Direct route or the long way round
Scenic detour calculator
Taking the coast road, or the long way over the hills? See what the detour adds in distance, time and fuel, and decide with the numbers in front of you.
- Extra fuel cost3.401.70 each for 2
- Extra distance32mi (51 km)
- Extra time1 h 5 minbehind the wheel
- Extra fuel1.00US gal (3.79 L)
| Route | Distance | Time | Avg speed | Fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | 120 mi (193 km) | 2 h 5 min | 58 mph | 12.75 |
| Scenic | 152 mi (245 km) | 3 h 10 min | 48 mph | 16.15 |
How to use it
Look up both routes in a map app and copy each one's distance and driving time. The calculator works out the difference, then the extra fuel at your car's fuel economy and your pump price, and each person's share. If the scenic route turns out shorter or quicker, it shows what you save instead.
The same fuel economy is used for both routes. On slow, winding roads a car can use more or less fuel per mile than on a fast road, so treat small differences loosely. Whether the views are worth it is up to you.
Sources
- US gallon: 231 cubic inches, from NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C; with the inch defined as exactly 2.54 cm, exactly 3.785411784 litres.
- UK (imperial) gallon: exactly 4.54609 litres, from the Weights and Measures Act 1985, Schedule 1.
- Mile: exactly 1.609344 km, from NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8.
Questions
Why is the scenic route's average speed lower?
Country and coast roads have bends, junctions, villages and lower limits, so the same distance takes longer. The table works out each route's average speed from the distance and time you entered.
Does the extra cost include anything apart from fuel?
No. Tolls, parking, ferries and food on the way are not included; add them to the extra fuel cost if they apply.
Can I use it for an electric car?
Not directly, as it works with fuel economy and fuel prices. For an electric car, the EV charging calculator works out the energy and charging stops for any distance.