Toll Gates from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
Traveling from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein? Whether you’re planning a road trip or transporting goods, this guide breaks down all the toll gates, fees by vehicle type, and includes a helpful calculator to estimate your total cost. Calculate your trip expenses with the Toll Fees Calculator.
Table of Contents
- Route Overview
- Toll Gate Locations
- Toll Fees by Vehicle Type
- Total Toll Cost Calculator
- Payment Methods
- Tips to Save on Tolls
- Toll-Free Alternatives
- Conclusion
Route Overview
The main route from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein is the N1 highway. It stretches around 400 kilometers and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to drive. The road is well-maintained and widely used for both personal travel and commercial transport.
There are three toll gates along this route, each charging different rates based on the type of vehicle.
Toll Gate Locations
You will pass through the following toll plazas when traveling from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein:
- Grasmere Plaza – just outside Johannesburg
- Vaal Plaza between – Johannesburg and Kroonstad
- Verkeerdevlei Plaza – before entering Bloemfontein
Toll Fees by Vehicle Type
Use this section to check the estimated toll costs for your vehicle at each plaza.
| Toll Plaza | Light Vehicle | Minibus Taxi | Medium Truck | Heavy Truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grasmere Plaza | R16 | R33 | R52 | R76 |
| Vaal Plaza | R54 | R94 | R153 | R236 |
| Verkeerdevlei Plaza | R46 | R81 | R129 | R198 |
Total Toll Cost Calculator
Quick reference for the total cost per vehicle type across all three tolls: here is online Toll Fees Calculator
| Vehicle Type | Grasmere | Vaal | Verkeerdevlei | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicle | R16 | R54 | R46 | R116 |
| Minibus Taxi | R33 | R94 | R81 | R208 |
| Medium Truck | R52 | R153 | R129 | R334 |
| Heavy Truck | R76 | R236 | R198 | R510 |
Payment Methods
All toll gates on this route accept:
- Cash in South African Rand
- Credit or debit cards with chip or tap (no swipe-only cards)
- Fleet cards
- E-tags with linked accounts
For the fastest trip, use contactless cards or e-tag lanes where available.
Tips to Save on Tolls
- Travel during non-peak hours to avoid delays
- Use a tag account for faster clearance
- Combine trips or deliveries to maximize value
- Check for fee changes before each trip
Toll-Free Alternatives
If you’re looking to avoid toll fees altogether:
- The R54 offers a toll-free alternative but may increase travel time and involve poorer road conditions
- The R59 or N3 route includes only one toll gate but takes longer and may not be suitable for all vehicle types
These are useful for cost-conscious travelers or occasional drivers.
Conclusion
Traveling between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein on the N1 is convenient and efficient, with predictable toll costs. Use the calculator above to budget correctly based on your vehicle type and keep payment methods ready for a smooth journey.