Road trip cost calculator

Add up fuel, tolls and other costs for a trip, and split the total between the people in the car.

Rand per litre. The starting figure is an example, not today’s pump price.

Total for the trip.

Parking, meals, accommodation.

Total trip cost

R 2 904

Fuel
R 2 304
Litres needed
96.0 L
Tolls
R 600
Other costs
R 0
Each, for 2 people
R 1 452

Estimates only. Not financial advice.

How the road trip cost calculator works

Last updated 10 November 2026

A road trip is cheaper when the cost is shared and it helps to know the number before you go.

How it works

  • Fuel cost = distance ÷ 100 × litres per 100 km × price per litre.
  • Total = fuel + tolls + other costs.
  • Each person pays = total ÷ the number of people.

Worked example

With the starting figures:

  1. Fuel for the trip is R 2 304 for 96 litres.
  2. With tolls and other costs, the total is R 2 904.
  3. Shared by 2 people, that is R 1 452 each.

Know the cost before you go

A road trip is cheaper when the cost is shared, and it helps to know the total before you leave. This calculator adds fuel, tolls and other costs and divides the total between the people in the car.

What to enter

  • The distance of the trip, one way or return
  • Your car's litres per 100 km, from the fuel consumption calculator
  • The price per litre you expect to pay
  • Tolls and other costs such as parking, food on the road and accommodation
  • The number of people sharing

How the total is built

Fuel cost equals the distance divided by one hundred, multiplied by litres per hundred kilometres and by the price per litre. The total is fuel plus tolls plus other costs. Each person pays the total divided by the number of people. The result also shows the litres you will need.

Be generous with the estimate

  • Allow extra distance for detours, fuel stops and city driving.
  • A fully loaded car, a roof rack or a trailer uses more fuel.
  • Fuel prices change on the first Wednesday of the month, so check the date of your trip.
  • Add the wear on the car if the trip is long, since tyres and service costs rise with distance.

Splitting fairly

The tool splits the total evenly. If the driver supplies the car, you may agree on a different split, such as a share for wear and tear. Decide it before the trip. Toll prices come from the operator, so look them up for your route.

Things to watch

  • Allow extra distance for detours, fuel stops and city driving.
  • A fully loaded car uses more fuel.

Plan the rest of your spending with the monthly budget planner. Read the full disclaimer.

Questions people ask

How do I find the toll costs?

Toll plazas publish their tariffs, and many navigation apps show them. Add them for your vehicle class.

How is the cost split?

The total is divided equally by the number of people sharing it.

Fuel cost calculatorLitres and rands needed for a trip, from distance, consumption and price.Fuel consumption calculatorWork out your real litres per 100 km from a tank of fuel.Monthly budget plannerList your income and spending, see what is left, and download or print the result.

Estimates only. Not financial advice. Read the full disclaimer.