Route guide
Johannesburg to Pretoria
Route N1 (Ben Schoeman) via Centurion and MidrandAbout 55 kmDrive 45 minutes to 1½ hours
One of the busiest roads in the country. When you leave matters more than which way you go.
This guide was written for Pretoria to Johannesburg. The same roads apply on your trip, but read exits, merges and lane tips the other way round.
From drivers, last 3 days
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Before you leave
- Leave before 6:00 or after 9:00 in the morning if you can.
- Check for crashes before you leave; one incident can add an hour.
- E-tolls ended in April 2024, so you don't need an e-tag on this route.
- On very bad days, the Gautrain is often quicker.
Johannesburg to Midrand
Robots out on off-rampsSafetyRoad know-how
During power cuts, treat dead traffic lights as a four-way stop and watch for cars that don't.
M1 for Sandton and the CBDTipRoad know-how
The M1 South takes you past Sandton into the city. Expect queues at the Grayston and Corlett off-ramps at peak times.
Buccleuch interchangeLane adviceRoad know-how
The N1, N3 and M1 meet here and the signs come quickly. Choose your lane well before the interchange.
Midrand to Pretoria
AlternativesTipRoad know-how
The R21 is better for OR Tambo and the East Rand. The R55 can help for Kyalami and Sunninghill.
Peak-hour crawlHazardRoad know-how
Southbound jams in the morning and northbound in the afternoon. Keep a safe gap; rear-end crashes are common.
Brakfontein interchange (Centurion)Lane adviceRoad know-how
The N1 bypass and the N14 Ben Schoeman split here. Get into the right lane early; late lane changes cause crashes.