Difference between revisions of "toll-wiki/south-africa-tolls-highways-e-tolls"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE: South Africa Tolls, Highways and e-Tolls}}
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{{#seo:|title=South Africa Tolls, Highways and e-Tolls}}
 
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{{#seo:|keywords=SANRAL south africa, south africa toll roads, e-toll south africa, toll calculator south africa}}
 
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{{#seo:|description=Know all about south africa tolls — highways, e-tolls, toll map, toll rate, toll payment, toll violation and more.}}
 
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<!-- {{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/turkey-hgs-ogs-highway-bridge-electronic-toll-system}} -->
 
 
{{worldMap}}
 
{{worldMap}}
  
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__TOC__
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<div class="shadowCard">
 +
 
 +
= South Africa Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide =
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
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<div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
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== Toll Roads in South Africa ==
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<div style="color: #6c757d; font-size: 14px;">
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South Africa's extensive toll road network facilitates efficient travel across the country, connecting major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Operated by SANRAL<ref name="SANRAL">[https://www.nra.co.za/ SANRAL]</ref>, these highways provide convenient routes for both local commuters and long-distance travelers, with toll fees varying based on distance traveled. N4 which connects Pretoria to Maputo is the costliest road in South Africa. There are currently 101 toll plazas across the country. Most of the plazas surround Pretoria and Johannesburg.   
+
'''System:''' Traditional toll plazas + SANRAL tags<br>
 +
'''Operator:''' SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency)<br>
 +
'''Currency:''' South African Rand (ZAR)<br>
 +
'''Coverage:''' 2,952 km toll roads nationwide<br>
 +
'''Technology:''' Cash, cards, SANRAL e-tags, mobile payments
 +
</div>
 +
</div>
  
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<!-- <html><figure class="aligncenter text-center size-full is-resized"><img alt="The toll plazas in Turkey for all the highways and bridges including Bosphorus Bridge and Osmangazi Bridge." class="wp-image-6898" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/9/9c/turkey_toll_map.jpg" srcset="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/9/9c/turkey_toll_map.jpg" 1922w, "https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/thumb/9/9c/turkey_toll_map.jpg/800px-turkey_toll_map.jpg, https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/images/thumb/9/9c/turkey_toll_map.jpg/320px-turkey_toll_map.jpg 559w width="720"/>
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<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">
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<figcaption>Toll plaza locations in Turkey</figcaption>
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[https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-south-africa Calculate South Africa Toll]
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</figure></html> -->
 
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</div><div class="shadowCard">
 
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== South Africa toll road concessionaires ==
 
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Most of the toll roads in South Africa are managed by SANRAL(South African National Roads Agency Limited)<ref name="SANRAL">[https://www.nra.co.za/ SANRAL]</ref>. However, Chapman's Peak Drive in Capetown is managed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
 
−
* <b>SANRAL:</b> SANRAL, the South African National Roads Agency, keeps traffic flowing. They manage, maintain, and develop the country's national road network, ensuring safe and efficient journeys. Some other private concessionaires have agreements with SANRAL and help in efficient working like BAKWENA<ref name="BAKWENA">[https://www.bakwena.co.za/ BAKWENA]</ref>, N3TC<ref name="N3TC">[http://www.n3tc.co.za/ N3TC]</ref>, and TRAC<ref name="TRAC">[https://tracn4.co.za/ TRAC]</ref>.
 
−
* <b>Entilini:</b> Entilini has been granted the right to manage Chapman's Peak Drive which is one of the most scenic drives of the world.The provincial government of the Western Cape ultimately owns Chapman's Peak Drive<ref name="CHAPMAN">[https://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/blog/chapman%E2%80%99s-peak-drive-condition-of-entry.html CHAPMAN's PEAK]</ref>
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
+
== Do I Need to Pay Tolls in South Africa? 2025 Update ==
−
   
