From Windhoek you take the four-lane A1 north to Okahandja, just under 70 kilometres. The expressway was built in sections between 2014 and 2024. A new checkpoint has stood at Okapuka since November 2025. At Okahandja you turn west onto the B2 and stay on it all the way to Swakopmund. The whole route is tarred, about 360 kilometres.
Along the way you pass Karibib, Usakos and Arandis. In December 2025 travellers reported roadworks and heavy truck traffic on the B2. The upgraded section between Karibib and Usakos was open by October 2026. Next in line is a dual carriageway from Usakos to Arandis; in May 2026 the minister said work would start that year. Expect roadworks, as of October 2026.
Plan on four to four and a half hours without breaks. If you want a detour: past Usakos a gravel road branches off to the Spitzkoppe, about 33 kilometres to the mountain. That turns the drive into a full day.
Our tipAim to arrive before dark. There are plenty of trucks on the B2, and overtaking takes time through the roadworks.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- A1, B2
- Distance
- 360 km
- Surface
- tar all the way
- Driving time
- 4 to 4.5 hours
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
Places to stay in Swakopmund
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Crossroads Luxury Accommodation
Equatorial Street
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Pets allowed
from €160per night on 18 November 2026
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An Der Mole Apartment
Ludwig Koch Street
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €136per night on 23 November 2026
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Cornerstone Guesthouse
40 Hendrik Witbooi street
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €101per night on 15 November 2026
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Atlantik Sicht Apartment
Strand Street
- Breakfast
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €150per night on 2 March 2027
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Swakopmund
2 Theo-Ben Gurirab Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €174per night on 23 November 2026
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Desert Breeze Lodge
On the banks of the Swakop River
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €138per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoWindhoek to Swakopmund: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund?
Windhoek to Swakopmund is about 360 kilometres on tar via Okahandja, Karibib and Usakos. Allow four to four and a half hours of actual driving.
Is the road from Windhoek to Swakopmund tarred?
Yes, the road from Windhoek to Swakopmund is tarred all the way: first the four-lane A1 to Okahandja, then the B2 to the coast. Parts of the B2 are under construction as of October 2026.
Can I visit the Spitzkoppe on the way to Swakopmund?
Yes, past Usakos a gravel road leaves the B2 for the Spitzkoppe, about 33 kilometres to the mountain. With the detour, the drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund takes a full day.