MSC Cruises Parking at Durban Harbour Guide: What You Need to Know

The car parking rates at N-Shed Durban Cruise Terminal, when travelling on an MSC Cruises, will be ZAR 150.00 per car, per night. The parking is on a first come first serve basis and can not be pre-booked

The new parking facilities at the terminal are similar to airport parking, in that the cars are parked under shade cloth. There is no valet parking or valet service at Durban Harbour.

Where is the Durban cruise terminal?

The new Durban Cruise Terminal, where all MSC Cruises ships departs from, is situated a stone trough away from the uShaka Marine World. 

It is an MSC Cruises operated facility open from November to April and functions as the passenger terminal.

Durban downtown is within 10 minutes walking distance from the terminal. However, due to safety concerns, it is better to use private drivers (Uber) or transfers.

The Cruise Terminal is now at: 65 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Point, Durban

Where do MSC Cruises depart from in Durban, South Africa?

Durban is the biggest departure port in Southern Africa for MSC.

All MSC Cruises' ships depart from the Kwazulu Cruise Terminal the only Durban Passenger terminal.

Kwazulu Cruise Terminal is located northeast of the Durban harbour, next to uShaka Marine World.

During the 2024/2025 Season, the MSC Musica will be based out of Durban and visiting the popular 3 nights cruises to Portuguese Island and the 4 nights to Pomene.

Related: All MSC Cruises departing from Durban

Where is the MSC Cruises parking in Durban port?

The entrance to the self-service parking is clearly indicated when you get to the terminal

Car parking at Durban Harbour - can you leave your car during your trip?

There are limited car parking spaces at the Cruise Terminal. The new car park is like an airport parking, under shade cloth.

When you get to the car park, you will get asked for your cruise ticket by one of the parking staff. 

For any of the MSC Cruises, it will cost ZAR 200.- per car per night to be parked at the terminal.

You can not pre-book your Parking slots, it will be allocated on a first come first serve. 

We recommend arriving early as there is very limited availability; the new parking will have only 300 bays on site.

It is self-service parking, meaning you have to park your own car and take your own luggage to the luggage drop off zone. There is no valet parking at the Durban facility provided by MSC.   

How far is the parking from the check-in area?

You will not need a shuttle bus service from the self-service car park to the terminal, as it is within walking distance, about 300 to 400 metres.

How much does it cost to leave your car at the parking?

For any MSC Cruises passengers, the cost of leaving your vehicles at the port will be R 150.- per car, per night.

As a "normal" car park, you will pay for your parking when you pick your car up at the end of your trip. 

A note that all the parking facilities are secure parking, but still at the owner's risk. 

How to get to Durban port in my own car?

Driving to Durban port from Joburg:

• Stay on the N3 when approaching Durban from Johannesburg (Pietermartizburg).
• Stay on the N3 all the way to town.
• At one stage you will pass three elephants on the left hand side; keep right to stay on the N3.
• After the highway bend, you will see directions to the port; stay on the right to take Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street.
• At the bottom of the offramp, at the traffic lights, turn right onto Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street.
• Drive all the way down to the bottom of Dr Yusuf Daddo Street and keep left.
• At the traffic light, when you see the harbour, continue straight on Margaret Mnacadi Ave.
• Margaret Mnacadi Ave will change into Cr Langalibalele Dube St. Continue straight until the next traffic light, just before the bridge. 
• At the traffic light turn right on Mahatma Gandhi Rd.
• Drive all the way down Mahatma Gandhi Rd. You will eventually see the Cruise Terminal on your Right. 

Driving from King Shaka Airport (North Coast)

• When getting to Umhlanga join M4.
• On the M4 drive into Durban on Florence Nzama Street.
• Drive through the city, the road will change name to Cato Street.
• Continue straight until you see the big red brick building of Customs and Excise.
• Turn right onto Margaret Mncadi Avenue.
• At the traffic light, when you see the harbour, continue straight on Margaret Mnacadi Ave.
• Margaret Mnacadi Ave will change into Cr Langalibalele Dube St. Continue straight until the next traffic light, just before the bridge. 
• At the traffic light turn right on Mahatma Gandhi Rd.
• Drive all the way down Mahatma Gandhi Rd. You will eventually see the Cruise Terminal on your Right.

Driving from Amanzimtoti (South Coast)

• Drive on the N2 towards Durban.
• Take exit 151 to merge on M4 toward Durban.
• Continue on the M4.
• On the left, you will see the railway line and train station.
• After driving under the passenger bridge, keep left.
• Take exit 3 to merge onto Margaret Mnacdi Ave.
• At the traffic light, when you see the harbour, continue straight on Margaret Mnacadi Ave.
• Margaret Mnacadi Ave will change into Cr Langalibalele Dube St. Continue straight until the next traffic light, just before the bridge. 
• At the traffic light turn right on Mahatma Gandhi Rd.
• Drive all the way down Mahatma Gandhi Rd. You will eventually see the Cruise Terminal on your Right.

How far is uShaka Marine World from the port?

uShaka Marine World is just behind the terminal. As the port is not safe, you should get a transfer service (Uber) to drop you at uShaka.

It is a great experience with amazing customer reviews. It will cost you R80.- per adult to get in.

How far is Umdloti Beach from the port?

Umdloti Beach is 30 km, 45 minutes from Durban Port.

Does MSC provide a shuttle service to the port?

MSC Cruises provides a shuttle service from King Shaka (Durban) Airport for a hassle-free holiday.

The shuttle departs every hour from midday for the 2024/2025 season whilst the ship is in harbour, with the last shuttle leaving the airport three hours before departure. 

What is the address for the Kwazulu Natal Cruise Terminal?

On Google Maps: Kwazulu Cruise Terminal, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point, Durban

Google Maps Link: Click here for Google Map

Published 13 January 2021 updated 15 November 2022