How to Calculate Fuel Cost Per Journey
A simple guide to working out how much any car journey costs in fuel, with tips for reducing your fuel costs.
How much does a car journey cost in fuel?
The fuel cost of any journey depends on three things: the distance, your car's fuel economy, and the price of fuel. Our Fuel Cost Calculator does the maths for you instantly, but here is how the calculation works.
The formula
To calculate fuel cost per journey:
- Convert your distance to kilometres (miles × 1.609)
- Work out litres needed: (distance in km ÷ 100) × litres per 100km
- Multiply litres by fuel price per litre
If you know your car's MPG instead, convert it first: litres/100km = (282.5 ÷ MPG).
Typical fuel costs for common journeys
| Journey | Distance | Approx cost (40 MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| School run (5 miles return) | 5 miles | £1.30 |
| Town centre (10 miles return) | 10 miles | £2.55 |
| Daily commute (30 miles return) | 30 miles | £7.65 |
| Day trip (100 miles return) | 100 miles | £25.50 |
Tips to reduce fuel costs
- Maintain steady speeds and avoid harsh acceleration
- Keep tyres properly inflated
- Remove unnecessary weight and roof boxes
- Use cruise control on motorways
- Compare fuel prices at different stations
- Consider car sharing for regular commutes
Try the calculator
Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to get a personalised cost for your specific journey, vehicle, and fuel price.
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Last updated
Last reviewed: 2026-04-12T07:27:44.642Z.