What is the exact distance from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

The driving distance from Johannesburg to Cape Town is 1400 kilometers (870 miles). The straight-line distance is 1262 km.

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

The estimated driving time from Johannesburg to Cape Town is 14.1 hours under normal traffic conditions. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and your driving speed.

What is the fastest route from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

The fastest route is typically 1400km and takes about 14.1 hours. This route is optimized for time and usually uses major highways and roads.

Are there alternative routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

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 Johannesburg to Cape Town include tolls?

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

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

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.

Johannesburg to Cape Town Distance

870 miles•1400 km•14.1 hours

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

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

870.14 mi

(1400.36 km)

⏱️14h 7m

Via Commissioner Street, R24

Commissioner Street → R24

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏

SHORTEST ROUTE

925.72 mi

(1489.8 km)

⏱️15h 38m

Via Commissioner Street, R24

Commissioner Street → R24

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏 Straight-line distance: 784 miles (1262 km)

See crow flies distance →

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Complete Driving Guide: Johannesburg to Cape Town

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

870 mi

1400 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

14.1 hours

846 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

117 L

$175 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointJohannesburg, Gauteng

DestinationCape Town, Western Cape

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed1 country

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed99 km/h

Straight-line Distance1262 km

Route Efficiency90%

Toll RoadsYes - Budget required

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	870 mi (1400 km)	14.1 hours	99 km/h	✅ Yes
Alternative 1	926 mi (1490 km)	15.6 hours	95 km/h	✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: Johannesburg to Cape Town

The road journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town spans approximately 870 miles (1400 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 14.1 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects Gauteng, South Africa with Western Cape, 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 Johannesburg to Cape Town follows major highways and arterial roads, maintaining an average speed of approximately 99 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 35 gallons (117 liters) of fuel for this 870 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: 16.2 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)$122

Toll Costs$43

Vehicle Wear (per mile)$217

Total Trip Cost$383

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

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

14.1 hours

870 miles

✈️

By Plane

1.6 hours flight

1262 km direct

🚌

By Bus

18.3 hours

Multiple stops

🚂

By Train

Check availability

Scenic route