Durban to Johannesburg Distance
354 miles•569 km•5.8 hours
Driving distance and route information from Durban, South Africato Johannesburg, South Africa. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
353.5 mi
(568.91 km)
⏱️5h 49m
Via R102 → N3 → M2 → M31
R102 → N3
💰 Tolls
🔄
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
361.34 mi
(581.52 km)
⏱️6h 34m
Via N3 → R74 → N5 → N17
N3 → R74
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 311 miles (500 km)
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Complete Driving Guide: Durban to Johannesburg
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
354 mi
569 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
5.8 hours
348 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
47 L
$71 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointDurban, KwaZulu-Natal
DestinationJohannesburg, Gauteng
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed98 km/h
Straight-line Distance500 km
Route Efficiency88%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Durban to Johannesburg
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 354 mi (569 km) | 5.8 hours | 98 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 361 mi (582 km) | 6.6 hours | 89 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Durban to Johannesburg
The road journey from Durban to Johannesburg spans approximately 354 miles (569 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 5.8 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with Gauteng, South Africa, traversing through various regions within South Africa. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.
The fastest driving route from Durban to Johannesburg follows the R102 → N3 → M2 → M31 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 98 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.
🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials
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Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 14 gallons (47 liters) of fuel for this 354 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
✓
Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 6.7 hours.
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Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
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Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.
💰 Cost Estimation Guide
Fuel Cost (approximate)$49
Toll Costs$18
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$88
Total Trip Cost$156
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
5.8 hours
354 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.6 hours flight
500 km direct
🚌
By Bus
7.5 hours
Multiple stops
Durban to Johannesburg - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Durban to Johannesburg?
The driving distance from Durban to Johannesburg is 354 miles (569 km) by the fastest route, which follows R102 → N3 → M2 → M31. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 500 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.
How long does it take to drive from Durban to Johannesburg?
The drive from Durban to Johannesburg takes approximately 5h 49m of continuous driving at an average speed of 98 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 6.7 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Durban to Johannesburg?
The fastest driving route from Durban to Johannesburg is 354 miles (569 km) via R102 → N3 → M2 → M31, taking about 5h 49m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Durban to Johannesburg?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Durban and Johannesburg. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Durban to Johannesburg include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Durban to Johannesburg includes toll roads along R102 → N3 → M2 → M31. Toll costs vary by vehicle class and exact path; check the route summary cards above for toll-road indicators on each route option.
How much fuel does it take to drive from Durban to Johannesburg?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 12 gallons (47 liters) of fuel for the 354-mile (569-km) drive from Durban to Johannesburg. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $42 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.
How do I navigate from Durban to Johannesburg?
Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Durban as the origin and Johannesburg as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.