Budgeting fuel for a road trip
On a longer trip, fuel is often one of the biggest costs after accommodation. Getting a realistic figure means including every leg: the drive there, local trips once you arrive, and the drive home.
Example: a week in the Highlands
Driving 400 miles each way in a car averaging 50 MPG, with petrol at £1.45 a litre, costs about £52.73 each way — roughly £105.47 for the return trip. Add another 150 miles of exploring and the total rises to about £125.
Things that change road-trip MPG
- A full car and boot. More weight means more fuel.
- Roof boxes and bike racks. Extra drag at speed.
- Hills and narrow roads. Rural and mountain routes are rarely as efficient as steady A-road cruising.
- Air conditioning. Uses a little extra fuel on hot days.
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
Small habits add up over a year of driving. None of these are dramatic on their own, but together they can noticeably improve your real-world MPG:
- Accelerate and brake smoothly. Reading the road ahead and avoiding harsh acceleration uses less fuel.
- Keep tyres at the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Check the pressures in your handbook or on the door pillar.
- Remove unnecessary weight. Clear out the boot and take off empty roof boxes and bars when you don't need them.
- Plan journeys and combine trips. A warm engine is more efficient, so one longer round trip often beats several short ones.
- Keep the car maintained. Regular servicing keeps the engine running as intended.
- Compare fuel prices. Prices can vary between nearby forecourts, and motorway services are often more expensive.
For a single shorter drive, the journey fuel cost calculator may be quicker.