South Africa Toll Roads Complete Guide: SANRAL, Rates & Payment 2025
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South Africa Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Traditional toll plazas with electronic tags, contactless payments introduced
Coverage: N1, N2, N3, N4, N17 national routes (22,000km network managed by SANRAL)
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Technology: SANRAL tags, contactless payments, cash accepted
Operators: SANRAL (national), private concessionaires (N3TC, others)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in South Africa? 2025 Update
Yes, you must pay tolls when using South Africa's major national highways. The country operates an extensive toll system on key intercity routes including the N1, N2, N3, N4, and N17, with toll plazas strategically located across the network.
Major 2024 Change: Gauteng's controversial e-toll system was officially discontinued on April 12, 2024, ending over a decade of public opposition. The gantries are now switched off, and Gauteng freeways are toll-free.
2025 Update: Traditional toll plazas continue operating with 4.84% rate increases effective March 1, 2025. Contactless payment systems were introduced December 2024, modernizing the payment experience while maintaining cash acceptance.
South Africa Toll Costs: Current Rates
South Africa operates toll roads on major intercity routes, with rates varying by vehicle class, route, and distance. The system is managed by SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency) and private concessionaires.
Current Toll Rates by Major Route (2025)
| Route | Class 1 (Light Vehicles) | Class 2 (Medium) | Class 3-4 (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1 (Cape Town-Johannesburg) | R7.20-R108 | R14.40-R216 | R21.60-R540 |
| N2 (Cape Town-Durban) | R10-R85 | R20-R170 | R30-R425 |
| N3 (Johannesburg-Durban) | R20-R347 | R40-R694 | R60-R1,735 |
| N4 (Johannesburg-Maputo) | R15-R120 | R30-R240 | R45-R600 |
| N17 (Johannesburg-Mpumalanga) | R12-R45 | R24-R90 | R36-R225 |
| Gauteng Freeways | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Vehicle Classification System
Class 1: Light vehicles (motorcycles, cars, light trucks with/without trailers)
Class 2: Medium-heavy vehicles (heavy vehicles with 2 axles)
Class 3: Large heavy vehicles (heavy vehicles with 3-4 axles)
Class 4: Extra large heavy vehicles (heavy vehicles with 5+ axles)
How to Pay South Africa Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods in South Africa:
1. Cash Payment:
- South African Rand (ZAR) - accepted at all toll plazas
- Exact change preferred but change provided
- Available 24/7 at manned toll booths
2. SANRAL Electronic Tags:
- SANRAL tags for automatic payment at dedicated lanes
- Prepaid accounts with automatic deduction
- Faster passage through toll plazas
- Compatible with parking at participating malls
3. Contactless Payments (NEW - December 2024):
- Tap-enabled credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
- Mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay)
- Wearable devices (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin)
- Magnetic stripe cards being phased out
4. Fleet & Commercial Cards:
- Fleet cards issued by South African banks (Class 1 vehicles only)
- Garage cards for commercial use
- Zimele Toll Debit Cards (Class 2-4 vehicles)
NOT Accepted: Diners Club, American Express, most international cards
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across South African toll roads, use TollGuru South Africa toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
E-Tolls Officially Discontinued:
- Gauteng e-toll gantries switched off April 12, 2024 at midnight
- R20 billion debt split: 70% national government, 30% Gauteng province
- Former e-toll routes now completely toll-free
- End of decade-long public opposition and civil disobedience
2025 Toll Rate Increases:
- 4.84% annual increase effective March 1, 2025 (down from 6.25% in 2024)
- N1 Platinum Route: R7.20-R108 for light vehicles
- N3 route: R20-R347 for light vehicles
- Rate adjustments based on Consumer Price Index
Payment System Modernization:
- Contactless payment systems introduced December 1, 2024
- Magnetic stripe cards being phased out for security
- SANRAL tags remain compatible with new systems
- Cash payments still accepted at all locations
Planning Your Journey
Major Route Costs (Light Vehicles):
- Cape Town to Johannesburg (N1): R300-R500 total toll costs
- Johannesburg to Durban (N3): R200-R400 total toll costs
- Cape Town to Durban (N2): R250-R450 total toll costs
- Johannesburg to Maputo (N4): R150-R300 total toll costs
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Gauteng province: All major freeways toll-free since April 2024
- Regional roads: Often longer but avoid toll costs
- Provincial routes: Generally toll-free but may be slower
Travel Tips:
- Consider SANRAL tags for frequent travel
- Carry South African Rand cash as backup
- Peak travel times may have longer queues
- Emergency assistance available on major toll roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Are e-tolls still active in South Africa?
No, e-tolls were officially discontinued on April 12, 2024. All e-toll gantries in Gauteng have been switched off, and these routes are now completely toll-free.
What happened to outstanding e-toll debt?
The R20 billion e-toll debt was taken over by government (70% national, 30% Gauteng province). SANRAL has not received instructions regarding refunds or prosecution of outstanding individual e-toll fees.
Can I still use my old e-tag?
Yes, SANRAL tags from the e-toll system still work at traditional toll plazas nationwide and for parking at participating malls, as long as the account has sufficient funds.
Are contactless payments accepted everywhere?
Contactless payments were introduced in December 2024 on major routes like N3 and N4, with rollout continuing. Cash and SANRAL tags remain accepted at all toll plazas.
Do international credit cards work?
Most international cards don't work. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted for Class 1 vehicles. Diners Club, American Express, and most international debit cards are not accepted.
South Africa vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Traditional plazas + electronic | R10-R350 per plaza | Major intercity routes |
| Kenya | Electronic expressway | 100-300 KES | Nairobi Expressway |
| Tanzania | Limited toll system | 5,000-15,000 TZS | Select highways |
| Nigeria | Mixed systems | 200-2,000 NGN | Federal highways |
| Morocco | Electronic + manual | 5-50 MAD | Extensive network |
Useful Links & Resources
Government & Operators:
- SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency) - Main toll operator
- N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) - Private operator for N3 route
- Department of Transport - Policy and oversight
- National Treasury - Toll financing and regulation
Contact Information:
- SANRAL Customer Care: 0861 726 725
- SANRAL Emergency: 0861 400 800
- N3TC Customer Care: 0800 63 4357
Regional Toll Information:
- Kenya Tolls - East African expressway system
- Tanzania Tolls - Regional East African comparison
- Nigeria Tolls - West African highway system
- Morocco Toll Roads - North African network
