Johannesburg to Durban Driving Cost

Driving from Johannesburg to Durban covers roughly 570 km and takes about 6h 42m behind the wheel before stops and traffic. At an average fuel consumption of 8 L/100km and a petrol price of R23 per litre, the trip costs about R1,049 in fuel one way (R2,098 return). Your real cost depends on your vehicle and the current pump price in South Africa, both of which you can set in the planner.

Petrol vs diesel vs electric

Fuel typeAssumptionOne wayReturn
Petrol8 L/100kmR1,049R2,098
Diesel6.5 L/100kmR815R1,630
Electric (home charge)18 kWh/100kmR287R575

Charging away from home on a rapid charger costs more and can erase the EV saving. Set your own rate in the planner.

Estimated fuel cost by vehicle efficiency

VehicleConsumptionOne wayReturn
Efficient (small car / hybrid)5 L/100kmR656R1,311
Average car8 L/100kmR1,049R2,098
Thirsty (SUV / van)11 L/100kmR1,442R2,884

Indicative figures based on a R23/litre petrol price. Set your exact local price and consumption in the planner.

What changes the Johannesburg to Durban cost

  • Pump price. Fuel in South Africa moves week to week; a swing of 10% shifts this trip by about R105 each way.
  • Your car. A small hybrid can halve the bill versus a large SUV or van on the same route.
  • Route and traffic. Motorway cruising is more efficient than stop-start city driving, so the real 570 km figure varies with the roads you pick.
  • Load and driving style. A roof box, a full boot, and hard acceleration all push consumption up.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to drive from Johannesburg to Durban?

At an average 8 L/100km and a petrol price of R23 per litre, the 570 km drive from Johannesburg to Durban costs about R1,049 in fuel one way and R2,098 return. Enter your own car and local pump price in the planner for an exact figure.

How far is Johannesburg to Durban by road and how long does it take?

The driving distance is approximately 570 km, roughly 6h 42m of driving before stops and traffic. Actual distance and time vary with the route you take.

Is it cheaper to drive Johannesburg to Durban in a diesel or electric car?

A diesel covers the 570 km for about R815, and an electric car for roughly R287 charging at home. The EV is usually the cheapest per mile; switch fuel type in the planner to compare with your own figures.

Can I split the fuel cost between passengers?

Yes. Set the number of passengers in TripKalc and it shows the per-person fuel cost, handy for carpools and shared road trips.

See all driving cost guides and fuel calculators.