Johannesburg to Durban Distance
354 miles•570 km•6.5 hours
Driving distance and route information from Johannesburg, South Africato Durban, South Africa. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
354.17 mi
(569.98 km)
⏱️6h 28m
Via M11 → M2 → N3 → N12
M11 → M2
💰 Tolls
🔄
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
362.2 mi
(582.9 km)
⏱️7h 9m
Via M11 → N17 → N3 → N5
M11 → N17
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 311 miles (500 km)
See crow flies distance →Share this route
citytocitydistances.com/johannesburg-to-durban
Open this route in your nav app
Complete Driving Guide: Johannesburg to Durban
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
354 mi
570 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
6.5 hours
390 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
48 L
$71 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointJohannesburg, Gauteng
DestinationDurban, KwaZulu-Natal
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed88 km/h
Straight-line Distance500 km
Route Efficiency88%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Johannesburg to Durban
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 354 mi (570 km) | 6.5 hours | 88 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 362 mi (583 km) | 7.1 hours | 82 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Johannesburg to Durban
The road journey from Johannesburg to Durban spans approximately 354 miles (570 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 6.5 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects Gauteng, South Africa with KwaZulu-Natal, 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 Johannesburg to Durban follows the M11 → M2 → N3 → N12 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 88 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.
🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials
✓
Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 14 gallons (48 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: 7.5 hours.
✓
Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
✓
Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.
💰 Cost Estimation Guide
Fuel Cost (approximate)$50
Toll Costs$18
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$89
Total Trip Cost$156
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
6.5 hours
354 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.6 hours flight
500 km direct
🚌
By Bus
8.5 hours
Multiple stops
More routes from Johannesburg
Johannesburg to Durban - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Johannesburg to Durban?
The driving distance from Johannesburg to Durban is 354 miles (570 km) by the fastest route, which follows M11 → M2 → N3 → N12. 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 Johannesburg to Durban?
The drive from Johannesburg to Durban takes approximately 6h 28m of continuous driving at an average speed of 88 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 7.5 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Johannesburg to Durban?
The fastest driving route from Johannesburg to Durban is 354 miles (570 km) via M11 → M2 → N3 → N12, taking about 6h 28m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Johannesburg to Durban?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Johannesburg and Durban. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Johannesburg to Durban include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Johannesburg to Durban includes toll roads along M11 → M2 → N3 → N12. 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 Johannesburg to Durban?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 12 gallons (48 liters) of fuel for the 354-mile (570-km) drive from Johannesburg to Durban. 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 Johannesburg to Durban?
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 Johannesburg as the origin and Durban as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.