Umlazi is about 15 km south-west of the Durban city centre in a straight line. You can get to Durban by car on the M30 and M4, by Metrorail train, by Durban Transport bus or by minibus taxi.
Route or Service Overview
| Option | Main route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Car | M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway, then the M4 Inkosi Albert Luthuli Highway north into the city | Flexible door-to-door trips |
| Train | Metrorail KwaMashu-Umlazi line via Reunion to Durban station | Commuters near a station |
| Bus | Durban Transport Umlazi routes to the City and the Point | Scheduled trips from your section |
| Minibus taxi | Taxi routes from Umlazi ranks to central Durban | Frequent daytime trips |
The road distance depends on which of Umlazi’s 26 sections you start from, so use a map app for an exact figure. See where Umlazi is located for the bigger picture.
Start, End and Key Stops
- Start: your Umlazi section, Umlazi Mega City, or one of the Umlazi train stations: Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu or Zwelethu.
- On the way: the M30 leaves Umlazi near Umlazi Mega City and meets the R102 South Coast Road. The M4 starts at the Reunion Interchange with the N2 and R102 near the old Durban airport.
- End: central Durban, Durban station, or the Point area.
Directions and Transport Options
By car: take the M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway (formerly Mangosuthu Highway) east out of Umlazi towards Umlazi Mega City. Join the M4 Inkosi Albert Luthuli Highway (formerly the Southern Freeway) and follow it north into the Durban CBD. The N2 Outer Ring Road is an alternative if you are heading to Pinetown, the N3 or the north.
By train: board at Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu or Zwelethu. KwaMashu-Umlazi line trains run via Reunion towards Durban station. Check at the station which trains go through and whether you need to change.
By bus: Durban Transport’s Umlazi timetables include many trips to the City. For example, on the Umlazi U schedule, route 200 goes via South Coast Road and route 205 via the Southern Freeway. See the Umlazi bus timetable guide.
By taxi: minibus taxis leave from ranks across Umlazi for central Durban. Ask at your local rank which taxis go to town and where they drop off.
Travel Times, Fares or Timetables
Travel time depends on your section, the time of day and traffic on the M4 and N2. Peak-hour trips take much longer than midday or weekend trips.
- Bus timetables: download the Southern Area Bus Schedule from eThekwini’s Bus Schedules and Routes page. It is dated January 2026 and has weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables.
- Train times: check the timetable at Umlazi stations or ask Metrorail staff. A GroundUp report on 1 September 2026 said the KwaMashu-Umlazi line ran 17 return trips a day but did not always run to the posted times.
- Fares: we do not publish fares because they change often. Ask the driver, rank marshal or ticket office.
Route and timetable sources checked 13 September 2026.
Important Live Checks Before You Travel
- Check PRASA or Metrorail KZN announcements for train delays, cancellations or bus replacements.
- Check traffic reports for accidents or roadworks on the M30, M4 and N2, especially in the morning peak.
- Download the latest bus timetable instead of relying on shared screenshots.
- On public holidays, buses and trains may run a reduced service.
Nearby Places and Connections
Browse more routes in Umlazi directions. Before you leave, compare what is closer to home in Shopping in Umlazi, or find your nearest station and rank on the Umlazi Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many km is it from Umlazi to Durban?
Umlazi is about 15 km south-west of the Durban CBD in a straight line. The driving distance is longer and depends on your section, so check a map app.
What is the best road from Umlazi to Durban?
Most drivers take the M30 Griffiths Mxenge Highway out of Umlazi and then the M4 Inkosi Albert Luthuli Highway north into the city.
Is there a train from Umlazi to Durban?
Yes. Metrorail’s KwaMashu-Umlazi line serves Umlazi, Lindokuhle, KwaMnyandu and Zwelethu stations and runs via Reunion towards Durban station. Check current times at the station.
Where can I find the Metrorail timetable from Umlazi to Durban?
Timetables are posted at stations and announced by PRASA and Metrorail KZN. Times can change, so confirm on the day you travel.