Driving Cost from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Lichfield, England

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Belfast, Northern Ireland and Lichfield, England: Fueling your Journey in an Era of Rising Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a trip from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Lichfield, England? Besides considering the stunning landscapes and historic landmarks along the way, it's essential to factor in the cost of fuel when calculating your traveling expenses. In recent years, gas prices have been on an upward trajectory, causing travelers to pay closer attention to their budgets. In this article, we will explore the various routes available for this journey, considering both the cost and distance of each. Let's embark on an adventure that won't burn a hole in your pocket!

Route Options

Route 1: The Direct Corsica Channel Crossing

Your first option is taking the direct Corsica Channel crossing. This route involves a ferry trip from Belfast to Cairnryan, Scotland, followed by driving south through England. While the ferry journey can be a refreshing start to your adventure, let's look at the costs involved.

  • Distance: Approximately 290 miles
  • Ferry Cost: £42 (for a single car with one driver, additional fees apply for passengers)

Route 2: The Eastern Seaboard Escape

Another viable route is traveling along the eastern seaboard, offering magnificent coastal views. This journey entails a ferry ride from Belfast to Liverpool, England, followed by a drive to Lichfield.

  • Distance: Approximately 230 miles
  • Ferry Cost: £168 (including a car and one driver, additional fees apply for passengers)

Route 3: The Central British Trek

If you prefer a more central route and have a love for picturesque British countryside, consider this option. Begin with a ferry journey from Belfast to Cairnryan, Scotland, and then embark on a cross-country drive through the heart of England.

  • Distance: Approximately 300 miles
  • Ferry Cost: £42 (for a single car with one driver, additional fees apply for passengers)

Choosing the Best Route

While each route has its merits, let's dive deeper into the costs involved for a better comparison.

Fuel Costs

Fuel prices are a significant factor when considering the overall cost of your journey. As of June 2021, the average cost of petrol in the United Kingdom is approximately £1.30 per liter, while diesel sits around £1.34 per liter. To calculate a more accurate estimate, continue reading.

Fuel Consumption Calculation

To calculate fuel consumption, it's crucial to know your vehicle's average fuel efficiency. Let's assume that your car has an average fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon.

Route 1 – The Direct Corsica Channel Crossing:

  • Fuel Required: Approximately 9.66 gallons
  • Fuel Cost (Petrol): Approximately £62.38
  • Fuel Cost (Diesel): Approximately £64.26

Route 2 – The Eastern Seaboard Escape:

  • Fuel Required: Approximately 7.66 gallons
  • Fuel Cost (Petrol): Approximately £49.93
  • Fuel Cost (Diesel): Approximately £51.44

Route 3 – The Central British Trek:

  • Fuel Required: Approximately 10 gallons
  • Fuel Cost (Petrol): Approximately £65.65
  • Fuel Cost (Diesel): Approximately £67.60

Total Costs Comparison

When calculating the final cost of your journey, it's essential to factor in the ferry costs alongside fuel expenses. Let's compare the total costs for each route using both petrol and diesel fuel prices.

Route 1 – The Direct Corsica Channel Crossing:

  • Total Cost (Petrol): Approximately £104.38
  • Total Cost (Diesel): Approximately £106.26

Route 2 – The Eastern Seaboard Escape:

  • Total Cost (Petrol): Approximately £217.93
  • Total Cost (Diesel): Approximately £219.44

Route 3 – The Central British Trek:

  • Total Cost (Petrol): Approximately £107.65
  • Total Cost (Diesel): Approximately £109.60

Conclusion

After carefully analyzing the various routes to travel from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Lichfield, England, the recommended option seems to be Route 3 – The Central British Trek. This route offers the best balance of cost and distance, ensuring you can enjoy both the scenic landscapes and historical wonders along the way while keeping financial considerations in mind.

Whether your vehicle runs on petrol or diesel, taking Route 3 will cost you approximately £107.65 or £109.60, respectively, in fuel expenses. When adding the £42 ferry cost, the total journey cost will be around £149.65 (petrol) or £151.60 (diesel), making it an ideal choice when seeking an affordable travel experience.

Remember, the duration of the trip will largely depend on various factors, including traffic conditions and any stops you make along the way. However, considering the distance of approximately 300 miles, a travel time of around 6-7 hours can be expected.

So, ignite your wanderlust and embark on an affordable adventure from Belfast to Lichfield, savoring the delightful scenery on Route 3, while keeping your fuel expenses in check!