+
 
−
== What is happening with e-tolls in South Africa? ==
+
'''Yes, most major highways in South Africa have toll plazas.''' However, the controversial Gauteng e-toll system was officially scrapped on April 11, 2024, eliminating gantry-based electronic tolling in the province.
−
The government has officially switched off the gantries of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP)<ref name="e-toll">[https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/e-tolls-to-be-switched-off-from-31-march-lesufi/ ]</ref>, popularly known as e-tolls. The gantries were switched off on 12 April 2024 at the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) Central Operations Centre.
+
 
 +
'''Current Toll System:'''
 +
* '''Traditional toll plazas''' on N1, N2, N3, N4, N17 highways
 +
* '''Cash and card payments''' accepted at all toll gates
 +
* '''SANRAL e-tags''' for faster passage
 +
* '''No e-tolls''' - Gauteng electronic gantries deactivated
 +
* '''24/7 operations''' at all toll locations
 +
 
 +
== South Africa Toll Costs: Current Rates (2025) ==
 +
 
 +
=== Vehicle Classification System ===
 +
 
 +
<table class="toll-table">
 +
<tr>
 +
<th>Vehicle Class</th>
 +
<th>Vehicle Types</th>
 +
<th>Rate Range</th>
 +
<th>Examples</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Class 1</td>
 +
<td>Light vehicles, motorcycles</td>
 +
<td>R7.20 - R347</td>
 +
<td>Cars, SUVs, bakkies, motorcycles</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Class 2</td>
 +
<td>Medium-heavy (2 axles)</td>
 +
<td>R14.40 - R694</td>
 +
<td>Small trucks, minibus taxis</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Class 3</td>
 +
<td>Large heavy (3-4 axles)</td>
 +
<td>R21.60 - R1,041</td>
 +
<td>Medium trucks, buses</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Class 4</td>
 +
<td>Extra large (5+ axles)</td>
 +
<td>R28.80 - R1,388</td>
 +
<td>Heavy trucks, articulated vehicles</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
'''Note:''' Rates increased by 4.84% effective March 1, 2025. Prices vary significantly by location and distance.
 +
 
 +
=== Major Route Total Costs (Class 1 Vehicles - 2025) ===
 +
 
 +
<table class="toll-table">
 +
<tr>
 +
<th>Route</th>
 +
<th>Number of Toll Gates</th>
 +
<th>Total Cost</th>
 +
<th>Distance</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Johannesburg - Cape Town (N1)</td>
 +
<td>4 toll gates</td>
 +
<td>R245</td>
 +
<td>1,400 km</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Johannesburg - Durban (N3)</td>
 +
<td>4 toll gates</td>
 +
<td>R350</td>
 +
<td>600 km</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth</td>
 +
<td>3 toll gates</td>
 +
<td>R192</td>
 +
<td>1,000 km</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Durban - Cape Town</td>
 +
<td>5 toll gates</td>
 +
<td>R308</td>
 +
<td>1,600 km</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Durban - Port Elizabeth (N2)</td>
 +
<td>1 toll gate</td>
 +
<td>R40</td>
 +
<td>400 km</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
== How to Pay South Africa Tolls ==
 +
 
 +
=== Payment Methods Accepted ===
 +
* '''Cash:''' South African Rand accepted at all toll plazas
 +
* '''Credit/Debit cards:''' Visa, MasterCard, American Express
 +
* '''SANRAL e-tags:''' Electronic transponders for faster passage
 +
* '''Mobile payments:''' SnapScan, Zapper at select locations
 +
 
 +
=== SANRAL E-Tag Benefits ===
 +
* '''Dedicated lanes:''' Faster passage through toll plazas
 +
* '''Automatic billing:''' Linked to credit card or bank account
 +
* '''Discount rates:''' Reduced tolls compared to cash payments
 +
* '''Monthly statements:''' Detailed toll usage reports
 +
 
 +
=== Purchase E-Tags ===
 +
* '''Online:''' SANRAL website registration
 +
* '''Customer service centers:''' Major shopping malls
 +
* '''Service stations:''' Selected Engen, Shell locations
 +
* '''Post offices:''' Available at main branches
 +
 
