Like any city, exercise caution and stay in well-lit areas.

How far is the beach?

It is about 20km to the nearest beach in Richards Bay.

Yes, long-distance coaches stop in Empangeni.

Yes, it is a major national highway.

No, the nearest airport is in Richards Bay.

Margate

Empangeni

Bus Driving

Margate to Empangeni

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from Margate to Empangeni covers roughly 300 kilometers along the N2 highway. You will travel north through Durban and continue past the sugar cane fields of the North Coast. The journey typically takes 4 hours. Empangeni serves as a major commercial hub for the Zululand region. The road is mostly dual-carriageway, making for a relatively smooth drive.

Total Distance: 300 km driving distance, 265 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving your own car is the fastest, taking 4 hours.

Cheapest Way

Minibus taxi is the most affordable at R300.

Compare Margate to Empangeni Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	4 hours
Avg Price	R400 - R550	R550 - R750 fuel cost
Operator	Eldo Coaches	Private Vehicle
Route	Margate to Durban to Empangeni	N2 Northbound
Tip	Check schedules for the Durban to Empangeni leg.	Watch for heavy trucks on the N2 near Empangeni.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Refuel in Durban to avoid higher prices in smaller towns.
Traffic
The N2 near Empangeni can be busy with industrial traffic.
Accommodation
Empangeni has several guesthouses suitable for business travelers.
Navigation
Use GPS to navigate the city center as it can be confusing.
Weather
Summers are very hot; ensure your car air conditioning is working.