Yes, but it is a very long distance.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes about 15 hours.

No commercial flights to Beaufort West from KZN.

What is the best route?

The N3 to N1 route is the standard path.

Yes, the entire route is paved.

Pennington

Beaufort West

Driving

Pennington to Beaufort West

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Pennington to Beaufort West is a massive 1300 km trip, taking approximately 15 hours of driving. You will travel north on the N3 to Johannesburg, then take the N1 across the country to the Western Cape. This route crosses the entire width of South Africa, from the Indian Ocean coast to the heart of the Karoo. Beaufort West is a major stopover town on the N1. Given the extreme distance, at least one overnight stop is mandatory.

Total Distance: 1300 km driving distance; 950 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the N1 is the fastest route, taking 15 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the only practical way to reach Beaufort West.

Compare Pennington to Beaufort West Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

15 hours

Avg Price

R2000 - R2400

Operator

Private Vehicle

Route

N3 to Johannesburg, N1 to Beaufort West.

Plan for at least one overnight stop in Bloemfontein.

Travel Tips

Fatigue
Do not attempt this drive in one go; plan multiple stops.
Fuel
Refuel at every major town as stations are far apart in the Karoo.
Tolls
Budget for tolls on the N3 and N1 highways.
Navigation
Use a GPS as the N1 is a long, monotonous road.
Supplies
Carry plenty of water and food for the long journey.

Safety Tips

Speeding
Be aware of speed traps on the N1.
Night Driving
Avoid driving the N1 at night due to wildlife and limited visibility.
Vehicle Security
Keep your car locked at all times in urban areas.
Emergency
Keep a list of emergency contacts for the Western Cape.