Cost to Drive from Sydney to Newcastle
162 km via the M1 Pacific Mwy · about 2 h 15 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Sydney's weekly average U91 (AIP publishes no Newcastle figure)
Fuel: Sydney U91 avg, week ending 18 October 2026 · distance computed once from open routing- At Sydney's average the one-way trip in a typical car costs $31.27, $0.23 more than a week earlier ($31.04 at 239.5 c/L in the week ending 11 October 2026).
- That is $9.82 more than in the week ending 12 July 2026, when Sydney U91 averaged 165.5 c/L and the same drive cost $21.45.
- At 162 km this is the 14th longest of the 21 corridors RegoWise prices, so at any single price it ranks 14th dearest to drive.
The Pacific Motorway links Sydney and Newcastle and carries heavy commuter and freight traffic, so it's a familiar drive for anyone travelling the region regularly. It's motorway for most of the way, which keeps the run predictable. If you route through Sydney's tunnel and motorway network at the southern end, expect tolls on that part of the trip, though the corridor itself between the cities is toll-free.
Sydney → Newcastle fuel cost
Default price: Sydney average U91, week ending 18 October 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | Sydney average (241.3 c/L) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One way | Return | |||
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 9.7 L | $23.45 | $46.91 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 13.0 L | $31.27 | $62.54 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 17.8 L | $43.00 | $86.00 |
| One way, 6–11 L/100 km | $23–$43 | |||
| AIP's weekly report covers the 8 capital cities only. Newcastle is costed at Sydney's average, the figure for that state's capital, not a local price. | ||||
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Newcastle?
- Between $23 and $43 in fuel one way at Sydney's weekly average U91 (AIP publishes no Newcastle figure) for the week ending 18 October 2026 (241.3 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $31.27.
- How far is Sydney to Newcastle by road?
- 162 km via the M1 Pacific Mwy, around 2 h 15 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Melbourne → Sydney
- Sydney → Brisbane
- Brisbane → Sydney
- Canberra → Sydney
- Gold Coast → Sydney
- Sydney fuel prices
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly petrol prices report, week ending 18 October 2026verified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages. AIP weekly averages for the week ending 18 October 2026.