Route guide
St Lucia to Durban
Route N2 north via Ballito and Empangeni, then the R618 from MtubatubaAbout 250 kmDrive 2½–3 hours
The N2 North Coast toll road, then sugar-cane country and a short run to the estuary.
This guide was written for Durban to St Lucia. 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
- Have a card or cash for the North Coast toll plazas, including oThongathi, Mvoti and Mtunzini.
- On holiday weekends, leave Durban early; traffic towards Ballito backs up.
- Arrive in daylight. Hippos walk the streets of St Lucia at night, so drive slowly after dark.
- Fill up in Empangeni or Mtubatuba.
St Lucia to Empangeni
Hippos after darkSafetyRoad know-how
Hippos graze in St Lucia town at night. Drive slowly, and don't get out to look.
Turn off at MtubatubaLane adviceRoad know-how
Leave the N2 at Mtubatuba and take the R618 east to St Lucia, about 25 km.
Pedestrians and livestockHazardRoad know-how
Further north, people and animals use the road verges. Take extra care at dusk.
Empangeni to KwaDukuza
Cane and timber trucksHazardRoad know-how
Heavy trucks join from farm roads and slow down on hills. Watch for mud on the road in the harvest season.
Mtunzini Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Mainline plaza near Mtunzini.
KwaDukuza to Durban
Mvoti Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Mainline plaza near KwaDukuza (Stanger).
oThongathi Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Mainline plaza between King Shaka Airport and Ballito.
Umhlanga and Gateway trafficHazardRoad know-how
The N2 near Umhlanga and Mount Edgecombe is busy at peak times.