Johannesburg to Durban flight pathHLADUR

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time55m
Distance320
Heading143° → 142°
Best side
Left
★ 3.0 left·★ 2.5 right

While the right side offers glimpses of the Drakensberg foothills and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands during cruise, the left side combines a scenic Johannesburg skyline at takeoff with a striking coastal and harbor approach into Durban, making it the more visually rewarding side overall.

Flown HLA to DUR? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Johannesburg to Durban is 320 miles (515 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.

Rolling KwaZulu-Natal Midlands farmland, distant Drakensberg foothills to the west, and the Tugela River valley crossing beneath the flight path.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from HLA

LEFT

Departing HLA to the southeast, the left side offers a view back over Johannesburg's northern and eastern suburbs, including the Sandton skyline, before the terrain flattens into the Highveld farmland below.

Sandton skylineJohannesburg northern suburbsHighveld farmland patchwork
HLA LanseriaHub for FlySafair, Airlink
Aerial window seat view during landing at Durban (left side) — Durban Golden Mile beachfront, Durban harbor entrance, Bluff headland, Indian Ocean coastline

Landing at DUR

LEFT

On approach into DUR from the northeast over the Indian Ocean, the left side reveals Durban's coastline, the Golden Mile beachfront, and the harbor entrance as the aircraft descends toward the runway.

Durban Golden Mile beachfrontDurban harbor entranceBluff headlandIndian Ocean coastline
DUR King Shaka International AirportDurban, South Africa

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lanseria (HLA) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Durban. While the right side offers glimpses of the Drakensberg foothills and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands during cruise, the left side combines a scenic Johannesburg skyline at takeoff with a striking coastal and harbor approach into Durban, making it the more visually rewarding side overall.

What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?

During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HLA to the southeast, the left side offers a view back over Johannesburg's northern and eastern suburbs, including the Sandton skyline, before the terrain flattens into the Highveld farmland below. Notable sights include: Sandton skyline, Johannesburg northern suburbs, Highveld farmland patchwork.

What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?

When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into DUR from the northeast over the Indian Ocean, the left side reveals Durban's coastline, the Golden Mile beachfront, and the harbor entrance as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Durban Golden Mile beachfront, Durban harbor entrance, Bluff headland, Indian Ocean coastline.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Durban?

The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 320 miles (515 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Johannesburg to Durban flight path pass over?

Rolling KwaZulu-Natal Midlands farmland, distant Drakensberg foothills to the west, and the Tugela River valley crossing beneath the flight path.