Fuel Cost Calculator
Enter your trip details and calculate how much you will spend on fuel, including tolls and split between passengers.
* The calculation is indicative and only includes fuel cost and the tolls you enter. Wear and tear, insurance, depreciation and other vehicle costs are not included.
How to calculate the fuel cost of a trip
The formula is straightforward:
For example, a 500 km trip with a car consuming 6.5 L/100km and fuel at €1.75/litre would cost:
Average consumption by vehicle type
| Vehicle type | Motorway consumption | City consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid / mild hybrid | 4 – 5 L/100km | 4 – 6 L/100km |
| Small petrol car | 5 – 6 L/100km | 7 – 9 L/100km |
| Medium petrol car | 6 – 7 L/100km | 8 – 11 L/100km |
| Diesel car | 5 – 6 L/100km | 6 – 8 L/100km |
| SUV / 4x4 | 7 – 9 L/100km | 9 – 13 L/100km |
| Van / MPV | 8 – 11 L/100km | 10 – 14 L/100km |
Tips to reduce fuel consumption on the road
- Maintain a steady speed: between 90 and 110 km/h is the most efficient range for most cars.
- Keep tyres properly inflated: under-inflated tyres can increase consumption by up to 3%.
- Avoid aggressive cold starts: the first few kilometres use the most fuel.
- Reduce weight: every extra 100 kg adds approximately 5% to fuel consumption.
- Use air conditioning sparingly: it can increase consumption by 10% to 20%.
Frequently asked questions about trip cost
How do you calculate the fuel cost of a trip?
The formula is: (distance in km × consumption in L/100km / 100) × price per litre. Our calculator does this automatically and also splits the result between passengers.
What is the average fuel consumption of a car?
The average for a passenger car is around 6–7 L/100km on motorways and 8–10 L/100km in the city. Hybrids are typically 4–6 L/100km and SUVs can exceed 10 L/100km.
Does the fuel price include taxes?
Yes. The pump price already includes all applicable taxes, so the result reflects the actual cost you will pay at the fuel station.
Is it cheaper to drive or take the train?
It depends on the distance, the number of passengers and the fuel price. For short trips with several people, driving is usually cheaper. For long distances travelling alone, the train or bus may be more affordable.