With the festive season approaching fast, many South Africans are already planning trips between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and the big question is whether it’s cheaper to drive or fly.
In 2025, the answer is overwhelmingly clear: driving remains the more affordable option, even with expected December fuel price increases.
Despite slightly higher petrol and diesel prices, fuel costs remain close to December 2024 levels, keeping long-distance road trips budget-friendly, especially for families. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay when travelling along some of the most popular routes in South Africa…
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Driving cost
- Around R3 700 – R4 500 for a return trip
(depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency)
Flying cost
- Around R5 800 – R7 500 for a return ticket
(holiday-season pricing, including luggage)
Johannesburg to Durban
Driving cost
- Around R2 000 – R2 300 for a return trip
Flying cost
- Around R2 300 – R5 200 for a return ticket
Cape Town to Durban
Driving cost
- Around R3 000 – R4 300 for a return trip
(longer distance, but still cheaper than flying)
Flying cost
- Around R3 500 – R5 000 for a return ticket
Cape Town to Johannesburg
(Included above, but here is the standalone version)
- Driving: ± R3 700 – R4 500 return
- Flying: ± R5 800 – R7 500 return
Bottom line for South Africans
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, the numbers show that driving is the more economical choice for the festive season 2025. While flying is faster and more convenient, the savings from road travel, especially on the major routes, are hard to ignore.
Prices are based on current fuel prices and range between different vehicle types. Prices for flights were checked for 20 December (departure) and 2 January (return), but airfares change often and vary between airlines.
