The “Umlazi 5” bus is Durban Transport’s Umlazi U route, one of six Umlazi route groups on eThekwini’s official bus schedule. Here is what each route covers, where to get the current timetable, and how buses fit with trains and taxis.
Route or Service Overview
Durban Transport is the municipal bus service run under eThekwini Municipality. Its Southern Area schedule, dated January 2026, has separate timetables for these Umlazi routes:
| Timetable | Area served in Umlazi |
|---|---|
| Umlazi 1 | F and G sections, starting from Umlazi Station |
| Umlazi 2 | M and R sections, starting from Umlazi Station |
| Umlazi 3 and 7 | C and J sections |
| Umlazi 4 | BB Section |
| Umlazi 5 | U Section |
| Umlazi 6 | Z and AA sections |
Each Umlazi timetable lists buses by a three-digit route number that shows the destination. For example, on the Umlazi U schedule route 200 runs via South Coast Road to the City, route 205 via the Southern Freeway to the City, and route 238 to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
Start, End and Key Stops
Destinations listed on the Umlazi timetables include:
- Durban city centre (the City and the Point)
- Southern industrial areas: Jacobs Crossing, Mobeni, Prospecton, the Bayhead and the oil refineries
- Bluff and South Durban: Fynnland and Brighton Beach
- Further afield: Sydenham, the Westville university campus, Pinetown and Umhlanga Rocks on selected trips
- Hospitals: Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, King Edward VIII Hospital and Clairwood Hospital on selected trips
Route list taken from the eThekwini Southern Area bus schedule (January 2026), checked 13 September 2026.
Directions and Transport Options
- Bus: Durban Transport routes as above. Check the timetable for your section.
- Train: Metrorail’s KwaMashu-Umlazi line has four stations in Umlazi: Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu and Zwelethu. Trains continue via Reunion to Durban station and on to KwaMashu.
- Minibus taxi: taxis serve every section and run to central Durban and nearby areas. Routes and fares are set by taxi associations, so ask at the rank.
- By car: the M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway runs through Umlazi and connects with the R102, the M4 to Durban and the N2.
Travel Times, Fares or Timetables
The official Umlazi timetables are in the Southern Area Bus Schedule spreadsheet on eThekwini’s Bus Schedules and Routes page. Each route has separate Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday tables.
On the Umlazi U (route 5) schedule, the first weekday buses leave Umlazi U at 04:00, and the latest listed weekday trip back to Umlazi U leaves the Point at 23:30. Buses run most often on route 200 to the City.
We do not publish bus or train fares because they change. Ask the driver or check with Durban Transport or PRASA before you travel. Train times are on Metrorail notices at stations.
Timetable details checked 13 September 2026 against the eThekwini schedule dated January 2026. The eThekwini page lists GO!Durban as “coming soon”.
Important Live Checks Before You Travel
- Download the latest schedule from eThekwini rather than relying on old screenshots shared on social media.
- Train services can be delayed or suspended. A GroundUp report on 1 September 2026 said the KwaMashu-Umlazi line was running 17 return trips a day, but trains did not always keep to the posted timetable.
- Check for public holiday timetables, protests or road closures on the M30, M4 and N2 before long trips.
- Carry small change for taxis and keep your phone out of sight at busy ranks.
Nearby Places and Connections
Plan your trip into town with Umlazi to Durban, find your stop on the Umlazi Map, or see what is near the stations in Shopping in Umlazi. Return to the Umlazi local guide for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Umlazi 5 bus?
Umlazi 5 is Durban Transport’s timetable for buses serving Umlazi U Section. It is part of eThekwini’s Southern Area bus schedule.
Where can I get the Umlazi bus timetable?
Download the Southern Area Bus Schedule from the Bus Schedules and Routes page on eThekwini’s website. It includes the Umlazi 1 to 7 routes.
Which Umlazi bus route serves BB Section?
Umlazi 4 serves BB Section. Umlazi 6 serves Z and AA sections.
Is there a train from Umlazi?
Yes. Metrorail’s KwaMashu-Umlazi line stops at Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu and Zwelethu stations, then runs via Reunion to Durban. Service levels vary, so check with PRASA.