Average speed over a long trip is lower than the speed limit because of traffic, towns and junctions – 50–60 mph is realistic for motorways with some traffic. Safety organisations recommend a 15-minute break at least every two hours of driving.
How to use the Drive Time Calculator
- Distance
- Average speed
- Total breaks
- Departure time
- Fuel economy given as
- Fuel economy
- Fuel consumption
- Fuel price
- People sharing the cost
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the distance, your realistic average speed, the total time of breaks and the departure time, plus fuel economy, fuel price and the number of people sharing.
Tips
- Use your own measured figures – fuel economy, speed and prices vary a lot with driving style, traffic, load and season.
- Pick the unit in each field’s menu (miles or kilometres, mpg or L/100 km); the calculator converts everything for you.
- Fill up to the brim twice and divide the distance by the fuel added to measure real fuel economy.
- For vehicle modifications, treat results as a starting point and confirm with the parts maker or a professional mechanic.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing US and imperial (UK) gallons – a UK gallon is about 20% bigger.
- Using the advertised fuel economy instead of real-world figures.
- Forgetting tolls, parking and wear and tear when comparing driving with public transport.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Distance | Units: mi, km, m, nmi |
| Average speed | Units: mph, km/h, m/s, knots |
| Total breaks | In min |
| Departure time | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Fuel economy given as | Choose one: Distance per volume (mpg, km/L), Litres per 100 km |
| Fuel economy | Units: mpg (US), mpg (UK), km/L |
| Fuel consumption | In L/100 km |
| Fuel price | Units: /US gal, /L, /UK gal |
| People sharing the cost | A number |
What each result means
- Driving time = [Distance]÷[Average speed]÷3600
- Total trip time = [Distance]÷[Average speed]÷3600 + [Total breaks]÷60
- Arrival time = [Departure time] + [Total trip time]
- Arrives (days later) = floor(([Departure time] + [Total trip time])÷24)
- Fuel cost = [Fuel used]×[Fuel price]
- Fuel cost per person = [Fuel cost]÷[People sharing the cost]
Formula
Driving time = distance ÷ average speedTotal time = driving time + breaksArrival = departure + total timeFuel cost = distance ÷ fuel economy × priceWorked example
Inputs — Distance: 300 mi; Average speed: 55 mph; Total breaks: 45 min; Departure time: 08:00; Fuel economy given as: Distance per volume (mpg, km/L); Fuel economy: 25 mpg (US); Fuel consumption: 8 L/100 km; Fuel price: $3.5 /US gal; People sharing the cost: 2.
Results — Driving time = 5 h 27 min; Total trip time = 6 h 12 min; Arrival time = 2:12 PM; Arrives (days later) = 0; Fuel used = 12 US gal; Fuel cost = $42.00; Fuel cost per person = $21.00.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive 300 miles?
At an average of 55 mph, about 5 h 27 min of driving, plus breaks.
How often should I take a break?
At least 15 minutes every two hours, and stop sooner if you feel tired.
Does the calculator include time zones?
No – if you cross a time zone, adjust the arrival time by the difference.
What formula does the Drive Time Calculator use?
Driving time = distance ÷ average speed.