In 2024, driving emerges as a considerably cheaper option than flying for Christmas travel in South Africa.

This is especially true for journeys between Johannesburg and major holiday destinations like Cape Town or Durban.

A return trip by car costs approximately R4,192 to Cape Town and R2,181 to Durban.

In contrast, average round-trip flight prices for the same routes are significantly higher, at R6,913 and R4,169, respectively.

One of the key reasons for this disparity is the welcome relief at the petrol pump.

South Africans can expect a reduction of over R2 per litre in petrol prices in December 2024 compared to the previous year.

This decrease substantially lowers fuel expenses, making road travel even more attractive for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

For families, the savings become even more pronounced. A car trip costs the same regardless of the number of passengers, making it far more economical for a group of four compared to flying.

A family traveling by car would need to spend an extraordinary amount—around R23,000 for Cape Town or R16,000 for Durban on overnight accommodation during the journey—to match the cost of plane tickets for four.

BusinessTech looked at the price of a round trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban with the most popular cars per vehicle type (prices sourced from TopAuto. Prices also include toll fees)

JHB to CPT
Type    Car    Consumption
per 100km    Single Trip    Return Trip
SUV    Toyota Corolla Cross    6.8L    R2,258.28    R4,516.56
Bakkie    Toyota Hilux    7.1L*    R2,085.67    R4,171.34
Hatchback    VW Polo Vivo 1.6    6.1L    R2,169.03    R4,338.06
Crossover     Suzuki Fronx    5.5L    R1,871.47    R3,742.94
*Diesel

JHB to DBN
Type    Car    Consumption
er 100km    Single Trip    Return Trip
SUV    Toyota Corolla Cross    6.8L    R1,157.13    R2,314.26
Bakkie    Toyota Hilux    7.1L*    R1,086.53    R2,173.06
Hatchback    VW Polo Vivo 1.6    6.2L    R1,120.71    R2,241.42
Crossover     Suzuki Fronx    5.5L    R999.08    R1,998.16
*Diesel

Below are the prices per airline for a round trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban for a 10-day holiday during Christmas (20 Dec 2024 to 2 Jan 2025)*.
Airline    Round trip price
(JHB to CPT)    Round trip price
(JHB to DBN)
CemAir    R6,858    R5,168
FlySafair    R6,122    R3,822
Lift    R6,950    R3,850
Airlink    R6,268    R3,778
SAA    R8,371    R4,231

Even factoring in potential overnight stops for rest during the roughly 15-hour drive to Cape Town, driving remains the more affordable option.

The cost of air travel has risen notably, putting additional strain on holiday budgets.

Increased operational costs for airlines, such as higher airport fees, maintenance costs, and rising demand during the festive season, have pushed ticket prices higher.

Additionally, the demand for air travel spikes during the Christmas period, further driving up prices.

Despite the convenience and time savings offered by air travel—especially for those who can afford the higher prices—the financial benefit of driving is hard to ignore.

For solo travelers, couples, or families, the significant cost difference makes driving the preferred option.

While flying takes only a few hours and eliminates the need for overnight stops, the price gap is difficult to justify for many South Africans, especially during a time when budgets are often stretched.

Ultimately, whether traveling solo or with loved ones, South Africans planning their festive season getaways are likely to find driving the more economical choice for Christmas 2024.

*Prices sourced from each airline’s website Departing flights were for Friday, 6 December, while return flights were for Thursday, 02 January. Air travel prices are prone to change and not all airlines offer the same packages.