Major Highways & Driving Tips in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1. M1 Highway (Johannesburg-Pretoria),
Connects Johannesburg to Pretoria, carries heavy traffic. Know its peak hours for smoother travel.
- Peak Hours: Avoid rush hours (6am-9am and 3pm-7pm) for less congestion
- Tolls: Prepaid e-toll system; ensure you have a valid tag or pay toll fees electronically
- Road Works: Keep updated on road works and delays through traffic reports or online services
2. N1 Highway (Johannesburg-Polokwane),
Connects Johannesburg to Polokwane; be aware of the toll plaza on the outskirts of Pretoria.
- Toll Plaza: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for the toll plaza near Pretoria
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Rest Areas: Utilize rest areas along the route for breaks during long drives
3. N3 Highway (Johannesburg-Durban),
Travels south to Durban; be cautious of heavy trucks and potential roadworks.
- Heavy Trucks: Maintain a safe distance from trucks, especially on inclines
- Road Works: Stay alert for roadworks and allow extra time for delays
- Service Stations: Plan your route to include service stations for fuel, rest, and food
4. N12 Highway (Johannesburg-Bloemfontein),
Connects Johannesburg to Bloemfontein; expect toll fees and potential construction.
- Toll Fees: Pay toll fees at toll plazas using e-toll or cash
- Construction Zones: Adjust your speed and be patient in construction zones
- Rest Stops: Take advantage of rest stops for breaks during long drives
5. R21 Highway (Johannesburg-Pretoria),
A major route connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria; it can be congested during peak hours.
- Peak Hours: Avoid rush hours (6am-9am and 3pm-7pm) for less traffic
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas
6. N4 Highway (Johannesburg-Maputo),
Travels east to Maputo; be cautious of border crossing procedures.
- Border Crossing: Allow extra time for passport checks and paperwork at the border
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed limits; be prepared for changing road conditions approaching the border
- Tolls: Pay toll fees using cash or e-toll at toll plazas on this route
7. R24 Highway (Johannesburg-OR Tambo Int'l Airport),
Connects Johannesburg to OR Tambo International Airport; be mindful of traffic during peak airport hours.
- Airport Hours: Avoid rush hours at the airport (early morning and late evening)
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
8. Gold Reef City Drive (Johannesburg),
Located in the city center; parking can be challenging, but free valet is available.
- Parking: Utilize paid parking lots or take advantage of the free valet service
- Traffic: Allow extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours
- Attractions: Visit the theme park or museum attractions within Gold Reef City
9. Masilonyane Highway (Johannesburg-Soweto),
Connects Johannesburg to Soweto; traffic can be heavy, so plan your route accordingly.
- Peak Hours: Avoid rush hours (6am-9am and 3pm-7pm) for less congestion
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
10. Johannesburg Inner City Routes (Various),
A network of streets in the city center; parking can be challenging, but paid parking lots are available.
- Parking: Utilize paid parking lots or street parking with meters
- Traffic: Allow extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours
- Navigating: Use GPS or map apps to navigate the city streets
11. William Nicol Drive (Sandton-Cresta),
Connects Sandton and Cresta shopping centers; expect heavy traffic during peak shopping hours.
- Shopping Hours: Avoid rush hours at the malls (early afternoon and late evening)
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
12. O.R. Tambo Road (Johannesburg),
Connects the OR Tambo International Airport to Johannesburg city center; traffic can be heavy.
- Airport Hours: Avoid rush hours at the airport (early morning and late evening)
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
13. Jan Smuts Avenue (Johannesburg),
A major arterial road in Johannesburg; heavy traffic and construction are common.
- Peak Hours: Avoid rush hours (6am-9am and 3pm-7pm) for less congestion
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
14. Randburg Road (Johannesburg),
Connects Randburg and Sandton; expect heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Peak Hours: Avoid rush hours (6am-9am and 3pm-7pm) for less congestion
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route
15. Rhodesfield Road (Johannesburg),
Connects Johannesburg to Rhodesfield station; heavy traffic can be expected during peak train hours.
- Train Hours: Avoid rush hours at the train station (early morning and late evening)
- Speed Limits: Follow speed limits; watch for changing speed limit signs in construction zones
- Tolls: Prepare cash or have a valid e-toll tag for toll plazas on this route