Drive time and stops

A family campsite beside a lake in the hills

A guide, not advice. Check your kit maker's figures before you buy or pack.

The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, sum and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do it yourself. A guide, not advice.

Short answer

Enter the driving time from your current route planner, then add the stops and delay allowance you expect. The total is a planning estimate; traffic, weather and roadworks change. Take suitable breaks and never drive when tired.

Worked example

Worked example inputs
You enterValue
Driving time from your route planner2.5 hours
Planned stops1
Minutes per stop20 minutes
Extra delay allowance30 minutes

Allow about 3 h 20 min for the journey

Worked example results
ResultValue
Journey time including stops and allowance3 h 20 min
Total stop time20 min
Show the working
  1. Route estimate: 2.5 h = 150 min
  2. Stops: 1 × 20 = 20 min
  3. Total: 150 + 20 + 30 = 200 min

How it works

  1. Stop time = number of stops × minutes per stop
  2. Journey allowance = route planner driving time + stop time + extra delay allowance

Use a current route estimate and allow for traffic, weather, roadworks and rest needs. Never drive when tired; follow road-safety advice.

Our figures (adjustable)

These are our planning allowances and, once checked, typical figures with their sources. They aren't facts about your kit: change any of them in the calculator.

This calculator has no built-in defaults: every figure comes from you or your kit's own label.

What to buy

Shopping links will appear here once our retailer partners are confirmed. We don't rank kit by testing it: see our spec-based kit guides.

FAQs

Does this include live traffic?

No. Use a current route estimate and check traffic and road conditions before you leave.

How long should I stop for?

Choose a break that suits your journey and needs. Follow road-safety guidance and stop sooner if you feel tired.

Guides that use it

  • Packing the car for camping

    How to pack the car for camping: group your kit, load heavy items low, keep first-use gear within reach and stay inside the handbook limits.