Thinking of driving this holiday? Here’s what it really costs to travel across South Africa in 2025. Picture Credits: iStock
By Aisha Zardad
There’s something deeply South African about a long holiday road trip. It’s the early-morning departure, the boot packed to the brim, the familiar stop for snacks and fuel, and the slow shift from city skylines to wide-open landscapes. Every December, thousands of families choose the open road — not just to save money, but for the freedom, flexibility, and memories that flying simply can’t offer.
But in 2025, that sense of adventure comes with a tougher question: can South Africans still afford to drive long distances during the holidays? With fuel prices under constant pressure, toll fees adding up, and the cost of living squeezing household budgets, road trips require more planning than ever before. The romance of the journey remains — but the numbers matter.
So, before you turn the key and hit the highway, here’s a realistic breakdown of what it really costs to drive across South Africa this holiday season.
Fuel Prices: The Starting Point of Every Road Trip
As of mid-December 2025, South African fuel prices are hovering around R21.00 to R21.50 per litre for 95 Unleaded Petrol, while diesel ranges between roughly R19.40 and R22.50 per litre. Prices vary slightly between inland areas such as Gauteng and coastal regions, as well as between different fuel retailers.
Recent price movements have been influenced by exchange rate fluctuations and government fuel levies, though motorists may see some relief, with a notable fuel price drop anticipated around Christmas Day. While this offers a small window of savings, fuel remains the single biggest expense for long-distance travel.
Average Fuel Cost Per 1,000km (Return Trip)
Based on current pricing and average fuel consumption:
- 5.0L/100km: ± R1,070
- 6.5L/100km: ± R1,390
- 8.0L/100km: ± R1,710
- 10.0L/100km: ± R2,140
For a typical cross-country holiday journey of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres return, fuel costs alone can range from R2,700 to over R4,000, depending on the vehicle and driving style.
Toll Roads: The Cost You Feel Later
Toll fees often don’t feel painful in the moment — until you add them up at the end of the trip.
- Short intercity routes: R200 – R400 return
- Major long-distance routes: R600 – R1,000 return
Routes through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal generally carry the highest toll costs, especially for travellers heading to popular holiday destinations.
Accommodation and Food Along the Way
For longer trips, overnight stops are unavoidable — and should be planned for comfort and safety.
- Mid-range accommodation: R800 – R1,500 per night
- Budget accommodation: R500 – R800 per night
- Food and snacks: R300 – R600 per day (per family)
Booking accommodation in advance can significantly reduce costs and prevent last-minute price hikes.
The Real Total: What You Should Budget
For a typical long-distance holiday road trip:
- Fuel: R2,700 – R4,300
- Tolls: R500 – R900
- Accommodation: R1,500 – R3,000
- Food & extras: R1,000 – R2,000
Estimated total: R5,700 – R10,200
Safety First: Rest Is Not Optional
Long-distance driving fatigue is one of the biggest risks on South African roads during the festive season. Experts strongly recommend stopping every two to three hours to stretch, hydrate, and rest — even if you feel alert.
If you’re travelling overnight or covering more than 800km in a day, sharing driving duties or booking an overnight stop can significantly reduce accident risk. Arriving safely is always more important than arriving early.
Final Verdict
Driving across South Africa in 2025 isn’t cheap — but it can still be excellent value when planned properly. For families and groups, shared fuel and accommodation costs often make driving far more economical than flying, while offering unmatched flexibility.
The open road still tells its own story — you just need to budget wisely, drive responsibly, and take the journey one rest stop at a time.
