A road trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town offers breathtaking scenery, exciting pit-stops, and a memorable experience. With fuel prices on the rise, budgeting for your trip is now a must. What is the cost to drive from Joburg to Cape Town at R22 a litre? We’ll break it down to see how you can plan financially for your trip.
Distance and estimated fuel consumption
Johannesburg to Cape Town is approximately 1,400 km away. You’ll have to travel a long distance if you drive a car with an average fuel consumption of 10 litres every 100 km. Understanding your vehicle’s consumption is important to estimate the cost of fuel.
Fuel efficiency is generally variable amongst the cars that are on South African streets. Assume you drive a petrol car that consumes 10 litres of fuel per 100km. According to this, you will need approximately 140 litres of fuel to complete your journey.
Calculating Fuel Cost per Litre at R22
With petrol priced at R22 a litre, you can now calculate your fuel costs for the long trip. The total fuel cost for a car that uses 140 litres will be:
140 litres x R22 = R3,080
You can get a rough estimate of the amount you’ll need to pay for petrol only. This number will vary depending on the fuel efficiency of your car, how fast you drive, as well as other factors such weather and road conditions.
Fuel Efficiency Breakdown
Here’s a table that will help you calculate fuel costs with greater accuracy. This table shows how much fuel is required for a one-way and return trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
| Efficiency | Fuel Required | One-way Trip | Return Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0l/100km | 71 litres | R1,586.14 | R3,172.28 |
| 6.0l/100km | 85 litres | R1,898.90 | R3,797.80 |
| 7.0l/100km | 99 litres | R2,211.66 | R4,423.32 |
| 8.0l/100km | 113 litres | R2,524.42 | R5,048.84 |
| 9.0l/100km | 127 litres | R2,837.18 | R5,674.36 |
| 10.0l/100km | 141 litres | R3,149.94 | R6,299.88 |
This table will help you plan your trip based on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Factors that can affect fuel costs
The above calculation is a rough estimate. However, there are several factors that can affect the cost of fuel. What you should keep in mind is:
1. Fuel Economy by Vehicle Type
Not all vehicles have the same gas consumption. Fuel consumption will be lower in a smaller, fuel-efficient vehicle compared to larger vehicles such as SUVs and vans. If you drive a car that uses 7 litres of fuel per 100 km, for example, your fuel costs will be lower. Around R2,200 would be the cost.
2. Driving style
Your driving style can have a significant impact on your fuel consumption. Fuel efficiency can be improved by maintaining a constant speed and avoiding sudden acceleration.
3. Conditions of Traffic and Stop and Go
Fuel costs can increase if you travel during rush hours or in heavy traffic. Fuel consumption can be increased by frequent stops and slow traffic.
4. Terrain and Route Selection
Fuel consumption is also affected by the terrain that you drive in. Your vehicle will have to work harder on hilly or mountainous terrain, which means it will consume more fuel. By choosing a direct route, or smoother roads, you can reduce fuel consumption.
Toll fees to consider
There are other costs to consider as you drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Four toll gates are located along the route, which can be expensive for drivers of larger vehicles or cars with high axle counts. The following is a breakdown of toll fees at each gate in March 2025.
| Toll Gate | Fee |
|---|---|
| Grasmere, Gauteng | R27.00 |
| Vaal (Free State) | R89.00 |
| Verkeerdevlei (Free State) | R76.00 |
| Huguenot Tunnel, Western Cape | R53.00 |
Total toll costs:
Tolls for an outbound trip are R245 and Rs490 for a return journey.
Additional Costs To Consider
There are many other expenses that can affect your budget besides fuel and tolls.
1. Accommodations and Meals
You may have to consider the cost of meals and accommodation if you are not going to drive through. The cost of a one-night stay at a midrange hotel or guesthouse could range from R700 to R1,200, depending on the location.
2. Additional Vehicle Expenses
It’s vital to check your vehicle before you leave. Oil, tyres, or other maintenance may be required. This is a lower cost than fuel but can still affect your budget in the event that your car requires unexpected repairs.
How to save on fuel costs
Here are some simple ways to reduce your fuel consumption when driving between Joburg and Cape Town:
1. Drive Efficiently
Avoid braking and acceleration that is too rapid. If possible, use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Your fuel consumption will increase the smoother you drive.
2. Plan Your Route
Research the best routes. Some routes have smoother surfaces or fewer tolls, which can reduce the fuel consumption.
3. Check Your Tyres
Fuel efficiency can be reduced by under-inflated tires. To get the best fuel efficiency, make sure that your tyres have been properly inflated.
4. Car Pooling
Share driving or travel with a group if possible. The fuel costs will be split, making it more affordable for all involved.
How much does it cost to drive from Joburg to Cape Town in total?
Fuel costs for a trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town will be approximately R3,080, depending on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Remember to include tolls, which are R245 for one way and R490 for a return. You may also need to factor in the costs of food or accommodation if you plan to stay overnight. You can enjoy a more enjoyable and affordable road trip by driving efficiently, selecting the best route and being prepared.
Plan your fuel costs in advance to avoid any unexpected expenses. Consider all factors and enjoy the scenic drive between the Gauteng heartland and the Western Cape.
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