Train vs Car Weekend Trip Calculator
Instantly compare the true cost of travelling by train versus car for your UK weekend getaways. Free, accurate estimator factoring in fuel, wear and tear, parking, and group travel.
Calculate Your Trip Expenses
Enter your journey details below to get an instant, precise breakdown of whether driving or taking the train is the most cost-effective option for your group.
Journey Details
Enter your trip variables to see the cost comparison
Cost Comparison
Estimated total trip expenses
Common UK Weekend Trip Comparisons
Typical cost estimates for popular UK weekend destinations (based on 2 travelers, average car, and standard advance train fares) to help you plan your next getaway.
| Route (Round Trip) | Distance | Est. Car Cost | Est. Train Cost (2 people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London to Edinburgh | 420 miles | £115 | £160 – £250 |
| London to Cornwall | 460 miles | £125 | £180 – £280 |
| Manchester to Lake District | 100 miles | £45 | £60 – £90 |
| Birmingham to Cardiff | 160 miles | £60 | £80 – £120 |
| Bristol to Bath (Day/Weekend) | 40 miles | £25 | £20 – £35 |
| Leeds to York | 60 miles | £30 | £30 – £50 |
Travel Cost Comparison FAQ
Everything you need to know about calculating the true cost of driving versus taking the train in the UK.
It depends on the number of travellers and the distance. For solo travellers, advance train tickets are often cheaper when factoring in car fuel, wear and tear, and parking. However, for groups of 3 or 4 people, driving is almost always significantly cheaper as the fixed costs of the car journey are shared.
Beyond just fuel, you should factor in vehicle wear and tear (tyres, servicing, depreciation), which the AA estimates at around 15p per mile for an average car. Weekend parking fees, congestion charges, and potential toll roads should also be added to your total.
Divide your total round-trip distance in miles by your car’s fuel efficiency (MPG). This gives you the number of gallons needed. Multiply this by 4.546 to convert to litres, then multiply by the current price per litre of fuel to get your total fuel cost.
Yes, though it is optimised for petrol/diesel MPG. For an EV, you can estimate your ‘MPG’ equivalent by dividing your car’s range (in miles) by its battery capacity (in kWh), and using the average cost per kWh at public or home chargers as your ‘fuel price’ for a rough comparison.