Fuel cost calculator
Enter your distance, vehicle type and fuel price — see the exact cost instantly. Covers 7 regions and MPG + L/100km.
Your trip
≈ 311 mi
Your vehicle
€1.85/ litre
Total fuel cost
€68
Compare with...
🔋 EV equivalent: €28 — you save €40
Want the full trip cost — hotels, food, and activities too?
Try the Road Trip Cost Calculator →How to calculate fuel cost for a road trip
The formula is simple: divide your distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency, then multiply by the current fuel price. In L/100km terms: (kilometres × L/100km ÷ 100) × price per litre. In MPG terms: (miles ÷ MPG) × price per gallon.
The key variable is your vehicle's real-world fuel efficiency. Manufacturers publish "combined" ratings, but actual consumption depends on driving style, payload, air conditioning and terrain. City driving typically consumes 20–30 % more than highway driving; sustained motorway speeds above 120 km/h add another 15–20 %.
For long road trips, factor in fuel price variation along the route — prices can differ by up to 30 % between regions. This calculator uses a single average price per region, so add a 5–10 % buffer to your estimate to account for this.
Fuel prices by region (mid-2026)
| Region | Unit | Avg. price | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | per gallon | $3.80 | $3.20 – $4.80 |
| Europe | per litre | €1.85 | €1.60 – €2.10 |
| United Kingdom | per litre | £1.55 | £1.40 – £1.70 |
| Australia | per litre | A$1.95 | A$1.75 – $2.20 |
| Colombia | per litre | $9,800 COP | $9,200 – $10,500 COP |
| New Zealand | per litre | NZ$2.35 | NZ$2.10 – $2.60 |
| Canada | per litre | C$1.72 | C$1.55 – $1.95 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?
The formula is: distance ÷ efficiency × fuel price. In MPG: (miles ÷ MPG) × price per gallon. In L/100km: (km × L/100km ÷ 100) × price per litre. This calculator handles both units automatically.
What is the average fuel cost per mile or kilometre?
A midsize sedan costs roughly $0.12–$0.18 per mile in the US, or around €0.13 per km in Europe. SUVs run 30–40 % higher. Electric vehicles typically cost 60–70 % less per kilometre than a petrol equivalent.
Should I use MPG or L/100km?
The US and Canada use MPG (miles per gallon). Most other countries use L/100km (litres per 100 kilometres). A lower L/100km means better efficiency; a higher MPG means better efficiency. This calculator supports both and converts automatically.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV on a road trip?
Generally yes — an EV typically costs 60–70 % less in energy than an equivalent petrol car. However, you need to factor in charging stop times and charger availability on your specific route before committing.
How much does a 1,000 km road trip cost in fuel?
With a midsize sedan in Europe (~7.4 L/100km at €1.85/L): roughly €137. In the US (~32 MPG at $3.80/gal): roughly $74. Results vary widely by vehicle and local fuel price.
Does driving style affect fuel consumption?
Yes, by up to 30 %. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking and high speeds significantly increase consumption. On a motorway, 120 km/h typically uses about 20 % more fuel than 100 km/h due to aerodynamic drag.
How accurate is this fuel cost calculator?
Very accurate for planning purposes using the correct efficiency for your vehicle. The main variables affecting real-world results are: traffic, terrain (hills add 10–15 %), climate control use, and cargo weight. Add a 10 % buffer to be safe.
Can I calculate fuel cost for a round trip?
Yes. Toggle "Round trip" and the calculator automatically doubles the distance for the total calculation, while also showing the cost for each individual leg of the journey.