Need directions, a mileage cost or a fuel stop?
- Directions and route distance: open the official AA Route Planner or RAC Route Planner.
- Fuel cost for those miles: use our journey fuel cost calculator with your distance, fuel price and MPG. It estimates fuel spending, not an employer mileage allowance.
- Where to fill up: compare petrol and diesel stops along your route, including the fuel cost of extra driving.
Use the same starting point and destination for the fuel-stop comparison. Check the route shown: different planners can suggest different roads.
This is a separate comparison, not a direct import or synchronisation of your AA or RAC route. Choose the fuel stop after checking that it fits the journey you intend to make.
What the AA and RAC journey planners do well
The official AA Route Planner focuses on directions, distance, estimated journey time and route options. The official RAC Route Planner adds mapping, live traffic information and useful places along the route.
The RAC also offers a local fuel price search in the myRAC app. Its web route planner and app are different parts of its offering; this guide does not assume it lacks fuel price features.
The fuel stop question a route planner may not answer
A route can be correct while the fuel stop is still poor value. The cheapest visible pump might require a long loop, sit behind heavy traffic or be too far away for the fuel remaining.
A fuel stop decision needs extra inputs:
- Fuel grade: E10, B7 diesel, super unleaded, premium diesel or another compatible grade.
- Current price: The latest price shown for the station.
- Opening times and facilities: Whether the station is open and has the services you need.
- Your vehicle: MPG or litres per 100km, plus the amount of fuel you expect to buy.
- Extra drive: The miles and traffic needed to leave and rejoin the route.
A simple way to plan the journey and fuel stop
- Plan the main route with the AA, RAC, Google Maps or your preferred navigation service.
- Enter the same starting point and destination in Route & Fuel, then check the route before comparing fuel stops.
- Check the fuel grade, current price, opening times, facilities and the saving calculated after the extra drive.
- Use the app to open the chosen station in Google Maps, then save the fill-up to keep the calculated comparison and track fuel costs in your profile.
Using Google Maps for directions? Our guide to checking fuel prices in Google Maps explains its new UK price listings and how to compare the saving left after a detour.
When this is most useful
This is most useful on motorway journeys, long journeys, unfamiliar routes, larger fills and trips where premium fuel availability matters. A small local top-up may not justify a detour, while a large fill on a long route can make a price difference much more important.
Calculate the journey cost before you leave
Use the fuel cost calculator to estimate fuel used, journey cost, cost per mile and the saving left after a detour. Then use the fuel route planner to compare suitable stops along the journey.
Official route-planner links
Questions
Is Route & Fuel affiliated with the AA or RAC?
No. Route & Fuel is an independent app and website. It can complement a route planned with the AA, RAC or another mapping service.
Does Route & Fuel replace turn-by-turn navigation?
No. Route & Fuel helps compare fuel stops and can open the chosen station in Google Maps for directions.
Why use a separate fuel stop planner?
A separate comparison can help you assess the fuel grade, station price, extra road distance, vehicle economy and amount you expect to buy together. Compare the features of the particular planner or app you already use.
Can I import my AA or RAC route directly?
This guide describes entering the same journey details separately, not importing or synchronising a route. Check that the roads shown match your intended journey before choosing a fuel stop.