Going home for Eid (mudik) is one of the most anticipated Lebaran traditions—a special moment to return home and gather with family. Many people choose to use their own car because it offers more flexibility in managing travel time and routes.
Quite a few also assume that traveling home using a private car is more economical than public transportation. However, to truly save money, you still need to calculate expenses such as fuel, toll fees, meals, and vehicle preparation. Without careful planning, total costs can easily add up.
To get a clearer picture of the estimated costs of traveling home using a private car, read this article until the end.
Cost Breakdown of Traveling Home Using a Private Car
Before deciding to travel, it’s important to understand the expense components you need to prepare. By knowing the detailed cost breakdown of traveling home with a private car, you can make more accurate calculations and manage your finances wisely to avoid unexpected expenses during the trip.
Below are the cost components you should consider:
1. Fuel Costs
The primary expense when traveling with your own car is fuel. The amount varies depending on the type of vehicle, engine capacity, road conditions, and driving style.
Cars with smaller engines are generally more fuel-efficient, but have limited passenger and cargo capacity. Larger cars are more comfortable for long trips, but usually consume more fuel.
The type of fuel also affects the total cost. Fuel with RON 92 is typically priced around IDR 13,000–14,000 per liter, while lower RON fuel costs about IDR 10,000 per liter.
For example, the distance from Jakarta to Surabaya is approximately 785 km. To cover this distance, a car generally requires about 50–55 liters of fuel, depending on efficiency.
Based on this estimate, fuel costs for Eid travel can reach several hundred thousand rupiah, or even close to one million rupiah if using higher-priced fuel.
2. Vehicle Service Costs
In addition to fuel, you should service your vehicle before traveling to ensure safety and comfort. Key components that need inspection include:
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Engine: Check engine oil, radiator water, filters, and battery. Make sure there are no leaks and the engine runs properly.
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Electrical System: Inspect headlights, turn signals, horn, and starter.
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Brakes: Ensure brake pads and brake fluid are in good condition.
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Clutch (manual cars): Check the clutch pads and fluid for smooth gear shifting.
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Tires: Check tire pressure, tread condition, and wear for long-distance safety.
The estimated service cost usually ranges from IDR 500,000 to IDR 700,000, depending on the type of vehicle and maintenance required.
3. Toll Road Costs
If your journey includes toll roads, make sure to check the applicable toll fees for your route in advance. Each route has different rates, so it’s important to know them before departure.
You can check toll fee estimates through official toll road apps or digital maps that display travel cost estimates. This helps you prepare the required budget.
Also, ensure that your electronic toll card balance is sufficient to avoid delays at toll gates.
4. Food and Accommodation Costs
During long trips, you’ll need to budget for meals and drinks at rest areas or roadside restaurants. While these expenses may seem small, they can add up.
If the journey takes more than one day, accommodation costs for rest are also necessary. To save money, you can bring food from home and choose lodging that fits your budget.
5. Additional Costs
There are also other expenses that are often overlooked, such as parking fees at rest areas or tourist spots, small tips, and unexpected needs like buying medicine, extra snacks, or forgotten items.
Although they seem minor, these costs can inflate your budget if not planned ahead. By accounting for all these needs, you can estimate your total travel cost more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
Below is an example of an estimated cost breakdown for a round trip from Jakarta to Yogyakarta using a private car:
| Component | One-Way Estimate (IDR) | Round Trip Estimate (IDR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | 675,000 – 742,500 | 1,350,000 – 1,485,000 | 50–55 liters × IDR 13,500/liter |
| Service | 500,000 – 700,000 | 500,000 – 700,000 | One-time before departure |
| Toll | 450,000 – 550,000 | 900,000 – 1,100,000 | Check via official toll app |
| Food & Accommodation | 400,000 – 600,000 | 800,000 – 1,200,000 | 3 meals/day/person + 1 night rest |
| Additional | 200,000 – 300,000 | 400,000 – 600,000 | Parking, tips, emergencies |
| Total | 2,225,000 – 2,892,500 | 3,950,000 – 5,085,000 | – |
Note: The estimates above may vary depending on distance, vehicle type, toll rates, and travel conditions. Adjust according to your personal travel plan.
Tips to Save Money When Traveling Home Using a Private Car
To prevent your budget from ballooning, you can apply these simple tips during your journey:
1. Drive at a Moderate Speed
Fuel consumption is influenced not only by distance but also by driving behavior. Driving at excessive speeds makes the engine work harder and burns fuel faster.
Maintain a steady and reasonable speed to save fuel and enjoy a safer, more comfortable trip.
2. Choose the Most Efficient Route
Although traveling by private car is convenient, costs can rise if routes are poorly planned. Choose the most efficient route by using navigation apps to find shorter distances and travel times.
You may also consider non-toll routes when appropriate and avoid peak travel times to prevent traffic jams that waste fuel.
3. Bring Your Own Supplies
Preparing food and drinks before departure can significantly reduce expenses. Bringing your own supplies also ensures food cleanliness and quality.
Choose simple, durable, and practical meals, and don’t forget to bring enough drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
4. Choose Fuel That Fits Your Budget
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses when traveling by car. Choose fuel that matches your vehicle’s specifications to keep the engine safe and costs under control.
Smooth driving habits—avoiding sudden acceleration and speeding—also help reduce fuel consumption.
5. Use the Car AC Wisely
Air conditioner usage affects fuel consumption. Running the AC at maximum cooling forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel usage.
To save fuel, adjust the AC according to need. When the weather isn’t too hot, lower the cooling level or turn it off temporarily.
That’s a complete breakdown of travel costs and money-saving tips for going home using a private car. By understanding each expense component, you can plan your budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs after the Lebaran holidays.
Both before and after Eid, unexpected financial needs may arise. To avoid disrupting other financial plans, proper budgeting based on asset ownership is important, and financing solutions can be considered.
BFI Finance is licensed and supervised by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) and applies transparent processes. With proper planning and suitable financial support, you can enjoy your homecoming journey with peace of mind.
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