 +
== Recent Changes (2025) ==
 +
 
 +
* '''E-toll system scrapped:''' Gauteng electronic gantries deactivated April 11, 2024
 +
* '''Toll rate increase:''' 4.84% adjustment effective March 1, 2025
 +
* '''Payment modernization:''' Enhanced mobile payment options
 +
* '''Customer service closure:''' Most mall-based service centers closed September 2024
 +
* '''Refund process:''' E-toll payments being refunded to registered users
 +
 
 +
== End of Gauteng E-Tolls ==
 +
 
 +
=== What Changed ===
 +
* '''Gantries deactivated:''' No more electronic scanning on Gauteng freeways
 +
* '''Cameras remain:''' Used for safety and anti-crime purposes only
 +
* '''No billing:''' Electronic toll charges permanently stopped
 +
* '''Traditional tolls continue:''' Physical toll plazas still operational nationwide
 +
 
 +
=== Financial Resolution ===
 +
* '''R20 billion debt:''' Taken over by government (70% National Treasury, 30% Gauteng Province)
 +
* '''User refunds:''' Compliant e-toll users receiving refunds
 +
* '''SANRAL relief:''' Agency released from Gauteng e-toll obligations
 +
 
 +
== South Africa vs. Neighboring Countries ==
 +
 
 +
<table class="toll-table">
 +
<tr>
 +
<th>Country</th>
 +
<th>Toll System</th>
 +
<th>Payment Methods</th>
 +
<th>Typical Costs</th>
 +
<th>Coverage</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>South Africa</td>
 +
<td>Traditional toll plazas</td>
 +
<td>Cash, cards, e-tags</td>
 +
<td>R7-347 per plaza</td>
 +
<td>2,952 km network</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Namibia</td>
 +
<td>Limited tolls</td>
 +
<td>Cash, cards</td>
 +
<td>N$5-25 per plaza</td>
 +
<td>Select highways only</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Botswana</td>
 +
<td>No toll roads</td>
 +
<td>N/A</td>
 +
<td>Free highways</td>
 +
<td>Tax-funded roads</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Zimbabwe</td>
 +
<td>Recent toll introduction</td>
 +
<td>Cash, USD accepted</td>
 +
<td>$2-5 per plaza</td>
 +
<td>A5 Harare-Bulawayo</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Mozambique</td>
 +
<td>Limited tolls</td>
 +
<td>Cash, Metical</td>
 +
<td>MT50-200 per plaza</td>
 +
<td>EN1 highway sections</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>Lesotho</td>
 +
<td>No toll roads</td>
 +
<td>N/A</td>
 +
<td>Free highways</td>
 +
<td>Limited highway network</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
== Major Toll Routes & Plazas ==
 +
 
 +
=== N1 Highway (Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe) ===
 +
* '''Huguenot Tunnel:''' R47 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Grasmere:''' R22 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Vaal:''' R31 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Kranskop:''' R53 (Class 1)
 +
 
 +
=== N3 Highway (Johannesburg - Durban) ===
 +
* '''Heidelberg:''' R35 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Tugela:''' R71 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Mooi River:''' R89 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Mariannhill:''' R47 (Class 1)
 +
 
 +
=== N4 Highway (Pretoria - Maputo) ===
 +
* '''Bakerton:''' R28 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Wonderboom:''' R15 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Magalies:''' R42 (Class 1)
 +
 
 +
=== N2 Highway (Cape Town - Durban) ===
 +
* '''Garden Route sections:''' R25-85 (Class 1)
 +
* '''Wild Coast sections:''' R30-65 (Class 1)
 +
 
 +
== Planning Your South Africa Journey ==
 +
 
 +
=== Cost Estimation ===
 +
* '''Short trips (under 200km):''' Budget R20-50 for tolls
 +
* '''Medium trips (200-600km):''' Budget R50-150 for tolls
 +
* '''Long trips (600km+):''' Budget R150-350 for tolls
 +
* '''Commercial vehicles:''' Multiply by 2-4x based on class
 +
 
 +
=== Travel Tips ===
 +
* '''Carry cash:''' Always have R50-100 in small notes
 +
* '''E-tag advantages:''' Faster lanes, slight discounts
 +
* '''Peak hour planning:''' Toll plazas can cause delays
 +
* '''Receipt keeping:''' Important for business travel claims
 +
* '''Route alternatives:''' Some provincial roads are toll-free
 +
 
