Plan your road trip budget. Calculate total fuel cost, travel time, and per-person cost for any route in India.
Road trip cost = (Distance ÷ Mileage × Fuel Price) + Toll Charges + Food Expenses. For example, Delhi to Mumbai (1,420 km) in a car giving 15 km/L at ₹103/L: Fuel = 1420 ÷ 15 × 103 = ₹9,750. Add ₹1,560 toll and ₹2,000 food for 2 people = Total ~₹13,310 or ₹6,655 per person.
Average speed on Indian national highways is typically 60–80 km/h considering traffic, toll stops, and rest breaks. On expressways like Mumbai-Pune or Delhi-Meerut, you can average 80–90 km/h. State highways average 50–60 km/h. For planning, use 60 km/h as a conservative estimate including all stops.
Delhi to Mumbai by road (NH48, ~1,420 km): Fuel cost ~₹9,750 (at 15 km/L, ₹103/L petrol), Toll ~₹1,560, Food for 2 people ~₹2,000. Total ~₹13,310 for the car or ~₹6,655 per person (2 people). Travel time ~23 hours driving (2 days recommended with overnight stop).
Diesel is more economical for long trips due to higher mileage (20–25% better than petrol) and lower price per litre (~₹13 cheaper). For a 1,000 km trip, diesel saves ₹1,500–2,500 in fuel. However, diesel cars cost ₹1–2 lakh more. Diesel is ideal for highway-heavy, high-mileage users driving 1,500+ km/month.
To reduce road trip fuel cost: maintain tyre pressure at recommended levels (saves 5%), drive at steady 60–80 km/h on highways (optimal fuel efficiency zone), minimize AC usage on non-highway stretches, avoid idling for long periods, carry a full tank from your city (fuel may cost more at highway stations), and consider carpooling to split costs.