The fuel gauge hides the real economics of a road trip. Working out the total cost — and the fair share per traveller — is the way to budget accurately and to decide honestly between driving, flying or taking the train.
Distance, economy and price
Two identical road trips can cost wildly different amounts depending on route length, how efficiently the car runs, and what fuel costs along the way. Getting all three right is the difference between a realistic budget and an unpleasant surprise at the pumps.
The invisible extras
Tolls, parking and ferries often rival fuel on busy corridors. Itemising them separately — rather than hiding them in a vague 'travel budget' — makes the numbers transparent and easier to share.
Per-person, per-mode comparison
Once you know the per-person cost of driving, comparing against a rail ticket or a flight becomes straightforward. Small parties often find driving loses to transit; large groups tip it back the other way.
Frequently asked questions
Multiply the distance by your car's fuel economy and the fuel price. This calculator does that and also adds tolls and splits the total per passenger.
Divide the total by the number of passengers. For a round trip with multiple stops, the same per-person share still applies to the total distance.
It depends on distance, party size and ticket prices. Use this calculator for the driving cost, then compare the per-person figure against flight costs plus airport transfers.