The festive season has officially kicked off, and with schools closed and offices winding down, thousands of Joburg families are preparing for the long-awaited December escape. While Cape Town remains one of the country’s top holiday destinations, the rising cost of travel has many households weighing up their options more carefully than before.
For those choosing to drive rather than fly, the 1,413km road trip along the N1 is a familiar journey — but one that comes with significant costs this year.
A Long Drive With a Higher Price Tag
Starting in Sandton and ending in Cape Town’s city centre, the N1 route typically takes around 15 hours, not accounting for rest stops, weather delays, or traffic. Holiday congestion through Gauteng, the Free State, and parts of the Western Cape could add extra time on the road, especially near major toll plazas and the Huguenot Tunnel.
Fuel costs remain the biggest expense for drivers, with Petrol 95 priced at R21.41 per litre after the early December adjustment. Depending on how efficient your vehicle is, the difference in cost can be substantial.
Fuel Breakdown for the Trip
| Consumption | Fuel Needed | One-Way Cost | Return Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0l/100km | 71 litres | R1,520.11 | R3,040.22 |
| 6.0l/100km | 85 litres | R1,819.85 | R3,639.70 |
| 7.0l/100km | 99 litres | R2,119.59 | R4,239.18 |
| 8.0l/100km | 113 litres | R2,419.33 | R4,838.66 |
| 9.0l/100km | 127 litres | R2,719.07 | R5,438.14 |
| 10.0l/100km | 141 litres | R3,018.81 | R6,037.62 |
This means that even for a relatively efficient car, motorists should expect to spend over R1,500 on petrol just to reach the Mother City.
Toll Gates Add Another Layer of Cost
The N1 includes four toll plazas between Johannesburg and Cape Town:
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Grasmere (Gauteng) – R27
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Vaal (Free State) – R89
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Verkeerdevlei (Free State) – R76
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Huguenot Tunnel (Western Cape) – R53
Together, they total R245 one way, or R490 return. Toll fees have steadily increased over the years, and the Huguenot Tunnel remains one of the most expensive single toll points in the country.
Total Travel Cost for December 2025
Once tolls and petrol are combined, the full cost of driving from Joburg to Cape Town comes to:
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R1,765.11 to R3,263.81 one way
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R3,530.22 to R6,527.62 return
The wide cost range highlights the importance of your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Larger SUVs and older cars with heavier consumption can easily push the cost past R6,500 for a round trip.
Hidden Costs Often Overlooked
While fuel and tolls make up the bulk of the travel budget, motorists should also consider:
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Food and drink during multiple stops
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Accommodation if choosing to break the trip into two days
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Tyre wear, especially over long distances and high temperatures
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Potential holiday traffic delays that increase idling and fuel usage
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Vehicle servicing costs before long-distance travel
These extras can add hundreds — or even thousands — of rand to the final bill.
Planning Ahead for a Safer Trip
The December holiday rush is notorious for accidents along the N1 corridor, particularly through the Free State. Travellers are urged to:
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Plan rest stops every 2–3 hours
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Check tyre pressure and coolant levels before departure
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Travel early in the morning to avoid heat and congestion
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Keep an eye on Free State weather patterns, which can shift quickly
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Be cautious near roadworks and storm-damaged areas
The Bottom Line
While flying may save time, driving remains a popular and often more cost-effective option — especially for larger families or those spending extended periods in Cape Town. But with rising fuel prices and toll fees, a simple cross-country road trip now requires careful budgeting.
For many Joburgers, though, the scenic drive, open roads, and flexibility of having their own car in the Cape still make the journey well worth the spend..