JOHANNESBURG - Thousands of people are getting ready to hit the roads this Easter weekend.
But with a bit of planning, you can keep your travels stress-free and cost-effective.
Whether you’re off to the Bushveld or a coastal getaway, here is a simple guide to help you plan your trip, budget better and avoid surprises along the road.
Fuel is the biggest cost for any road trip and for long-distance travellers, that means a bigger bite out of your budget.
The estimated return fuel costs from Johannesburg:
| Destination | Distance | Fuel Cost |
| Durban (N3) | 600 km | R1,224 – R2,616 |
| Polokwane (N1) | 320 km | R714 – R1,526 |
| Mbombela (N4) | 350 km | R816 – R1,744 |
| Mthatha (N3 and N2) | 920 km | R1,632 – R3,488 |
Tip: Fill up in urban areas as rural fuel prices are often higher.
Budget for extra toll fees. Major routes like the N1, N3 and N4 all have extra toll costs you’ll need to factor in.
Return Toll Estimates (Light Vehicles):
• N3 to Durban: R280 – R350
• N1 to Limpopo: R240 – R300
• N4 to Mpumalanga: R300 - R320
• Eastern Cape routes: Fewer tolls, but more fuel due to distance
Also keep in mind that swiping your card is no longer accepted at toll booths on the N4.
If you’re travelling on the N4 (Pretoria to Mpumalanga), you’ll need to pay with:
• Tap-to-pay cards (Visa or Mastercard)
• Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.)
• TRAC e-tags
• Cash (still accepted, but expect queues)
If your card doesn’t tap, bring cash or another payment method or you could be stuck at the booth.
You can also expect higher accommodation rates.
Easter is peak season for hotels, lodges, and B&Bs.
Average Nightly Rates (for 2 adults):
• Budget B&B: R800 – R1,200
• Mid-range lodge: R1,500 – R2,500
• Luxury stay: R3,000+
Money-saver: Book self-catering spots where you can cook and avoid restaurant bills.
Here is a sample travel budget from Johannesburg to Durban (3 nights)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Fuel (return) | R1,800 |
| Toll fees (return) | R600-R650 |
| Accommodation | R6,000 |
| Food & drinks | R1,500 |
| Entertainment | R3,000 |
| Total | ±R13,000 |
Be smart and save cash by splitting fuel and toll fees with friends or family.
Travel early to beat the traffic. Although it's tempting to stop at a roadside shop, rather pack your own snacks.