Pietermaritzburg → Richards Bay
The drive from Pietermaritzburg (KwaZulu-Natal) to Richards Bay (KwaZulu-Natal) is 250 km, taking around 2h 36m. You'll pass 1 SANRAL toll plazas on the way.
Toll plazas on the way
- 1 Mariannhill Toll PlazaN3 • SANRALR 27
Frequently asked
How long does it take to drive from Pietermaritzburg to Richards Bay?
2h 36m of driving — about 250 km. Add a 30–60 minute buffer for fuel stops and traffic, especially during December and Easter.
How much does fuel cost from Pietermaritzburg to Richards Bay?
A sedan burning 7L/100km will use 17.5 litres at the current ULP 95 price of R26.63/L — about R 466. SUVs, bakkies and trucks burn more; bikes burn less.
How many tolls are between Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay?
1 toll plazas, totalling R 27 for a Class 1 light vehicle.
What's the total cost of driving from Pietermaritzburg to Richards Bay?
For a single sedan at today's fuel and toll prices, around R 493 one-way. Round trip works out to roughly R 986.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly between Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay?
Driving costs about R 493 for the vehicle, regardless of how many people are in it. Flights vary, but as a rule of thumb: 3 or more people splitting the drive almost always beats flying once you factor in airport transfers and luggage.
Similar routes
Distance and duration estimated using OpenStreetMap geometry × a 1.3 routing factor (Phase 1.5 replaces this with live OpenRouteService data). Toll tariffs last verified 15 Apr 2026. Fuel prices effective May 2026. Round-trip cost is simply ×2 — actual costs vary with traffic, fuel pump variation, and how often you stop.