Cost to drive from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
Toll fees effective 1 March 2026 · Fuel: R23.36/L inland (updated 2026-04-01)
Toll cost
R 197,50
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
| VerkeerdevleiKroonstad – Bloemfontein | R 78,50 |
| VaalLouisrus – Kroonstad | R 91,50 |
| GrasmereArmadale – Louisrus | R 27,50 |
| Total tolls | R 197,50 |
Return trip: R 395,00 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 1 317,32 | R 1 514,82 |
| Volkswagen Golf 8 | R 1 590,72 | R 1 788,22 |
| Toyota Fortuner | R 1 988,40 | R 2 185,90 |
| Toyota Hilux | R 2 112,68 | R 2 310,18 |
| Ford Ranger | R 2 013,26 | R 2 210,76 |
| Mercedes-Benz C200 | R 1 665,29 | R 1 862,79 |
| BMW 3 Series | R 1 541,01 | R 1 738,51 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | R 1 938,69 | R 2 136,19 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | R 1 068,77 | R 1 266,27 |
| Tesla Model 3 | R 429,63 | R 627,13 |
| Tesla Model Y | R 487,30 | R 684,80 |
| BYD Atto 3 | R 441,17 | R 638,67 |
Toll gates on the N9, N1 from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
Mainline toll plazas only — ramp tolls apply to specific exits and are not included in the total.
| Plaza | Class I fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Verkeerdevlei | R 78.50 | ||
| Vaal | R 91.50 | ||
| Grasmere | R 27.50 | ||
| Total (one way) | R 197.50 | ||
Source: foresightpublications.co.za · Tariffs effective 1 March 2026 · 3.12% SANRAL CPI adjustment
Cost by vehicle — Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
Select your car to see the exact fuel and toll cost for this route.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
5.9L/100km
R 1664
Toyota Corolla Quest
7L/100km
R 1937
Toyota Starlet
5.4L/100km
R 1540
Suzuki Swift
4.4L/100km
R 1291
Suzuki Baleno
5.4L/100km
R 1540
Haval Jolion
8.1L/100km
R 2211
Volkswagen Polo
5.3L/100km
R 1515
Volkswagen Golf 8
6.4L/100km
R 1788
Toyota Corolla Cross
8.1L/100km
R 2211
Hyundai i20
5.8L/100km
R 1639
Kia Picanto
5.2L/100km
R 1490
Renault Clio
5.7L/100km
R 1614
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 Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth trip (1064km), 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.
Other popular routes from Gauteng
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drive from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth?
The total toll cost from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth is R197.50 (3 mainline toll gates). Fuel cost depends on your vehicle — use the calculator above for an exact figure.
How far is it from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth?
The distance from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth via the N9, N1 is 1064 km, which takes approximately 11 hours 47 minutes without stops.
How many toll gates are there from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth?
There are 3 mainline toll plazas on the N9, N1 from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, totalling R197.50 for a standard light vehicle (Class I) as of March 2026.
What is the fastest route from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth?
The N9, N1 is the main and fastest route. The drive covers 1064 km and takes about 11 hours 47 minutes in normal traffic.
Can I pay tolls by card on the N9, N1?
Yes. All major toll plazas on the N9, N1 accept contactless tap-and-go card payments — you do not need cash. No e-tag is required; Gauteng e-tolls were scrapped.