Johannesburg, South Africa → Maputo, Mozambique · ✈ 1h 4min · 🚗 7h 22min
245 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Johannesburg to Maputo is 453 km (281 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 4min.
The straight-line distance from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maputo, Mozambique is approximately 453 kilometers (281 miles or 245 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Maputo is located east of Johannesburg. Johannesburg is in Africa, in the Gauteng region of South Africa, while Maputo is in Africa, in Maputo, Mozambique. Both cities are in Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 453 km | ~1h 4min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~589 km | ~7h 22min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~544 km | ~4h 32min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Johannesburg to Maputo. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 589 km, fuel costs for driving from Johannesburg to Maputo are approximately $47–$88 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Johannesburg sits at 26.2041°S, 28.0473°E, while Maputo is located at 25.9692°S, 32.5732°E. The initial compass bearing from Johannesburg to Maputo is 88° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Johannesburg heading roughly E. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.23° and the longitude difference is 4.53°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Johannesburg and Maputo is approximately 26.1043°S, 30.3125°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 227 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Johannesburg and Maputo share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Johannesburg is a major city in South Africa with a population of approximately 5,635,127. Located in the Gauteng region, it is an important hub in Africa. As one of the largest cities in South Africa, Johannesburg is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Johannesburg
Maputo is a notable city in Mozambique with a population of approximately 1,101,170. Situated in the Maputo region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Maputo offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Mozambique.
453 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 453 km, the Johannesburg-Maputo route is about 1.1% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 4min.
The straight-line distance from Johannesburg to Maputo is approximately 453 kilometers (281 miles, 245 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 4min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 7h 22min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Maputo is approximately Same timezone compared to Johannesburg.
The estimated road distance is approximately 589 km, which is about 30% longer than the 453 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.