Calculate your total journey budget — fuel, food, accommodation, and cost per person. Plan any road trip with confidence.
Planning a road trip budget comes down to four main categories: fuel, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous costs like parking, tolls, and attractions. Fuel is typically the most variable cost — use our calculator to get an accurate fuel estimate based on your vehicle's real-world efficiency and current pump prices.
For UK road trips, accommodation costs vary significantly by region. London and the South East are typically the most expensive, while Scotland, Wales, and the North of England offer better value. Budget hotels and Premier Inn-style accommodation typically run £60–90 per room per night, while Airbnb and holiday cottages can be more cost-effective for groups.
At current UK average petrol prices of around £1.48/litre, a 100-mile journey in a car achieving 40 MPG costs approximately £8.40. A less efficient car at 30 MPG would cost around £11.20, while a fuel-efficient hybrid at 60 MPG would cost approximately £5.60. Enter your specific vehicle details in our calculator for an accurate figure.
For groups of two or more people, driving is almost always cheaper than rail travel in the UK, especially when booked at short notice. For solo travellers, advance-booked rail tickets can be competitive with driving costs. Driving has the added advantage of flexibility — no fixed timetables, easier to carry luggage, and the ability to stop where you choose.
Common costs that travellers overlook include: city centre parking (£10–30 per day in major cities), motorway services food and drink (significantly more expensive than alternatives), toll bridges and tunnels (Dartford Crossing, Mersey tunnels), and the cost of breakdown cover if not already included in your insurance.