Easter weekend is fast approaching, and for many residents of Gauteng, it’s the perfect opportunity to pack the car, gather family or friends, and head for the sun-soaked beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban, with its warm ocean, bustling beachfront, and laid-back vibe, remains one of the most popular short holiday escapes for Joburgers looking to make the most of the four-day break.
But before you set your sights on the coast, it’s worth taking a closer look at the real cost of a road trip from Johannesburg to Durban this Easter — because between fuel prices and toll fees, the journey could take a much bigger bite out of your budget than you expect.
Distance and Route Overview
The distance from Johannesburg to Durban is roughly 584 kilometres via the N3 highway. Under ideal conditions, you can expect the drive to take around six hours. Of course, with the Easter rush in full swing, congestion around key toll plazas and at peak travel times can easily stretch your trip well beyond that.
But even with smooth driving, the cost of the journey is mainly determined by your vehicle’s fuel consumption and the unavoidable tolls along the route.
Fuel Prices: Your Biggest Expense
At the time of writing, inland petrol prices for 95 unleaded sit at R21.62 per litre, following the latest fuel price adjustments in early April 2025. That figure plays a major role in shaping your travel budget, especially considering the length of the trip.
How much you spend at the pumps will depend on your car’s fuel efficiency. Below is a breakdown of typical fuel costs for a return trip between Joburg and Durban, based on fuel consumption ranging from very economical to particularly thirsty:
| Fuel Efficiency | Fuel Needed (One Way) | Cost One Way | Total Return Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0l/100km | 29.20 litres | R631.30 | R1,262.60 |
| 6.0l/100km | 35.04 litres | R757.56 | R1,515.13 |
| 7.0l/100km | 40.88 litres | R883.83 | R1,767.65 |
| 8.0l/100km | 46.72 litres | R1,010.09 | R2,020.17 |
| 9.0l/100km | 52.56 litres | R1,136.35 | R2,272.70 |
| 10.0l/100km | 58.40 litres | R1,262.61 | R2,525.22 |
| 11.0l/100km | 64.24 litres | R1,388.87 | R2,777.74 |
| 12.0l/100km | 70.08 litres | R1,515.13 | R3,030.26 |
| 13.0l/100km | 75.92 litres | R1,641.39 | R3,282.78 |
For the most fuel-efficient vehicles, the total cost of petrol for a round trip will hover just under R2,000, while larger SUVs or older models with higher fuel consumption could see you paying well over R3,000 for petrol alone.
Toll Gate Costs From Joburg to Durban
Fuel is only part of the story. Travelling from Johannesburg to Durban on the N3 means passing through five toll plazas, each adding to your total travel costs. As of March 2025, the fees for each toll gate are:
- Mooi Toll Plaza: R67
- Wilge Toll Plaza: R90
- Tugela Toll Plaza: R96
- De Hoek Toll Plaza: R65
- Marian Hill Toll Plaza: R16
All together, the tolls total R334 one way, meaning a round trip will cost R668 in toll fees.
Adding It All Up
When you combine fuel and toll fees, the minimum cost for a single trip to Durban is around R965.30 for motorists with a highly economical vehicle. For drivers of larger, less fuel-efficient models, the one-way cost climbs to approximately R1,975.39.
And remember: these estimates cover only the journey to Durban. If you’re planning to return (which most people will), you’ll need to double the numbers. That puts the total round-trip cost at anywhere from R1,930.60 for a fuel-sipping car, all the way to R3,950.78 for something with a bigger appetite for petrol.
The Easter break is always a great time to hit the road and enjoy South Africa’s coastal gems, but this year’s combination of steep fuel prices and toll fees means the cost of driving to Durban is anything but light. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, it’s worth calculating your expected expenses before setting off — and making sure your holiday budget can handle the trip.
Related article: Motorists Urged to Stop Filming Behind the Wheel This Easter
