If you’re looking for the most affordable flight in South Africa right now, FlySafair has the standout deal — a one-way trip from Johannesburg to Durban for only R470. For those needing a return ticket, the total cost sits at just R1,040, making it the most budget-friendly option on the market.
How the Prices Were Compared
This pricing was revealed through a recent comparison by TopAuto, which analyzed various domestic flight routes using Google Flights. The data was based on a one-week trip in early May 2025, tailored for a solo adult traveler flying economy, with one free carry-on and no checked baggage.
Flight Details: When and Where
The best deal available is a FlySafair flight scheduled for Sunday, 4 May. It departs O.R. Tambo International Airport at 06:00 and lands at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport by 07:15 — all for the bargain price of R470. A return flight on Sunday, 10 May, departing Durban at 19:40 and arriving in Johannesburg at 20:50, brings the round-trip total to R1,040.
Low-Demand Period Makes for Great Deals
Google Flights highlighted that this fare is lower than the average price for the route, thanks to the lower travel demand during that period.
Price Differences by Direction
Interestingly, the Durban to Johannesburg leg costs slightly more on its own, coming in at R570 — R100 higher than the reverse route. Still, this popular route between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remains one of the cheapest in the country, largely due to its high passenger volume and relatively short flight time of about 75 minutes over a distance of roughly 570 kilometers.
How Route Popularity Affects Pricing
In contrast, longer or less frequently traveled routes tend to be pricier. For example, a round-trip flight between Johannesburg and Mbombela came in second at R1,436, while Bloemfontein was close behind at R1,440. Cape Town, being much farther away, registered a higher fare of R1,940.
The Most Expensive Domestic Route
At the other end of the spectrum, a flight to Sishen in the remote Northern Cape cost a staggering R8,054 — despite being just as long in duration as the Johannesburg-Durban flight. This stark difference underscores how both demand and route popularity heavily influence airfare pricing.
A Great Time to Travel on a Budget
If you’re planning a quick and affordable getaway, now might be the perfect time to take advantage of FlySafair’s low fares and enjoy a short trip to Durban without breaking the bank.
Related article: Cheapest Cities to Fly to in South Africa – Plus the Best Road Trip Destinations