 +
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
 +
 
 +
=== Are there any toll-free alternatives to major routes? ===
 +
Yes, provincial (R-routes) and municipal roads often provide toll-free alternatives, though they may take longer and have varying road conditions.
 +
 
 +
=== Do I need an e-tag for occasional travel? ===
 +
No, e-tags are beneficial for frequent users. Occasional travelers can pay cash or card at toll plazas without significant disadvantage.
 +
 
 +
=== What happened to Gauteng e-tolls? ===
 +
E-tolls were officially scrapped on April 11, 2024. The electronic gantries are now used only for traffic monitoring and safety purposes, not billing.
  
−
</div>
+
=== Can tourists use South African toll roads easily? ===
 +
Yes, all toll plazas accept international credit cards and cash. No pre-registration or special permits required for tourists.
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
=== Are there discounts for frequent users? ===
−
== How to pay tolls in South Africa? ==
+
SANRAL e-tag users receive slight discounts compared to cash payments. Some routes offer loyalty programs for commercial fleet operators.
−
Most of the South African toll facilities have both electronic lanes and cash/card lanes. They accept the following three payment methods:
 
−
* Cash
 
−
* Credit/Debit Cards
 
−
* Electronic tag (e-toll)
 
−
* Toll Cards/Fleet Cards
 
  
−
Using a toll tag is preferred to pay tolls because they offer discounts and can also be used at several parking spots. The toll tag in South Africa is called <b>e-toll</b>
+
=== What if I don't have enough cash at a toll plaza? ===
 +
Most plazas accept cards. Some have emergency procedures allowing passage with payment arrangements, but it's best to carry sufficient cash.
  
−
However, keeping cash handy is always recommended as some of these electronic plazas may not be functioning properly.  
+
=== Do motorcycles pay the same as cars? ===
 +
Yes, motorcycles are classified as Class 1 vehicles and pay the same rates as passenger cars.
  
−
</div>
+
== Enforcement & Compliance ==
  
 +
=== Toll Payment Enforcement ===
 +
* '''Mandatory payment:''' Cannot proceed without paying at toll plazas
 +
* '''No toll jumping:''' Physical barriers prevent passage without payment
 +
* '''Camera monitoring:''' License plate recording for security purposes
 +
* '''Legal requirements:''' Toll payment is a legal obligation for road use
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
=== Penalty Structure ===
−
== How much is toll fees from Johannesburg to Durban? ==
+
* '''Immediate payment required:''' No "pay later" options at traditional toll plazas
−
The cheapest toll route from Johannesburg to Durban is along N3. It will cost approx R 326.50 in tolls using the car. You will encounter 5-6 plazas in between depending on the route you take.
+
* '''Vehicle impoundment:''' Possible for vehicles attempting to avoid toll payment
−
</div>
+
* '''Traffic fines:''' Additional penalties for improper toll plaza behavior
  
 +
== Economic Impact & Revenue Usage ==
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
=== Revenue Allocation ===
−
== How much is toll fees from Johannesburg to Capetown? ==
+
* '''Road maintenance:''' Primary use of toll revenue
−
The route from Johannesburg to Capetown is along N1 crossing 4 plazas. The total cost for a car will be approximately R 233.00. To calculate the cheapest, fastest, and optimal routes for your trip across South Africa, use the South Africa Toll Calculator. It supports all vehicles (including trucks up to 7 axles), shows toll plazas on the map, details of toll tags, and more.
+
* '''Infrastructure upgrades:''' Highway improvements and expansion
−
</div>
+
* '''Debt servicing:''' Repayment of construction bonds
 +
* '''Safety enhancements:''' Improved signage, lighting, emergency services
  
 +
=== SANRAL Operations ===
 +
* '''13,000 km non-toll roads:''' Also managed by SANRAL
 +
* '''2,952 km toll roads:''' Revenue-generating network
 +
* '''Public-private partnerships:''' Some concessions to private operators
 +
* '''Bond financing:''' Infrastructure funded through capital markets
  
