Fuel Trip Cost Calculator
Estimate total fuel cost for any trip from distance, consumption (L/100 km or MPG) and fuel price. Useful for road trips, business mileage and budgeting.
Last updated: May 2026
Enter trip details to estimate fuel cost.
Getting a realistic fuel cost estimate
The calculator uses three inputs: trip distance, consumption in litres per 100 km, and fuel price per litre. The result is total litres used and total cost. The key variable most people underestimate is consumption: manufacturer claims are measured under test conditions that rarely match real driving. A petrol car rated at 5.5 L/100 km typically uses 6.5-8 L in mixed traffic, and 8-10+ L in urban stop-start conditions.
Fuel price varies by country and station. Use your trip computer or a recent fill-up receipt for a more accurate consumption figure, the difference between 6.8 and 8.5 L/100 km on a 500 km trip is about 8.5 litres and roughly €17 at current prices.
Fuel cost reference table (at €2.00/L)
The table below shows total fuel needed and cost for common consumption rates across typical trip distances. Adjust for your actual fuel price using the calculator above.
| Consumption | 100 km | 250 km | 500 km | 1,000 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 L/100 km (hybrid / small diesel) | 5 L / €10 | 12.5 L / €25 | 25 L / €50 | 50 L / €100 |
| 7 L/100 km (efficient petrol) | 7 L / €14 | 17.5 L / €35 | 35 L / €70 | 70 L / €140 |
| 9 L/100 km (typical mixed petrol) | 9 L / €18 | 22.5 L / €45 | 45 L / €90 | 90 L / €180 |
| 12 L/100 km (SUV / diesel van) | 12 L / €24 | 30 L / €60 | 60 L / €120 | 120 L / €240 |
A 10-cent rise in fuel price adds €0.90 per 100 km for a 9 L/100 km car, or €4.50 on a 500 km trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What consumption should I use for a typical car?
Petrol: 6-8 L/100 km mixed, 8-11 urban. Diesel: 5-7 L/100 km mixed, 6-9 urban. SUVs and heavier vehicles: add 2-3 L/100 km. Sports cars and large engines: 10-14 L/100 km. Use your trip computer's long-term average for the most accurate figure, not the manufacturer's official rating.
How does fuel price affect cost for a 500 km trip?
At 7 L/100 km: 35 litres consumed. At €1.80/L, that is €63. At €2.10/L, it is €73.50. A 17% fuel price increase adds roughly €10.50. For longer trips the difference compounds, a 1000 km journey at the same difference is €21 extra, enough to notice when comparing routes.
Does this calculator include toll or motorway costs?
No. Fuel only. Add toll costs separately for France (~€35 Paris, Lyon), Italy, Spain, and Portugal where motorway tolls are common. Toll-free routes via secondary roads can be cheaper overall despite higher fuel consumption from lower average speeds.