What costs should I budget for on a road trip?

Main road trip costs include: fuel (usually the largest expense), accommodation, food and drink, tolls and parking, breakdown cover (if not already covered), attractions and activities, and a contingency fund. For a UK road trip, fuel and accommodation typically account for 60-70% of the total budget.

How much does a UK road trip cost per person?

A typical UK road trip costs £50-£150 per person per day depending on accommodation choice and number of people sharing. Budget options (camping, packed lunches) can bring this down to £30-£50/day. Luxury trips (nice hotels, restaurants) can cost £200+/day per person.

How can I save money on a road trip?

Save on fuel by filling up at supermarket forecourts, driving smoothly, and using cruise control. Book accommodation in advance, consider camping or Airbnb, take packed lunches and snacks, avoid motorway service stations for food and fuel, car share to split costs, and use free parking where possible.

What is a reasonable food budget for a road trip?

A reasonable daily food budget per person is: budget £15-£25 (supermarket meals, packed lunches), mid-range £25-£40 (cafe lunches, pub dinners), and comfortable £40-£60+ (restaurant meals). Buying breakfast items from a supermarket and eating out for dinner is a good balance.

Should I include breakdown cover in my budget?

If you do not already have breakdown cover, it is worth budgeting for it. Annual UK breakdown cover costs £30-£100+ depending on the level. Single-trip cover is available for £20-£40. For older or high-mileage cars, European or national cover with home start is recommended.

Road Trip Budget Calculator — Complete Trip Costs

Plan a complete road trip budget including fuel, tolls, food, accommodation, and parking costs.

Total Trip Distance

Distance to calculate for

Your MPG

Your fuel economy in miles per gallon

Fuel Price

Current price of fuel

Number of Days

Number of days

Number of People

Total number of people expected

Tolls Per Day

Amount in pounds sterling

Food Per Person Per Day

Amount in pounds sterling

Accommodation Per Night

Amount in pounds sterling

Parking Per Day

Amount in pounds sterling

How We Calculate This

How The Budget Is Calculated

Fuel: (Total miles / MPG) x 4.546 x price per litre
Tolls: Daily toll cost x number of days
Food: Budget per person per day x people x days
Accommodation: Cost per night x (days - 1) nights
Parking: Daily parking cost x number of days

Tips

Add 10-15% contingency to your budget for unexpected expenses. Fuel prices vary significantly — use apps like PetrolPrices to find the cheapest stations along your route.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.