 +
== Regional Development ==
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
=== Cross-Border Connectivity ===
−
== How do I find out the price category of vehicles in South Africa ==
+
* '''Maputo Corridor:''' N4 to Mozambique port
−
Tolls in South Africa are dependent upon:
+
* '''Beitbridge Border:''' N1 to Zimbabwe
−
* Axles
+
* '''Nakop Border:''' N14 to Namibia and Botswana
−
* Weight of the vehicle
+
* '''Maseru Bridge:''' Connection to Lesotho
  
−
<html><table>
+
=== Economic Corridors ===
−
<caption>Classes of vehicle in South Africa.</caption>
+
* '''Industrial development:''' Toll roads support mining and manufacturing
−
    <tr>
+
* '''Tourism routes:''' Garden Route, Drakensberg access
−
        <th>Description of vehicle.</th>
+
* '''Port connectivity:''' Links to Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth ports
−
        <th>Class</th>
+
* '''Agricultural transport:''' Support for agricultural exports
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>All light vehicles</td>
 
−
        <td>CLASS 1</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Heavy vehicles 2 Axles</td>
 
−
        <td>CLASS 2</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Heavy vehicles 3-4 Axles</td>
 
−
        <td>CLASS 3</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Heavy vehicles >=5 Axles</td>
 
−
        <td>CLASS 4</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
</table></html>
 
  
−
</div><div class="shadowCard">
+
== Contact Information ==
−
== South Africa toll road prices ==
 
−
<html><table>
 
−
<caption>Tolls in South Africa depend on the toll facility, vehicle type, and payment method. Here are some of the most important South African cities </caption>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <th>Toll Road</th>
 
−
        <th>Toll Price for Tags</th>
 
−
        <th>Toll Price for Cash</th>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Johannesburg – Capetown</td>
 
−
        <td>233</td>
 
−
        <td>233</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Johannesburg – Durban</td>
 
−
        <td>326.5</td>
 
−
        <td>326.5</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Pretoria – Capetown</td>
 
−
        <td>233</td>
 
−
        <td>233</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Pretoria – Maputo</td>
 
−
        <td>349</td>
 
−
        <td>349</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
    <tr>
 
−
        <td>Johannesburg – Pretoria</td>
 
−
        <td>96.6</td>
 
−
        <td>96.6</td>
 
−
    </tr>
 
−
</table></html>
 
−
<!-- <html>
 
−
<div style="text-align: center;">
 
−
<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-turkey"><button type="button" class="custom-button button-orange">Turkey Toll Calculator</button></a>
 
−
</div>
 
−
</html>
 
−
</div> -->
 
  
−
</div>
+
=== SANRAL Customer Service ===
 +
* '''Website:''' www.sanral.co.za
 +
* '''Emergency helpline:''' 0800 SANRAL (726725)
 +
* '''E-tag support:''' Available through customer service centers
 +
* '''Route information:''' Traffic updates and road conditions
  
−
<!-- {{TollGuruEuropeCTA}}
+
=== Emergency Services ===
 +
* '''General emergency:''' 10111 (Police)
 +
* '''Medical emergency:''' 10177 (Ambulance)
 +
* '''Breakdown services:''' Available at major toll plazas
 +
* '''Tourist assistance:''' Multilingual support at major routes
  
−
{{WhichEuropeanCountriesHaveMotorwayTolls}} -->
+
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
[https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-south-africa Calculate Your South Africa Travel Costs]
−
== See also ==
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/australia-toll Australia]
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/france-toll France]
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/italy-toll Italy]
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/canada-toll Canada]
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
 
−
 
−
== References ==
 
−
<references />
 
 
</div>
 
</div>

Latest revision as of 22:24, 1 July 2025

Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state

South Africa Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide

System: Traditional toll plazas + SANRAL tags
Operator: SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency)
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Coverage: 2,952 km toll roads nationwide
Technology: Cash, cards, SANRAL e-tags, mobile payments

Do I Need to Pay Tolls in South Africa? 2025 Update

Yes, most major highways in South Africa have toll plazas. However, the controversial Gauteng e-toll system was officially scrapped on April 11, 2024, eliminating gantry-based electronic tolling in the province.

