Is Pretoria far from Johannesburg?

It is about 60 km away, easily connected by the Gautrain.

Yes, companies like Intercape offer direct routes to Pretoria.

What is the best time to visit?

October is ideal for the jacaranda season.

Are there tolls on the way?

Yes, the N1 has multiple toll gates.

Yes, flying is the safest and most efficient mode of travel.

Pretoria

Flight Driving

Despatch to Pretoria

Updated: 29 May 2026

Traveling from Despatch to Pretoria involves traversing the heart of South Africa via the N10 and N1. The journey covers roughly 1150 km and takes about 13 hours by road. Most travelers prefer flying from Gqeberha to OR Tambo and taking a shuttle to Pretoria. The route is scenic, passing through the arid Karoo and the Free State plains. Pretoria is the administrative capital, known for its historic architecture and jacaranda trees.

Total Distance: 1150 km driving distance; 880 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight to OR Tambo followed by the Gautrain to Pretoria.

Cheapest Way

Long-distance bus from Gqeberha to Pretoria Station.

Compare Despatch to Pretoria Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours (including shuttle)	13 hours
Avg Price	R1800 - R3500	R2000 - R2800 fuel
Operator	Airlink	N/A
Route	Gqeberha (PLZ) to JNB, then Gautrain to Pretoria.	R75 to N10, then N1 north through Bloemfontein.
Tip	The Gautrain is the fastest way to reach Pretoria from the airport.	Use the N1 bypass around Johannesburg to avoid city congestion.

Travel Tips

Gautrain Usage
Purchase a Gautrain Gold Card at the airport for seamless travel to Pretoria.
Traffic Awareness
Avoid the N1 highway during peak morning and afternoon hours.
Weather Prep
Pretoria can be very hot in summer; carry sunscreen and light clothing.
Booking
Book your Gautrain tickets online to save time at the station.
Navigation
Use GPS apps to monitor real-time traffic updates on the N1.