Trip Cost Calculator
Planning a road trip starts with one number: what will the fuel actually cost? This trip cost calculator totals the fuel for one-way or round trips and splits it per passenger — perfect for carpooling agreements and vacation budgets.
It uses your real consumption figure, so measure it first with the Fuel Economy Calculator for an honest estimate.
Enter valid values to see the results.
Formula
Metric consumption is fuel per 100 km, so fuel = distance × (L/100km ÷ 100). With MPG, fuel = miles ÷ MPG. The round-trip option simply doubles the one-way distance.
How to measure
- One-way distance: the route length from your map app. Choose round trip to double it automatically.
- Consumption: your measured real-world figure, not the brochure number.
- Passengers: everyone sharing the fuel bill, including the driver if you split evenly.
Worked example
Practical tips
- Add 10% to the route distance for detours, wrong turns and local driving at the destination.
- Mountain routes and full luggage raise consumption — use your highway figure plus a margin.
- Compare the per-person cost with train and bus fares before deciding to drive.
- Fuel prices vary along the route; fill up where it is cheapest, not when the tank is empty.
Round-trip fuel cost at 8 L/100km (29.4 MPG), $1.50/L
| One-way distance | Fuel | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 200 km (124 mi) | 32 L | $48.00 |
| 450 km (280 mi) | 72 L | $108.00 |
| 800 km (497 mi) | 128 L | $192.00 |
| 1,200 km (746 mi) | 192 L | $288.00 |
Common mistakes
- 1 Budgeting one-way fuel for a round trip.
- 2 Using the official consumption figure instead of the measured one.
- 3 Splitting only fuel when carpooling — tolls and parking are part of the trip cost too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split trip fuel costs fairly?
Divide the total fuel cost by the number of people sharing, including the driver if everyone benefits equally from the trip. This calculator shows the per-person figure directly.
How much fuel do I need for 1,000 km?
At 7 L/100km: 70 litres. At 10 L/100km: 100 litres. Enter your own consumption above for an exact figure and cost.
Is driving cheaper than flying for two people?
Often yes for distances under 800–1,000 km, since one tank serves all passengers while each flight ticket is per person. Compare the per-person result here with fares.
Should I include tolls in the trip budget?
Yes — tolls can rival fuel on some highways. This calculator covers fuel; add tolls and parking separately for the full picture.