What is the best route?

The N1 is the most direct and well-maintained highway.

It is generally safe, but standard urban safety precautions apply.

Budget at least R300 for tolls on the N1 route.

Polokwane

Flight Driving

Kirkwood to Polokwane

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Kirkwood to Polokwane is a significant cross-country trip of approximately 1450 kilometers. Driving takes about 16 hours, usually via the N10 and N1 highways. Alternatively, you can drive to Gqeberha and fly to Johannesburg, then connect to Polokwane. This is a multi-day journey if driving, requiring careful planning for rest stops.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 1450 km; straight-line air distance is 1100 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Gqeberha to Polokwane via Johannesburg is the fastest method.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option for groups, while flying is faster for solo travelers.

Compare Kirkwood to Polokwane Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours (including transit)	16 hours
Avg Price	R3500 - R5000	R2500 - R3000 in fuel
Operator	Airlink	Private Vehicle
Route	Drive to Gqeberha (PLZ), fly to Johannesburg (JNB), then to Polokwane (PTG).	N10 to Bloemfontein, then N1 north through Johannesburg and Pretoria to Polokwane.
Tip	Book flights in advance to secure better rates.	Plan an overnight stay in Bloemfontein or Johannesburg to avoid fatigue.

Travel Tips

Overnight Stops
Break the drive into two days; Bloemfontein is a convenient halfway point.
Tolls
The N1 highway has multiple toll gates; keep a tag or cash ready.
Traffic
Avoid peak hour traffic in Johannesburg and Pretoria by timing your transit carefully.
Flight Connections
Allow at least 3 hours between connecting flights at OR Tambo International.
Hydration
Keep plenty of water in the car for the long drive through the interior.

Safety Tips

High-Risk Areas
Stay on main highways and avoid stopping in isolated areas at night.
Vehicle Security
Keep doors locked and windows up when driving through urban centers.
Fatigue Management
Do not push yourself to drive more than 8 hours in a single day.
Emergency Services
Save the numbers for roadside assistance on your phone.