What is the exact distance from Cape Town to Durban?

The driving distance from Cape Town to Durban is 1637 kilometers (1017 miles). The straight-line distance is 1271 km.

How long does it take to drive from Cape Town to Durban?

The estimated driving time from Cape Town to Durban is 16.9 hours under normal traffic conditions. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and your driving speed.

What is the fastest route from Cape Town to Durban?

The fastest route is typically 1637km and takes about 16.9 hours. This route is optimized for time and usually uses major highways and roads.

Are there alternative routes from Cape Town to Durban?

Yes, we provide up to 2 different route options including the fastest route, shortest distance route, and alternative paths that may offer different scenery or avoid certain road types.

Does the route from Cape Town to Durban include tolls?

Yes, some routes from Cape Town to Durban may include toll roads. Check the detailed route information below for specific toll road indicators.

Can I get turn-by-turn directions from Cape Town to Durban?

While we provide the route overview and key information, for detailed turn-by-turn directions, we recommend using the route data with your preferred GPS navigation app or mapping service.

Cape Town to Durban Distance

1017 miles•1637 km•16.9 hours

Driving distance and route information from Cape Town, South Africato Durban, South Africa. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

1017.12 mi

(1636.9 km)

⏱️16h 56m

Via Paddock Avenue, Gallery Lane

Paddock Avenue → Gallery Lane

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏

SHORTEST ROUTE

1084.89 mi

(1745.96 km)

⏱️18h 11m

Via Paddock Avenue, Gallery Lane

Paddock Avenue → Gallery Lane

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏 Straight-line distance: 790 miles (1271 km)

See crow flies distance →

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Complete Driving Guide: Cape Town to Durban

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

1017 mi

1637 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

16.9 hours

1014 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

136 L

$205 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointCape Town, Western Cape

DestinationDurban, KwaZulu-Natal

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed1 country

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed97 km/h

Straight-line Distance1271 km

Route Efficiency78%

Toll RoadsYes - Budget required

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Cape Town to Durban

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	1017 mi (1637 km)	16.9 hours	97 km/h	✅ Yes
Alternative 1	1085 mi (1746 km)	18.2 hours	96 km/h	✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: Cape Town to Durban

The road journey from Cape Town to Durban spans approximately 1017 miles (1637 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 16.9 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects Western Cape, 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 most efficient route from Cape Town to Durban follows major highways and arterial roads, maintaining an average speed of approximately 97 km/h. This route has been optimized for speed, though it includes toll roads that require payment.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

✓

Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 41 gallons (136 liters) of fuel for this 1017 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: 19.4 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)$142

Toll Costs$51

Vehicle Wear (per mile)$254

Total Trip Cost$448

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

16.9 hours

1017 miles

✈️

By Plane

1.6 hours flight

1271 km direct

🚌

By Bus

22 hours

Multiple stops

🚂

By Train

Check availability

Scenic route