Is the N2 safe to drive?

The N2 is a major national route, but caution is advised in the Eastern Cape due to livestock and road conditions.

Are there trains to George?

Passenger rail services to George are currently limited; driving or flying is recommended.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

What is the best route?

The N2 highway is the most direct and well-maintained route for this journey.

Can I fly from Port Edward?

You must travel to Margate Airport for the nearest commercial flight connection.

Port Edward

George

Flight Driving

Port Edward to George

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Port Edward to George spans approximately 1150 km along the scenic N2 highway. You will traverse the Wild Coast and the Eastern Cape before entering the Garden Route. Driving is the most flexible option, taking roughly 14 hours of pure transit time. Alternatively, you can fly from Margate Airport to George via Johannesburg. This route offers a transition from subtropical coastal forests to the fynbos-rich landscapes of the Southern Cape.

Total Distance: 1150 km driving distance; 820 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Margate or Durban is the fastest, saving over 9 hours of travel time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more people sharing fuel costs.

Compare Port Edward to George Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	14 hours
Avg Price	R3500 - R5500	R2500 - R3500 in fuel
Operator	CemAir	Private Vehicle
Route	Margate Airport to George Airport via OR Tambo.	N2 highway via Mthatha, East London, and Gqeberha.
Tip	Book your Margate flight well in advance as capacity is limited.	Avoid driving the Mthatha stretch at night due to livestock on the road.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Fill up in major towns like East London and Gqeberha to avoid running low in rural stretches.
Road Conditions
Expect potholes on the R61 and N2 sections through the Eastern Cape.
Accommodation
Book your stay in Knysna or Plettenberg Bay if you prefer a scenic stopover.
Tolls
Prepare for toll fees on the N2 highway between Gqeberha and George.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as cellular signal can be intermittent in the Transkei region.

Safety Tips

Livestock
Be extremely cautious of goats and cattle crossing the N2 in the Eastern Cape.
Vehicle Security
Never leave valuables visible in your car when stopping at petrol stations.
Emergency Numbers
Save the local police and roadside assistance numbers before departing.
Fatigue
Take a break every two hours to avoid driver fatigue on this long-distance route.