Cost to drive from Durban to Bloemfontein
Toll fees effective 1 March 2026 · Fuel: R23.36/L inland (updated 2026-04-01)
Toll cost
R 186,50
Fuel cost
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Total trip cost
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See your exact fuel cost and total trip price.
Toll breakdown
Class I (standard car) · mainline plazas only · effective 1 March 2026
| MariannhillKey Ridge – Paradise Valley (Durban) | R 16,50 |
| MooiFrere – Cedara (Pietermaritzburg) | R 70,00 |
| TugelaWarden – Frere (Harrismith area) | R 100,00 |
| Total tolls | R 186,50 |
Return trip: R 373,00 in tolls · Source: foresightpublications.co.za
How does your vehicle compare?
Select a row to use that vehicle · tolls are the same for all · WLTP figures
| Vehicle | Fuel / Elec. | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo | R 792,37 | R 978,87 |
| Volkswagen Golf 8 | R 956,83 | R 1 143,33 |
| Toyota Fortuner | R 1 196,03 | R 1 382,53 |
| Toyota Hilux | R 1 270,78 | R 1 457,28 |
| Ford Ranger | R 1 210,98 | R 1 397,48 |
| Mercedes-Benz C200 | R 1 001,68 | R 1 188,18 |
| BMW 3 Series | R 926,92 | R 1 113,42 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | R 1 166,13 | R 1 352,63 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | R 642,87 | R 829,37 |
| Tesla Model 3 | R 258,43 | R 444,93 |
| Tesla Model Y | R 293,11 | R 479,61 |
| BYD Atto 3 | R 265,36 | R 451,86 |
Toll gates on the N3 from Durban to Bloemfontein
Mainline toll plazas only — ramp tolls apply to specific exits and are not included in the total.
| Plaza | Class I fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariannhill | R 16.50 | ||
| Mooi | R 70.00 | ||
| Tugela | R 100.00 | ||
| Total (one way) | R 186.50 | ||
Source: foresightpublications.co.za · Tariffs effective 1 March 2026 · 3.12% SANRAL CPI adjustment
Cost by vehicle — Durban to Bloemfontein
Select your car to see the exact fuel and toll cost for this route.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
5.9L/100km
R 1069
Toyota Corolla Quest
7L/100km
R 1233
Toyota Starlet
5.4L/100km
R 994
Suzuki Swift
4.4L/100km
R 844
Suzuki Baleno
5.4L/100km
R 994
Haval Jolion
8.1L/100km
R 1397
Volkswagen Polo
5.3L/100km
R 979
Volkswagen Golf 8
6.4L/100km
R 1143
Toyota Corolla Cross
8.1L/100km
R 1397
Hyundai i20
5.8L/100km
R 1054
Kia Picanto
5.2L/100km
R 964
Renault Clio
5.7L/100km
R 1039
Tips for saving money on this trip
Fuel economy matters more than tolls on longer routes. A Polo 1.0 TSI uses about 38% less fuel than a Fortuner over the same distance. On the Durban to Bloemfontein trip (640km), that difference can be R200–R500 depending on the vehicle.
Tyre pressure and speed have a measurable effect. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel use by up to 3%. Driving at 110km/h instead of 120km/h can reduce fuel consumption by 10–15% on a highway trip.
Toll payments. All major toll plazas on this route now accept contactless tap-and-go card payments — no need to keep cash. E-tags (Sanral e-toll) no longer apply in Gauteng as the e-toll system was scrapped.
Alternative route: The N5 from Harrismith is a scenic option that avoids some toll plazas but adds travel time. Best for a leisurely trip rather than a quick transfer.
Other popular routes from Gauteng
Frequently asked questions
How much are tolls from Durban to Bloemfontein?
There are 3 mainline toll plazas on this route — Mariannhill, Mooi, and Tugela — totalling R186.50 for a standard car (one way) as of March 2026. The route turns off the N3 at Harrismith onto the N5, which has no toll plazas.
What is the best route from Durban to Bloemfontein?
The most direct route is the N3 north to Harrismith, then the N5 west through Bethlehem to Bloemfontein — approximately 640km and about 6.5 hours without stops. This is faster than going via Johannesburg.
How long does it take to drive from Durban to Bloemfontein?
Approximately 640km via the N3 and N5. Expect around 6 to 6.5 hours without stops.
Does the Durban to Bloemfontein route pass through Johannesburg?
No. The most direct route turns off the N3 at Harrismith and heads west on the N5 through Bethlehem, bypassing Johannesburg entirely.