Flight
Driving
Brakpan to Upington
Updated: 28 May 2026
The trek from Brakpan to Upington is a long-haul journey of approximately 850 kilometers. The most direct road route is via the N14, which takes you through the heart of the North West province and into the Northern Cape. Driving takes roughly 9 to 10 hours, making it a full day's journey. For those short on time, flying from OR Tambo International Airport to Upington Airport is the most practical alternative. Upington serves as the gateway to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Total Distance: 850 km driving distance, 720 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Flying is significantly faster, taking under 2 hours compared to a 9-hour drive.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the cheapest option if traveling with a group, otherwise, bus services are available.
Compare Brakpan to Upington Routes
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Direct
|
Direct
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|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour 45 mins | 9 hours 30 mins |
| Avg Price | R2500 - R4000 | R1400 - R1800 fuel |
| Operator | Airlink | N/A |
| Route | OR Tambo (JNB) to Upington (UTN). | N14 through Ventersdorp, Vryburg, and Kuruman. |
| Tip | Book flights well in advance to avoid high last-minute prices. | The N14 is a long, straight road; watch for driver fatigue. |
Travel Tips
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Fuel StopsFill up in every major town like Vryburg; fuel stations can be sparse.
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Road SafetyThe N14 is prone to stray animals; avoid driving at night.
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HydrationKeep at least 5 liters of water in your car at all times.
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Vehicle CheckEnsure your cooling system is in top condition for the desert heat.
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AccommodationBook your stay in Upington early, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Safety Tips
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FatigueTake a 15-minute break every 2 hours to stay alert.
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EmergencyDownload offline maps as GPS signal can be unreliable in remote areas.
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Sun ProtectionUse window shades to keep the car interior cool.
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Tire PressureCheck your tire pressure before and after the trip.
People Also Ask
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Is Upington worth visiting?Yes, it is the gateway to the Kgalagadi and Augrabies Falls.
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How long is the flight?The flight is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Are there car rentals?Yes, major car rental agencies operate at Upington Airport.
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What is the N14 like?It is a long, mostly flat highway with varying road quality.
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Can I take a bus?Yes, long-distance bus operators serve the Upington route.
Quick Info
- From Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa
- To Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
May to August to avoid the extreme summer heat of the Kalahari region.
Things to Do in Upington
1
Orange River Wine Cellars
Visit the second-largest wine cooperative in the world. Enjoy a tasting of local desert wines.
2
Augrabies Falls National Park
Located nearby, these massive waterfalls are a must-see. The gorge is spectacular.
3
Kalahari Oranje Museum
Learn about the history of the region and the early missionaries who settled here.
4
Spitskop Nature Reserve
A great place for game viewing and seeing the unique flora of the semi-desert landscape.
Tags
Brakpan to Upington
N14 highway
flights to Upington
Northern Cape road trip
driving to Upington
Upington travel guide
South Africa desert travel
long distance driving
