Trip Cost Calculator
Work out the total fuel cost of a road trip, how much it costs per person, and the cost per mile. Optionally add tolls and parking, and enable the round-trip option to double the distance automatically.
Calculate trip cost
Fill in your journey details below. Fuel price is in pence per litre (UK pumps).
Related: Fuel Cost · MPG Calculator
How the Trip Cost Calculator works
This calculator estimates the full cost of a UK road trip by combining fuel cost with any tolls or parking charges. Enter the one-way distance, your vehicle's MPG, the pump price in pence per litre, the number of passengers, and any additional costs. If you tick the round-trip option, the distance is doubled automatically so you do not have to calculate the return leg separately.
The fuel cost is calculated using the UK imperial gallon (4.54609 litres): distance ÷ MPG × 4.54609 × (price in pence ÷ 100). The total cost — fuel plus any extras — is then divided equally among all passengers, giving each person's share. This is ideal for splitting costs on shared journeys, holiday road trips, or commuting arrangements.
For the most accurate estimate, use a realistic MPG figure for your vehicle and route type rather than the manufacturer's official figure. Motorway driving at a steady 70 mph tends to be more efficient than urban driving, but less efficient than the combined cycle used for official testing. Adding a 10–15% buffer to your fuel estimate is a sensible precaution for longer journeys.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate the total cost of a road trip?
Start with your fuel cost: divide the total miles by your MPG, convert to litres (multiply by 4.54609), and multiply by the fuel price per litre. Then add any tolls, congestion charges, or parking costs. If your journey involves an overnight stay, include accommodation. Finally, factor in vehicle wear — the RAC estimates average running costs of around 10–15p per mile beyond just fuel.
What costs should I include in a trip budget beyond fuel?
Beyond fuel, a UK road trip budget should consider: motorway and bridge tolls (e.g. Dartford Crossing, Severn Bridge), parking charges at destinations, accommodation if staying overnight, food and drinks en route, breakdown cover or roadside assistance, and any vehicle-specific costs such as a ferry crossing. For longer trips, tyre wear and oil consumption can also add up.
How do I split a trip cost between passengers?
The fairest approach is to add up the total trip cost — fuel, tolls, parking, and any other shared expenses — then divide by the number of people travelling (including the driver). This calculator does that automatically. Some groups prefer the driver to travel free as compensation for using their vehicle; in that case divide the total by the number of passengers only and exclude the driver.
Is it cheaper to drive or take the train?
It depends on the number of passengers, the distance, and how far in advance train tickets are booked. Driving often works out cheaper per person when there are two or more passengers, particularly over shorter distances or on routes with expensive rail fares. However, advance train tickets can be very competitive on long-distance UK routes. Driving also adds costs like parking and road wear that rail travel does not.