This is how much a drive from Joburg to Durban will cost you

The N3 highway between Gauteng and Durban is set to become one of South Africa’s busiest roads as the festive season gets into full swing from mid-December.

While the route offers double lane convenience over a stretch of nearly 600km, which is rare even by international standards, it does come at a cost, through five strategically located toll booths.

Since the latest pricing adjustment implemented in March 2024, motorists travelling the entire route between Johannesburg and Durban can expect to pay R326.50 each way, and R653 for a return trip.

The most expensive toll booth is Tugela at the bottom of Van Reenen’s Pass, which costs R94, followed by Wilge Plaza at Villiers (R88) and Mooi Plaza at Mooi River (R66).

From December 1, the ‘tap and go’ payment method for VISA and MasterCard credit cards replaced the magstripe (swipe) method at all toll plazas on the N3 route.

The N3TC says tap-enabled debit and credit cards can be used for payment, in addition to tags, fleet cards, smart devices (such as phones or smartwatches with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay) and, of course, good old-fashioned cash.

Fuel costs for a Durban drive

Fuel costs for the route will of course vary wildly, depending on what you drive and how you drive it. Petrol in Gauteng costs between R21.15 (93 Unleaded) and R21.47 (95 ULP) in December 2024, while coastal 95 ULP costs R20.68.

A compact hatchback such as a Toyota Starlet or Volkswagen Polo TSI, at an estimated consumption of 5.6 litres per 100km, should cost you around R700 for the 590km one-way trip between Midrand and the Durban CBD, with 93 Unleaded petrol in the tank. Drive carefully and you could do even better than that..

A non-hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross or Volkswagen Tiguan TSI, at a projected 6.8 litres per 100km, should see a fuel bill in the region of R850. If your larger car or SUV consumes 8.0 l/100km on the open road, the cost will be a shade under R1,000.

Based on estimated diesel prices and consumption, a larger SUV or bakkie such as a Toyota Fortuner or Hilux double cab, at 9.0 litres per 100km, is likely to cost about R1,115 one-way.

Keep in mind that a car will of passengers will consume more fuel, and towing a caravan will lead to significant consumption increases, so take the above estimates as a general guide.

Which days will be busiest on the N3?

According to Philip Hull of the Road Safety Foundation, who has volunteer paramedics stationed at Van Reenen during busy periods, the biggest increase in traffic is likely to occur from Friday, December 13, as the number of taxis and buses on the route will increase exponentially.

Heavy traffic is expected throughout the weekend and although tapering off slightly the following week, volumes will remain significant until just before Christmas.

Traffic is expected to be at its heaviest during the first two weekends of January as holiday makers return home in time for work to commence.

However, motorists are cautioned to expect heavy traffic at all times. 

The Road Safety Foundation advises motorists to travel during the day as it is safer and to regularly check their rear view mirrors on the downhill sections, as runaway trucks are a hazard on many sections of the N3, particularly Van Reenen's Pass and Town Hill.

The organisation urges drivers to share the roads with respect, avoid aggression and give others the space they need, even if they seem unreasonable or inconsiderate.

Drivers should also minimise distractions of all kinds as these are believed to account for around 75% of road accidents.

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