cairo: Your Ultimate Flight Guide
- Arrive Early: For domestic flights, arriving at King Shaka International Airport DUR at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before your scheduled departure is a good rule of thumb. This gives you enough time for check-in, security, and finding your gate without rushing.
- Online Check-in: Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours before departure. This can save you time at the airport, especially if you only have hand luggage. Lift’s online check-in closes 2 hours before departure.
- Airport Facilities: Both Durban’s King Shaka International and Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo and Lanseria airports offer a range of facilities, including food outlets, shops, and lounges, so you can relax before your flight.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to securing the best possible deal for your flight from Durban to Johannesburg. Happy travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Durban to Johannesburg?
The direct flight from Durban King Shaka International Airport DUR to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo JNB or Lanseria HLA typically takes about 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes in the air.
Which airlines fly direct from Durban to Johannesburg?
The main airlines offering direct flights on this route are FlySafair, Lift, South African Airways SAA, Airlink, and CemAir. You’ll find plenty of options across these carriers.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Durban to Johannesburg?
Generally, the cheapest months to fly from Durban to Johannesburg are April, May, June, and January. Avoid December if you’re looking for the absolute lowest prices, as it’s usually the most expensive. How to Snag the Cheapest Flight Ticket from Cape Town to Mthatha
How far in advance should I book my flight to get the cheapest price?
For the best deals on flights from Durban to Johannesburg, aim to book your ticket 40 to 59 days roughly 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Booking too close to your departure date will almost always result in higher prices.
Is it cheaper to fly to O.R. Tambo JNB or Lanseria HLA from Durban?
Sometimes, flights to Lanseria HLA can be cheaper than to O.R. Tambo JNB, especially with budget airlines like FlySafair. However, always compare the total cost, including airport transfers, as Lanseria might be further from your final destination in Johannesburg, potentially negating any flight savings.
Do I get free baggage on flights from Durban to Johannesburg?
It depends on the airline and the specific fare you book. Low-cost carriers like FlySafair and Lift often include only 7kg of hand luggage, with checked bags costing extra around R150 per bag. Airlines like South African Airways SAA and Airlink typically include a checked baggage allowance in their standard fares. Always check the baggage policy before booking!
What are the cheapest days of the week to fly from Durban to Johannesburg?
You’ll often find the cheapest flights if you depart on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. Evening flights can also be more affordable than those in the afternoon. Being flexible with your travel dates is a key strategy for saving money.
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