A direct flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth takes some 1h15m. The driving distance between Durban and Port Elizabeth is some 926km.
Road trip
You can drive from Durban to Port Elizabeth along the N2 National Road. It's some 910km taking you through Amanzimtoti, Port Shepstone, Kokstad, Mthatha, King Williams Town and Grahamstown.
Velvet Sky commences Durban to Port Elizabeth flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Opening price is R439.
27 Mar 2011
Comair stops flying Kulula from Durban to Port Elizabeth, and starts flying BA.
Durban to Port Elizabeth by bus
If you don't want to fly or drive yourself, another option is to hop on a bus from Durban to Port Elizabeth. The time taken for the trip is on the right hand side:
This is a hop-on hop-off bus tour which Baz Bus runs across South Africa. Most popular amongst backpackers, it has stops at 180 youth hostels en route. On your way from Durban to Port Elizabeth you can disembark at Umkomaas, Umzumbe, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, Kokstad, Mthatha, Port St Johns, Chintsa, East London and Port Alfred.
Durban to Port Elizabeth (stopping at Port Shepstone, Harding, Kokstad, Mt Frere, Qumbu, Tsola, Umtata, Idutywa, Butterworth, East London, King Williams Town, Pedie, Grahamstown, Coega and Motherwell)
The Greyhound bus operates a traditional bus service through the main centres of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The route between Durban and Port Elizabeth stops in Port Shepstone, Kokstad, Mt Frere, Umtata, Butterworth, Kei Bridge, East London, King Williams Town, Pedie and Grahamstown.
Durban to Port Elizabeth - either on their TransLux or City to City (no frills) bus
14h40m
Durban to PE by train
There is no direct rail service between Durban and Port Elizabeth (you'd have to travel via Johannesburg).
By boat
In South Africa's cruise season (from November to April), there are usually MSC Starlight cruises to Port Elizabeth from Durban and on to Cape Town. The opportunity is offered to get off and see Port Elizabeth, but not to end your voyage at this point (you have to carry on to Cape Town).
Top reviews
7 May 2009. This is what happens when you miss your flight: "Try… missing the only flight out of Durban to Port Elizabeth on the day of your expected departure! For once it was not due to procrastination or tardiness but basic human error on the part of Hubby – he read our car hire information and mistook it for our flight time! The look of absolute disbelief on his face, when we approached the flight desk and were told that the flight had already departed, I will never forget!
So there we stood, 2 huge bags, 1 camp cot, 1 set of golf clubs and no flight! Eldest was in tears and Wee One didn’t have a 18 month old clue! While Hubby tried to book us on the next flight, the next day, I took the boys to the sweet shop as the situation called for chocolate even if it was only 8:30 in the morning. Unfortunately, chocolate was not going to do it for Hubby who spent the rest of the day starring into the nothingness and shaking his head, reliving the moment over and over again. You have to understand the man is a Virgo, perfectionist and financial accountant, missing a flight due to personal oversight and then still having to pay for the pleasure, shook him to his core!"
Hotels in PE
Popular hotels in Port Elizabeth are the Paxton & the Kings Apartment Hotels. Those watching their budgets may want to try the Bluewater Guesthouse, whilst if you think your wallet is putting on too much weight, then spend a few nights at the Lalibela Game Reserve.