"Arm and a Leg": Mzansi Faces Higher Cost to Drive From Joburg to Durban as October Fuel Hike Looms

• The N3 route from Johannesburg to Durban spans roughly 570km one way, passing through five toll gates along the way
• October's projected fuel hike is set to push petrol prices close to R30 a litre, adding pressure to an already costly drive
• Depending on your car's fuel efficiency, the total return trip could cost anywhere between R2,750 and R3,770

Planning a road trip from Johannesburg to Durban this year? Brace yourself. Between rising fuel prices and toll fees, the roughly six-hour drive is shaping up to be one of the pricier journeys on the calendar.

The N3 route stretches approximately 570km from central Johannesburg to Durban's CBD. Along the way, drivers pass through five toll gates: De Hoek, Wilge, Tugela, Mooi, and Mariannhill. After the March 2026 increase, the one-way toll cost for light vehicles sits at R347.50, bringing the return total to around R695.

Fuel costs after October's price hike

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Inland 95 petrol was priced at R26.92 per litre in September 2026. However, the Central Energy Fund projected an October increase that would push the price to approximately R29.75 per litre, with some estimates going as high as R29.98 per litre from 7 October.

At those prices, the return trip of roughly 1,140km works out differently depending on what you drive. A fuel-efficient car averaging 6 litres per 100km would spend around R2,050 on petrol alone, bringing the total with tolls to about R2,750. An average car using 7 litres per 100km would spend closer to R2,400 on fuel, or R3,100 in total. A thirstier vehicle or small SUV consuming 9 litres per 100km could cost up to R3,080 in fuel, pushing the full return trip to roughly R3,770. Diesel drivers are also facing a projected increase of more than R2.60 per litre.

How to cut costs on the drive

There are a few ways to soften the financial blow. Coastal petrol is generally cheaper than inland petrol, so filling up once you reach KwaZulu-Natal can save a little. Maintaining a steady speed helps too, since fuel efficiency drops noticeably above 110km/h. Sharing the trip with passengers and splitting costs remains the single biggest saving.

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For those wanting to skip tolls entirely, the R103 via Villiers, Warden, Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass is a toll-free alternative, though it does add time to the journey.

View the Facebook post here.

South Africans in the comments on the page had plenty to say about the rising cost of the trip:

Meera Padayachee said:

"Me I'm hiking with the new petrol price!"

John Perrins wrote:

"An arm and a leg!!!!"

Calvin Naicker suggested:

"Rather fly, cheaper."

Raymond Hoey joked:

"Might as well go to Hillbrow."

Angus Leach shared:

"I no longer drive to Durban. It's cheaper, easier and far safer."

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Source: Briefly News