Current Toll System:

  • Traditional toll plazas on N1, N2, N3, N4, N17 highways
  • Cash and card payments accepted at all toll gates
  • SANRAL e-tags for faster passage
  • No e-tolls - Gauteng electronic gantries deactivated
  • 24/7 operations at all toll locations

South Africa Toll Costs: Current Rates (2025)

Vehicle Classification System

Vehicle Class Vehicle Types Rate Range Examples
Class 1 Light vehicles, motorcycles R7.20 - R347 Cars, SUVs, bakkies, motorcycles
Class 2 Medium-heavy (2 axles) R14.40 - R694 Small trucks, minibus taxis
Class 3 Large heavy (3-4 axles) R21.60 - R1,041 Medium trucks, buses
Class 4 Extra large (5+ axles) R28.80 - R1,388 Heavy trucks, articulated vehicles

Note: Rates increased by 4.84% effective March 1, 2025. Prices vary significantly by location and distance.

Major Route Total Costs (Class 1 Vehicles - 2025)

Route Number of Toll Gates Total Cost Distance
Johannesburg - Cape Town (N1) 4 toll gates R245 1,400 km
Johannesburg - Durban (N3) 4 toll gates R350 600 km
Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth 3 toll gates R192 1,000 km
Durban - Cape Town 5 toll gates R308 1,600 km
Durban - Port Elizabeth (N2) 1 toll gate R40 400 km

How to Pay South Africa Tolls

Payment Methods Accepted

  • Cash: South African Rand accepted at all toll plazas
  • Credit/Debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
  • SANRAL e-tags: Electronic transponders for faster passage
  • Mobile payments: SnapScan, Zapper at select locations

SANRAL E-Tag Benefits

  • Dedicated lanes: Faster passage through toll plazas
  • Automatic billing: Linked to credit card or bank account
  • Discount rates: Reduced tolls compared to cash payments
  • Monthly statements: Detailed toll usage reports

Purchase E-Tags

  • Online: SANRAL website registration
  • Customer service centers: Major shopping malls
  • Service stations: Selected Engen, Shell locations
  • Post offices: Available at main branches

Recent Changes (2025)

  • E-toll system scrapped: Gauteng electronic gantries deactivated April 11, 2024
  • Toll rate increase: 4.84% adjustment effective March 1, 2025
  • Payment modernization: Enhanced mobile payment options
  • Customer service closure: Most mall-based service centers closed September 2024
  • Refund process: E-toll payments being refunded to registered users

End of Gauteng E-Tolls

What Changed

  • Gantries deactivated: No more electronic scanning on Gauteng freeways
  • Cameras remain: Used for safety and anti-crime purposes only
  • No billing: Electronic toll charges permanently stopped
  • Traditional tolls continue: Physical toll plazas still operational nationwide

Financial Resolution

  • R20 billion debt: Taken over by government (70% National Treasury, 30% Gauteng Province)
  • User refunds: Compliant e-toll users receiving refunds
  • SANRAL relief: Agency released from Gauteng e-toll obligations

South Africa vs. Neighboring Countries

Country Toll System Payment Methods Typical Costs Coverage
South Africa Traditional toll plazas Cash, cards, e-tags R7-347 per plaza 2,952 km network
Namibia Limited tolls Cash, cards N$5-25 per plaza Select highways only
Botswana No toll roads N/A Free highways Tax-funded roads
Zimbabwe Recent toll introduction Cash, USD accepted $2-5 per plaza A5 Harare-Bulawayo
Mozambique Limited tolls Cash, Metical MT50-200 per plaza EN1 highway sections
Lesotho No toll roads N/A Free highways Limited highway network

Major Toll Routes & Plazas

N1 Highway (Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe)

  • Huguenot Tunnel: R47 (Class 1)
  • Grasmere: R22 (Class 1)
  • Vaal: R31 (Class 1)
  • Kranskop: R53 (Class 1)

N3 Highway (Johannesburg - Durban)

  • Heidelberg: R35 (Class 1)
  • Tugela: R71 (Class 1)
  • Mooi River: R89 (Class 1)
  • Mariannhill: R47 (Class 1)

