Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is faster, but driving allows for more flexibility and luggage capacity.

How many tolls are on the N3?

There are four major toll plazas between Durban and Johannesburg.

The N3 is a major highway and is safe, provided you remain alert and follow road rules.

Yes, long-distance bus services like Greyhound or Intercape operate daily between Durban and Johannesburg.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately one hour.

Pennington

Johannesburg

Flight Driving

Pennington to Johannesburg

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Pennington to Johannesburg involves a journey of approximately 650 kilometers. Most travelers drive via the N3 highway, which connects the coast to the inland plateau. Alternatively, you can drive to King Shaka International Airport and fly to OR Tambo International Airport. The road journey takes roughly seven hours, while flying takes about one hour in the air plus airport transit time. This route is the primary economic corridor between the KwaZulu-Natal coast and the Gauteng province.

Total Distance: 650 km driving distance; 520 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from King Shaka International Airport is the fastest method, totaling 3 hours including airport procedures.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if traveling with more than one person.

Compare Pennington to Johannesburg Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours total	7 hours
Avg Price	R1200 - R2500	R1200 - R1600 fuel
Operator	Airlink / FlySafair	Private Vehicle
Route	Durban (DUR) to Johannesburg (JNB).	R102 to N2, then N3 North via Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Tip	Book at least two weeks in advance for the best rates.	Budget for multiple toll gates along the N3.

Travel Tips

N3 Tolls
Use a tag system for the N3 toll gates to save time and avoid queues.
Airport Parking
Book long-term parking at King Shaka International Airport online to secure a lower rate.
Traffic
Avoid entering Johannesburg during morning and afternoon rush hours to save significant time.
Weather
Johannesburg can be cold in winter; pack layers if traveling between June and August.
Safety
Keep your car doors locked at all times while driving through urban areas.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
The N3 is prone to heavy truck traffic; maintain a safe following distance.
Night Driving
Avoid driving the N3 at night due to poor lighting and potential road hazards.
Emergency Numbers
Keep the N3 Toll Concession emergency number saved in your phone.
Vehicle Checks
Ensure your tires and brakes are in top condition before attempting the long drive.