Cost to drive from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Polokwane

1354 kmDistance
N9, N1Road
15h 2mDrive time
7Toll gates

Toll fees effective 1 March 2026 · Fuel: R23.36/L inland (updated 2026-04-01)

Toll cost

R 430,00

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 – BloemfonteinR 78,50
VaalLouisrus – KroonstadR 91,50
GrasmereArmadale – LouisrusR 27,50
PumulaniPretoria – HammanskraalR 16,50
CarouselPretoria (N4 junction) – Bela-BelaR 75,00
KranskopBela-Bela – MokopaneR 61,50
NylMokopane – PolokwaneR 79,50
Total tollsR 430,00

Return trip: R 860,00 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

VehicleFuel / Elec.Total
Volkswagen PoloR 1 676,36R 2 106,36
Volkswagen Golf 8R 2 024,28R 2 454,28
Toyota FortunerR 2 530,36R 2 960,36
Toyota HiluxR 2 688,50R 3 118,50
Ford RangerR 2 561,98R 2 991,98
Mercedes-Benz C200R 2 119,17R 2 549,17
BMW 3 SeriesR 1 961,03R 2 391,03
Volkswagen Golf GTIR 2 467,10R 2 897,10
Toyota Corolla CrossR 1 360,07R 1 790,07
Tesla Model 3R 546,73R 976,73
Tesla Model YR 620,12R 1 050,12
BYD Atto 3R 561,41R 991,41
See all 44 vehicles →

Toll gates on the N9, N1 from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Polokwane

Mainline toll plazas only — ramp tolls apply to specific exits and are not included in the total.

PlazaClass I fee
VerkeerdevleiR 78.50
VaalR 91.50
GrasmereR 27.50
PumulaniR 16.50
CarouselR 75.00
KranskopR 61.50
NylR 79.50
Total (one way)R 430.00

Source: foresightpublications.co.za · Tariffs effective 1 March 2026 · 3.12% SANRAL CPI adjustment

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 Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Polokwane trip (1354km), 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.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Port Elizabeth from Polokwane?

Approximately 1,354 km via Gauteng and the Karoo N9. The drive takes 13–14 hours and is best split over two days.

What is the route from Port Elizabeth to Polokwane?

N9 north from Port Elizabeth through Graaff-Reinet and Colesberg, then N1 north through Johannesburg, Pretoria, and on to Polokwane.

How much are tolls from Port Elizabeth to Polokwane?

The N9 through the Karoo is toll-free. Tolls apply on the N1 between Colesberg and Johannesburg, and on the N1 North Polokwane section. See the calculator for the exact total.