N4 Highway (Pretoria - Maputo)

  • Bakerton: R28 (Class 1)
  • Wonderboom: R15 (Class 1)
  • Magalies: R42 (Class 1)

N2 Highway (Cape Town - Durban)

  • Garden Route sections: R25-85 (Class 1)
  • Wild Coast sections: R30-65 (Class 1)

Planning Your South Africa Journey

Cost Estimation

  • Short trips (under 200km): Budget R20-50 for tolls
  • Medium trips (200-600km): Budget R50-150 for tolls
  • Long trips (600km+): Budget R150-350 for tolls
  • Commercial vehicles: Multiply by 2-4x based on class

Travel Tips

  • Carry cash: Always have R50-100 in small notes
  • E-tag advantages: Faster lanes, slight discounts
  • Peak hour planning: Toll plazas can cause delays
  • Receipt keeping: Important for business travel claims
  • Route alternatives: Some provincial roads are toll-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any toll-free alternatives to major routes?

Yes, provincial (R-routes) and municipal roads often provide toll-free alternatives, though they may take longer and have varying road conditions.

Do I need an e-tag for occasional travel?

No, e-tags are beneficial for frequent users. Occasional travelers can pay cash or card at toll plazas without significant disadvantage.

What happened to Gauteng e-tolls?

E-tolls were officially scrapped on April 11, 2024. The electronic gantries are now used only for traffic monitoring and safety purposes, not billing.

Can tourists use South African toll roads easily?

Yes, all toll plazas accept international credit cards and cash. No pre-registration or special permits required for tourists.

Are there discounts for frequent users?

SANRAL e-tag users receive slight discounts compared to cash payments. Some routes offer loyalty programs for commercial fleet operators.

What if I don't have enough cash at a toll plaza?

Most plazas accept cards. Some have emergency procedures allowing passage with payment arrangements, but it's best to carry sufficient cash.

Do motorcycles pay the same as cars?

Yes, motorcycles are classified as Class 1 vehicles and pay the same rates as passenger cars.

Enforcement & Compliance

Toll Payment Enforcement

  • Mandatory payment: Cannot proceed without paying at toll plazas
  • No toll jumping: Physical barriers prevent passage without payment
  • Camera monitoring: License plate recording for security purposes
  • Legal requirements: Toll payment is a legal obligation for road use

Penalty Structure

  • Immediate payment required: No "pay later" options at traditional toll plazas
  • Vehicle impoundment: Possible for vehicles attempting to avoid toll payment
  • Traffic fines: Additional penalties for improper toll plaza behavior

Economic Impact & Revenue Usage

Revenue Allocation

  • Road maintenance: Primary use of toll revenue
  • Infrastructure upgrades: Highway improvements and expansion
  • Debt servicing: Repayment of construction bonds
  • Safety enhancements: Improved signage, lighting, emergency services

SANRAL Operations

  • 13,000 km non-toll roads: Also managed by SANRAL
  • 2,952 km toll roads: Revenue-generating network
  • Public-private partnerships: Some concessions to private operators
  • Bond financing: Infrastructure funded through capital markets

Regional Development

Cross-Border Connectivity

  • Maputo Corridor: N4 to Mozambique port
  • Beitbridge Border: N1 to Zimbabwe
  • Nakop Border: N14 to Namibia and Botswana
  • Maseru Bridge: Connection to Lesotho

Economic Corridors

  • Industrial development: Toll roads support mining and manufacturing
  • Tourism routes: Garden Route, Drakensberg access
  • Port connectivity: Links to Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth ports
  • Agricultural transport: Support for agricultural exports

Contact Information

SANRAL Customer Service

  • Website: www.sanral.co.za
  • Emergency helpline: 0800 SANRAL (726725)
  • E-tag support: Available through customer service centers
  • Route information: Traffic updates and road conditions

Emergency Services

  • General emergency: 10111 (Police)
  • Medical emergency: 10177 (Ambulance)
  • Breakdown services: Available at major toll plazas
  • Tourist assistance: Multilingual support at major routes
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