Fuel Cost Calculator Australia
Estimate the fuel cost for any driving trip in Australia. Enter your distance, fuel consumption rate, and the current price per litre to calculate total petrol, diesel, or LPG costs in Australian dollars.
Uses L/100km & AUD — updated default prices for 2026
Calculate Your Fuel Cost
Enter the one-way driving distance in kilometres
Selecting a fuel type updates the default price
Check your car's trip computer or owner's manual
Current price per litre at your local servo
Enable to calculate fuel for the round trip
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Trip Distance
Type the one-way driving distance in kilometres. Use Google Maps for accurate distances. Toggle the return trip switch if you need the round-trip cost.
Set Fuel Details
Select your fuel type (unleaded, diesel, LPG, etc.) and enter your car's fuel consumption in L/100km. The fuel price auto-fills based on current Australian averages.
View Your Estimate
See the total fuel cost, litres needed, cost per kilometre, and a handy per-passenger split for carpooling. Adjust inputs to compare different scenarios.
Fuel Costs for Popular Australian Routes
| Route | Distance | Small Car | Medium Car | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Melbourne | 878 km | $98.16 | $120.81 | $151.02 |
| Sydney to Brisbane | 920 km | $102.86 | $126.59 | $158.24 |
| Melbourne to Adelaide | 728 km | $81.39 | $100.17 | $125.22 |
| Brisbane to Gold Coast | 80 km | $8.94 | $11.01 | $13.76 |
| Sydney to Canberra | 286 km | $31.97 | $39.35 | $49.19 |
| Perth to Margaret River | 277 km | $30.97 | $38.12 | $47.64 |
| Melbourne to Geelong | 75 km | $8.39 | $10.32 | $12.90 |
| Adelaide to Barossa Valley | 68 km | $7.60 | $9.36 | $11.70 |
One-way fuel costs based on unleaded at $1.72/L. Small car: 6.5 L/100km, Medium car: 8.0 L/100km, SUV: 10.0 L/100km. Actual costs will vary.
Typical Fuel Consumption by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | L/100km | Cost per 100km |
|---|---|---|
| Small car (e.g. Toyota Yaris) | 6.5 | $11.18 |
| Medium car (e.g. Toyota Camry) | 7.8 | $13.42 |
| Large car (e.g. Holden Commodore) | 9.5 | $16.34 |
| SUV (e.g. Toyota RAV4) | 8.2 | $14.10 |
| Large SUV (e.g. Toyota LandCruiser) | 12.5 | $21.50 |
| Ute (e.g. Toyota HiLux) | 9.0 | $15.48 |
Approximate figures based on combined city/highway driving. Cost per 100km calculated at $1.72/L unleaded. Real-world consumption may be 10-20% higher than manufacturer ratings.
How Fuel Cost Is Calculated
The fuel cost formula uses three inputs: distance, fuel consumption, and fuel price. In Australia, fuel consumption is measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) and fuel is priced per litre.
Formula
Litres Used = (Distance in km / 100) x Consumption (L/100km)Total Cost = Litres Used x Price per LitreExample: (500km / 100) x 8.0 L/100km x $1.72/L = $68.80For return trips, simply double the one-way distance before applying the formula. To find the cost per kilometre, divide the total cost by the total distance. This is useful for comparing driving costs against other transport options or for claiming travel expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip in Australia?
To calculate fuel cost, you need three values: the trip distance in kilometres, your vehicle's fuel consumption in litres per 100km (L/100km), and the current fuel price per litre. The formula is: Fuel Cost = (Distance / 100) x Consumption x Price per Litre. For example, a 500km trip in a car that uses 8 L/100km with fuel at $1.72/L would cost (500 / 100) x 8 x 1.72 = $68.80.
What is the average fuel consumption in Australia?
The average fuel consumption for new passenger cars sold in Australia is approximately 6.9 L/100km. However, the average across the entire existing fleet is closer to 10-11 L/100km, as older vehicles tend to be less fuel efficient. Small cars typically use 5-7 L/100km, medium sedans 7-9 L/100km, SUVs 8-12 L/100km, and large 4WDs or utes can use 10-15 L/100km or more.
Where can I find the current fuel price in Australia?
You can check current fuel prices using several free resources: the NRMA Fuel Finder, FuelWatch (Western Australia), FuelCheck (New South Wales), or the RACQ Fair Fuel Prices page (Queensland). The Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) also publishes weekly national average prices. Prices vary significantly between metro and regional areas, so check your local station for the most accurate figure.
How do I find my car's fuel consumption rate?
Your vehicle's fuel consumption (L/100km) can be found in several places: the vehicle's owner manual, the fuel consumption label on the windscreen (for new cars), or the Green Vehicle Guide website (greenvehicleguide.gov.au). Most modern cars also display real-time and average fuel consumption on the dashboard trip computer. For the most accurate figure, use the trip computer average over several fill-ups, as real-world consumption is often 10-20% higher than the official rating.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly between Australian cities?
For solo travellers on routes like Sydney to Melbourne (878 km), flying is often cheaper and faster. However, driving becomes more cost-effective with multiple passengers since you split the fuel cost. For example, fuel for the Sydney-Melbourne drive costs roughly $120-$150 (depending on your car), which split between 3-4 people is $30-$50 each. Budget airline fares typically start from $60-$80 per person. Driving also offers flexibility for stops and carrying luggage without extra fees.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides fuel cost estimates for informational purposes only. Actual fuel costs will vary based on driving conditions, traffic, terrain, weather, vehicle condition, tyre pressure, air conditioning use, load weight, and individual driving style. Fuel prices change frequently and vary by location. Default prices are based on national averages and may not reflect prices at your local service station. Always check current fuel prices before planning your trip budget. For the most accurate estimate, use your vehicle's actual fuel consumption from the trip computer rather than manufacturer ratings.