Popular Airport | King Khalid Intl. Airport |
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Popular Airlines | |
Approximate Flight Duration | 7 hour 50 min |
Approximate Travel Distance | 6285 Km |
Taking a taxi in the morning or evening outside of rush hours is probably the most reliable method of transport to the airport in densely populated Durban. It’s also possible to reach the airport with rented cars or shuttle company buses.
You can reach the airport by taxi from the city centre in around 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It might be a good idea to speak with the taxi driver beforehand and let them know your time of departure to not have any bad surprises for your journey.
The shuttle buses that leave for the airport depart from Durban Station in the city centre, depart once every day at 8:00, 11:00, and 16:00 and reach the airport in around half an hour.
The traffic flows on the left side in Durban, so if you come from a country where you drive on the right it might be a better idea to hire a car with a driver rather than getting behind the steering wheel yourself. If you come from country where cars drive on the left side, you might be more at home with this option.
There is only one terminal in King Shaka Airport where there is an ABSA bank, which opens half an hour before the first flight and closes half an hour after the last flight. In addition, you can find financial services from the ATMs of First National Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. There is a prayer room for Muslims, and a post office that offers services depending on the first and last flights of the day. There are baby and childcare rooms that mothers can use.
In addition to these services, the airport has many lounges. The most exclusive ones are the South African Airways Business Class Lounge, found near the entrance of the terminal, and BIDVest Premier Lounge. In these lounges you can order some food and rest on comfortable seating areas to read books or newspapers.
Airport restaurants include; Cape Town Fish Market, Cosmic Candy, Big Five Duty Free, Fego Coffee Shop, Kauai, KFC, Milky Lane, Mugg&Bean, Panarottis, Rhapsody’s, Spur, Steers, Sweet Treat, The Airport Cellar, and Wimpy. There is also a Yemaya Nail Express, Woolworts, Vodashop, Tie Stop, The Urban Retreat, The Scoin Shop, NWJ Fine Jewellery, Sneakers, Sunglass Hunt, Nike, MTN, Moda Luggage&Leather, Khasav, Jeep, EM Native, and Electro Electronics for your shopping needs.
Taxis are available 24/7 at the arrivals area of King Khalid International Airport. They are usually metered, but confirming the fare with the driver beforehand is recommended. Expect the journey to the city center to take approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem offer alternative options to taxis with designated ride-hailing pick-up zones near terminals.
Public buses connect the airport to various parts of Riyadh, including the city center. They typically operate during daytime hours, but schedules and routes should be confirmed at the airport information desk. Look for clearly marked bus stops at the arrivals area.
Riyadh metro system consists of six lines, connecting 85 stations. Line 4, or also known as the Yellow Line, runs from King Khalid International Airport to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Passengers opting for public transportation can use the metro, as it is available at the airport exits, and tickets can be obtained from machines at the station.
Car rental agencies at the airport allow travelers to drive themselves to the city center. Ensure you have a valid international license and insurance. Parking is available at most hotels and key locations in Riyadh.
Many hotels in Riyadh provide shuttle services to and from the airport. Contact your hotel in advance to confirm pick-up arrangements and locations. These services are especially useful for first-time visitors.