Self-Drive Trip Budget in China (Updated 2026)


All USD amounts are based on an exchange rate of ¥1 = USD 0.14.

When planning a self-driving trip in China, your budget should generally include car rental, insurance, highway tolls, and fuel or charging costs.

  • Car rental
    Rental prices vary by season and vehicle type. A standard sedan typically costs USD 15–50 per day, while SUVs are more expensive. Insurance is usually added at checkout, averaging USD 7–15 per day depending on the plan you choose.
    Note: Prices vary depending on season, region, and vehicle type.

  • Highway tolls
    Toll fees average around ¥0.5 per km (USD 0.07 per km), depending on the region.
    Note: You won’t always stay on highways, so actual toll expenses may be lower if you take local roads.

  • Fuel or charging
    Gasoline (92 octane) costs around ¥7 per liter (USD 1 per liter).
    Note: Fuel consumption may vary depending on traffic, terrain, and driving style.

Example: For a 10-day, 1,000 km trip during a non-holiday period with a standard sedan (fuel consumption: 7 L/100 km, mostly highway):

  • Rental: USD 20/day × 10 days = USD 200

  • Insurance & Services: USD 10/day × 10 days = USD 100

  • Tolls: USD 0.07 × 1000 km = USD 70

  • Fuel: USD 1 × (7 × 1000 ÷ 100) = USD 70

→ Estimated total: around USD 440 for 10 days. (EV trips are typically cheaper.)