Johannesburg
Johannesburg
East London
East London
Flight Driving

Johannesburg to East London

Updated: 29 May 2026

East London is 1000 kilometers from Johannesburg. The route follows the N6. The drive takes about 11 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from OR Tambo to East London Airport in 1.5 hours.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1000 km, straight-line air distance 850 km.
Fastest Way
Flying from OR Tambo to East London takes 90 minutes.
Cheapest Way
Budget airlines offer competitive prices compared to fuel costs.
Compare Johannesburg to East London Routes
Flight
Direct
Driving
Direct
Duration 1 hour 30 mins 11 hours
Avg Price R1200 - R2200 R1500 - R2200 in fuel
Operator FlySafair N/A
Route OR Tambo to East London Airport. N6 via Bloemfontein and Queenstown.
Tip Flights are the most efficient way to travel. The N6 is a long drive; plan for an overnight stop.
Travel Tips
  • Road Safety
    The drive is long; take regular breaks.
  • Weather
    East London weather is mild; pack for all seasons.
  • Stopovers
    Queenstown is a good place to stop.
  • Booking
    Book flights well in advance for better rates.
  • Navigation
    Use a GPS for city navigation.
Safety Tips
  • Driving
    Avoid driving at night due to wildlife on the road.
  • Security
    Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
  • Emergency
    Carry a spare tire and basic tools.
  • General
    Stay in reputable hotels or guest houses.
People Also Ask
  • Is East London safe?
    It is generally safe, but take standard precautions.
  • How long is the flight?
    The flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.
  • What is the best way to travel?
    Flying is fastest, driving is most flexible.
  • Are there trains?
    Passenger rail services are not practical for this route.
  • What is East London famous for?
    It is known for its beaches and the coelacanth.
Quick Info
  • From Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
  • To East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Summer (December to February) for beach weather.

Things to Do in East London
1
Nahoon Beach
Relax on the popular beach.
2
East London Museum
See the coelacanth specimen.
3
Gonubie Beach
Enjoy the boardwalk and beach.
4
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
Go on a safari.
Tags
Johannesburg to East London N6 highway East London travel flights to East London driving to Eastern Cape travel time Joburg East London road trip South Africa
More from Johannesburg
Pretoria
Johannesburg → Pretoria
Durban
Johannesburg → Durban
Cape Town
Johannesburg → Cape Town
Bloemfontein
Johannesburg → Bloemfontein
Polokwane
Johannesburg → Polokwane
Mbombela
Johannesburg → Mbombela
Gqeberha
Johannesburg → Gqeberha
Rustenburg
Johannesburg → Rustenburg
Kimberley
Johannesburg → Kimberley
Pietermaritzburg
Johannesburg → Pietermaritzburg
More to East London
Munster
Munster → East London
Underberg
Underberg → East London
Bulwer
Bulwer → East London
Drakensberg
Drakensberg → East London
Himeville
Himeville → East London