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.
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.