Johannesburg to Durban
1h 01m The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) covers 478 km (297 miles) and takes approximately 1h 01m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south-east on an initial great-circle bearing of 144°, passing near 27.9° S, 29.7° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 52m | 1h 17m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 37m | 1h 02m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 32m | 57m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 34m | 59m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| JNB | DUR | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | O.R. Tambo International Airport | King Shaka International Airport |
| City | Johannesburg | Durban |
| Country | South Africa | South Africa |
| ICAO | FAOR | FALE |
| Coordinates | -26.1401, 28.2468 | -29.6144, 31.1197 |
| Elevation | 5,558 ft | 295 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Durban?
A non-stop flight from Johannesburg (JNB) to Durban (DUR) takes about 1h 01m. The great-circle distance is 478 km (297 miles, 258 nautical miles), flying south-east on an initial bearing of 144°.
How far is Johannesburg from Durban?
478 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 297 miles or 258 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between JNB and DUR?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 478 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Other routes from Johannesburg
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.