Cheap Flights to Pietermaritzburg – Tips, Airlines & Booking Guide
️ Cheap Flights to Pietermaritzburg – Tips, Airlines & Booking Guide
Introduction
Looking for cheap flights to Pietermaritzburg? Whether you’re traveling for business, attending the iconic Comrades Marathon, or exploring the Midlands Meander, this guide covers everything you need: airlines, booking strategies, seasonal price trends, and insider tips. Pietermaritzburg (PZB) may not be as big as Durban or Johannesburg, but with smart planning, you can land affordable deals without compromising convenience.
For travelers coming from Cape Town, check out our main hub guide: Flights from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg – Your Complete 2025 Travel Guide.
Which Airlines Fly to Pietermaritzburg?
Pietermaritzburg Airport is a small regional hub mainly serving domestic routes. Major airlines include:
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Airlink – Frequent flights connecting Pietermaritzburg with Cape Town and Johannesburg.
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FlySafair – Competitive low-cost carrier offering affordable tickets.
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SAA Codeshares – Occasionally available through Johannesburg connections.
Related route: Flights from Cape Town to George for travelers planning onward journeys.
When Are Flights the Cheapest?
Flight prices to Pietermaritzburg fluctuate throughout the year.
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Low Season (Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov): Cheapest fares, less demand outside holidays.
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Peak Season (Dec–Jan, Jun–Jul): Prices rise due to Christmas, school holidays, and the Comrades Marathon.
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Mid-Week Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally cheaper.
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Early Booking: Secure tickets 6–8 weeks ahead for the best rates.
If you’re flexible, compare with nearby routes: Flights from Johannesburg to East London. Durban’s airport often has lower fares, with Pietermaritzburg just 80km away by road.
Average Ticket Prices
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Cape Town → Pietermaritzburg: R1,600 – R2,500 (return)
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Johannesburg → Pietermaritzburg: R1,200 – R2,000 (return)
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Durban → Pietermaritzburg: Often cheaper to fly into Durban and drive.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
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Use Flight Comparison Tools – Always compare Airlink vs FlySafair before booking.
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Flexible Dates – Shift your trip by 1–2 days to see major savings.
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Book Off-Peak Times – Early morning and late evening flights are often cheaper.
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Set Price Alerts – Track fares over weeks for the best deals.
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Consider Durban Alternative – Search both Pietermaritzburg and Durban routes.
See also: Cheap Flights to Bloemfontein for tips on finding low-cost domestic fares.
Getting to Pietermaritzburg from Durban
If you fly into Durban to save money:
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Distance: ~80km (1 hr drive)
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Options: Car hire, airport shuttles, or ride-hailing apps like Uber.
This is a common strategy for budget travelers.
Why Pietermaritzburg?
Cheap flights bring you closer to:
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Midlands Meander craft markets.
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Howick Falls day trips.
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KZN Museum and colonial landmarks.
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Comrades Marathon start/finish.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights to Pietermaritzburg is possible with the right timing, flexibility, and awareness of nearby alternatives like Durban. Whether flying direct or mixing road and air travel, this charming Midlands city is worth the journey.
Next, check Best Time to Visit Pietermaritzburg to plan around seasons and festivals.