[1][2] It connects Tulisa Park in Johannesburg South with Springs via Germiston, Boksburg and Brakpan.

The M46 begins by going eastwards as Rand Airport Road, flying over the N17 highway and meeting the N3/N12 highway (Johannesburg Eastern Bypass) (northbound only), to enter the city of Germiston and meet the M48 road in the suburb of Gosforth Park.

It continues eastwards to enter the city of Boksburg and meet the northern terminus of the M35 road just north of the Reiger Park suburb, where it changes its name to Commissioner Street.

It enters the Brakpan Town Centre eastwards as Athlone Avenue and then reaches a junction, where it becomes Van Der Walt Road via a left turn.

The M46 becomes Prince George Avenue south-eastwards before becoming Olympia Road eastwards, where it enters the city of Springs.