The Best Guide to Navigating South Africa’s Toll Roads
While toll roads play a key role in maintaining and upgrading South Africa’s major freeways, understanding how they work and what they cost can be confusing - especially if you’re not a frequent user. Each route operates differently, with varying fees based on vehicle class, type of toll plaza, and distance travelled.
What Are Toll Roads and Why Do We Pay Them?
Toll roads are highways or freeway sections that require motorists to pay a fee for usage. These fees (also known as toll fees) are used to fund the maintenance, operation and upgrading of key national routes. While some toll roads are managed by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), others are operated through public-private partnerships.
Tolling helps ensure that high-traffic routes are kept in good condition and safe to use. Moreover, the money collected via each toll gate contributes to resurfacing roads, upgrading interchanges, installing lights and improving road markings.
Types of Tolls in South Africa
South Africa uses two main types of toll systems:
1. Main Toll Plazas
These toll gates require you to stop and pay manually or via an electronic tag. You’ll find them on major routes like the N1, N3, and N4.
2. Electronic Tolling (e-Tolls)
Introduced in Gauteng on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), e-tolls use gantries to scan vehicles without stopping. Billing is automatic via number plate recognition or an e-tag system.
What Are Off-Ramp Tolls?
Ramp tolls are found at on and off-ramps along the highway. They charge vehicles entering or exiting the toll road at specific points.
Off-ramp tolls are useful for:
- Charging vehicles that don’t travel the entire length of the tolled road.
- Ensuring fairness by only charging for the section used.
Major Tolls in South Africa
Here’s a breakdown of the major toll routes, toll plazas, and approximate costs as of 2025. Note: Fees are determined based on vehicle class (light, heavy, or trailer, etc.) and can change annually.
In March 2025, The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) implemented a 4.86% increase in toll tariffs. This adjustment is designed to support vital infrastructure and maintenance, as well as network improvements.
Vehicle Classes
SANRAL categorises vehicles into four classes:
| Class | Description |
| Class 1 | Motorcycles, light vehicles, cars, bakkies (no trailer) |
| Class 2 | Light vehicles with trailer, minibuses, medium trucks |
| Class 3 | Large trucks with 3–4 axles |
| Class 4 | Extra-large trucks and buses with 5+ axles |
Updated Toll Fees by Major Route
In reference to BusinessTech and Jacaranda FM figures, here are the updated 2025 toll fee rates (prices differ by vehicle class (based on number of axles and type):
N1 Toll Plazas
This route runs north from Pretoria to Polokwane. It includes both mainline and ramp plazas.
| Plaza | Type | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
| Stormvoel | Ramp | R12.00 | R30.50 | R35.00 | R42.00 |
| Zambesi | Ramp | R14.50 | R36.00 | R42.00 | R51.00 |
| N1 Pumulani | Main | R16.00 | R40.00 | R46.00 | R55.00 |
| Wallmansthal | Ramp | R7.20 | R18.00 | R22.00 | R25.00 |
| Murrayhill | Ramp | R14.50 | R36.00 | R44.00 | R50.00 |
| Hammanskraal | Ramp | R34.00 | R116.00 | R126.00 | R145.00 |
| Carousel | Main | R73.00 | R196.00 | R216.00 | R249.00 |
| Maubane | Ramp | R31.50 | R85.00 | R94.00 | R108.00 |
N3 Toll Plazas
The N3 toll route stretches from northern Johannesburg to the Southern coast of Durban (across three provinces).
| Plaza | Type | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
| Mooi | Main | R67.00 | R165.50 | R231.00 | R313.00 |
| Mooi | Ramp S | R47.00 | R115.00 | R162.00 | R219.00 |
| Mooi | Ramp N | R20.00 | R49.00 | R69.00 | R94.00 |
| Treverton | Ramp | R20.00 | R49.00 | R69.00 | R94.00 |
| Bergville | Ramp | R29.00 | R34.00 | R63.00 | R96.00 |
| Tugela | Main | R96.00 | R159.00 | R251.00 | R347.00 |
| Tugela East | Ramp | R60.00 | R99.00 | R147.00 | R204.00 |
| Wilge | Main | R90.00 | R155.00 | R207.00 | R294.00 |
| De Hoek | Main | R65.00 | R101.00 | R154.00 | R222.00 |
N4 Toll Plazas
This route stretches from Pretoria west toward Rustenburg and Botswana, including the Bakwena-operated segment.
| Plaza | Type | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
| N4 Doornpoort | Main | R19.50 | R49.00 | R56.00 | R66.00 |
| K99 | Ramp | R19.50 | R49.00 | R56.00 | R66.00 |
| Brits | Main | R19.50 | R68.00 | R74.00 | R85.00 |
| Buffelspoort | Ramp | R19.50 | R47.00 | R52.00 | R60.00 |
| Marikana | Main | R29.00 | R70.00 | R79.00 | R91.00 |
| Kroondal | Ramp | R19.50 | R47.00 | R52.00 | R60.00 |
| Swartruggens | Main | R99.00 | R249.00 | R302.00 | R355.00 |
Paying Toll Fees in South Africa
Here’s how to pay tolls when driving across the country:
At Conventional Toll Plazas:
- Cash: Exact change often required in rural areas.
- Credit/Debit cards: Visa/Mastercard.
- SANRAL e-tags: automatic payment at dedicated lanes.
For e-Toll Routes:
- Pre-register your vehicle and load funds via the SANRAL e-toll website or app.
- Pay online after travelling using your invoice or vehicle registration number.
- Use e-tags for seamless passage.
For those travelling to Durban for business or pleasure, don’t forget to have a look at the toll roads to Durban from Johannesburg.
Spend Less on Tolls
Are you a frequent traveller? Here are some smart ways to save and spend less on tolls:
- Use alternative routes, especially for local commutes, non-toll routes may take a little longer but save money (consider responsible driving as part of your fuel savings technique).
- Carpool with colleagues or friends to split toll fees.
- Consider an e-tag if you travel the same route regularly.
- Use a GPS app like Waze or Google Maps to preview tolls before your journey and choose alternative options if needed.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re driving up the N1 from Cape Town to Limpopo or taking a quick trip on the N3, knowing your toll fees, routes, and payment options can make your journey simpler. Make sure to plan your route, budget for tolls, and make the most of South Africa’s extensive road network.
Remember: roads cost money to build and maintain. Toll roads might be an added expense, but they offer speed, safety, and peace of mind for millions of South Africans.
With that in mind, if you’re planning on travelling long-distance, don’t forget to have your car serviced in time. You can also check out our articles on highway road safety and road trip preparation. You never know when you might need assistance.
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