Snake Pass fuel cost.
The A57 Snake Pass crosses the Pennines from Glossop to Sheffield over 26 miles of winding, exposed tarmac — and it closes often. See live Peak District petrol and diesel prices on the map, then calculate your fuel cost with the elevation penalty, or model the pricey winter diversion when the road is shut.
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Quick answer: Driving the open 26-mile A57 Snake Pass costs around £4 to £6 in fuel, with the 1,679-foot elevation climb cutting economy by roughly 15%. But Snake Pass closes frequently for snow and landslips: when it does, mandatory diversions (often via the Woodhead Pass) add up to 20 miles and can nearly double your fuel cost. Fill up in Glossop or on the Sheffield side before you cross, and use the live map above for the cheapest local price.
How much petrol does driving Snake Pass use?
Driving the open 26-mile Snake Pass (A57) costs around £4 to £6 in fuel, with the 1,679-foot elevation climb reducing standard fuel efficiency by roughly 15% through low-gear driving.
The A57 links Glossop, near Manchester, to the Ladybower Reservoir area and Sheffield, climbing high over the exposed Pennines. On distance it's cheap, but the climb and the constant speed changes push real-world consumption above the flat estimate. Enter your own MPG and today's live price in the calculator below and tick the elevation penalty for a realistic figure.
What happens to fuel costs if Snake Pass is closed?
Snake Pass frequently closes due to snow or landslips, and mandatory diversions can add up to 20 miles to the Glossop–Sheffield journey — effectively doubling your fuel consumption and cost.
This is the edge case static travel articles never quantify, and it's exactly what our calculator handles: change the distance to 46 miles (26 + a 20-mile diversion via the Woodhead Pass or the A628) to see the real cost when the A57 is shut. Always check whether the pass is open before you set off in winter — an unexpected diversion is both slower and noticeably more expensive.
Is the A57 a fast road?
No — blind summits, tight corners and slow-moving traffic require constant speed adjustments, which prevents vehicles from achieving optimal cruising fuel economy across the pass.
It's a spectacular but demanding Pennine crossing, not a quick commute, and heavy vehicles and cyclists further slow the pace. Fill up before you cross: Glossop and Hadfield on the western side, or the Sheffield/Hope Valley forecourts on the east, are your reliable options. There's no fuel on the pass itself. Search a postcode like SK13 (Glossop) on the map above and sort by cheapest.
Calculate your Snake Pass fuel cost
Enter your car's MPG, the distance (26 miles for the open A57, or 46 for the winter diversion) and today's live price from the map. Tick the box to add the elevation penalty for the climb over the Pennines.
Formula: (miles ÷ MPG) × 4.546 × (price ÷ 100) — 4.546 is litres per imperial gallon. Elevation: 1,679 ft = 512 m.
Commuting the Pennines for work in your own car? Claim the HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, 25p thereafter — see GOV.UK simplified expenses.
Which fuel does your vehicle need? A plain-English guide
The live map above covers all six fuel grades tracked under the GOV.UK Fuel Finder scheme. Here's what each one means — and how to choose at the pump before you set off.
The default pump for most petrol cars. Contains up to 10% ethanol. A small number of older or classic cars require E5 — check your handbook before filling.
Higher octane (97–99 RON) and cleaner-burning. Typically 10–20p/litre more expensive. The protected grade for older engines not approved for E10 — and popular with performance cars.
The default diesel pump. Contains up to 7% biodiesel. Suitable for all diesel passenger cars, vans and most HGVs. Generally 2–8p/litre cheaper than premium diesel at the same station.
Includes detergent and cetane-boosting additives. Sold as BP Ultimate Diesel, Shell V-Power Diesel and similar. Use the Premium Diesel toggle to compare the price gap near you.
Contains up to 10% FAME biodiesel — higher renewable content than B7. Only suitable for vehicles whose manufacturer explicitly approves B10. Always check your handbook first.
Drop-in renewable diesel with up to 90% lower lifecycle carbon than fossil diesel. Compatible with most modern diesels — check your handbook. Use the HVO filter above to find nearby stations.
Where should you refuel near Snake Pass?
There's no fuel on the pass, so fill up at the towns on either side — and top up before winter crossings in case of a diversion.
The Manchester-side gateway to the A57 — supermarket and branded forecourts before the climb.
Cheapest cluster on the eastern approach; fill up here before heading over toward Manchester.
The usual winter diversion when the A57 shuts — 20-odd extra miles, so start it with plenty of fuel.
Wider Peak District forecourts if you're touring beyond the pass itself.
The two facts static guides miss, both answered here: the A57 climbs 1,679 feet and loses roughly 15% MPG to the ascent, and frequent winter closures force diversions that can double your fuel cost. For live prices across the Peak District, this page shares the GOV.UK dataset behind our UK-wide fuel map.
Snake Pass fuel questions
Related tools & routes
Planning fuel for another Pennine or mountain drive, or the wider cost of your trip? These help.
Data & estimate disclaimer: Live fuel prices are sourced from the GOV.UK Fuel Finder API under the Motor Fuel Price (Open Data) Regulations 2025. While every forecourt is legally required to report price changes within 30 minutes, CalculatorDashboard.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of third-party data — always verify the displayed price at the pump before fuelling. Journey fuel-cost figures are estimates only: real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, weather and traffic, and quoted route distances and MPG penalties are approximate. HMRC advisory rates are shown for guidance and change quarterly — check the official rate before submitting a claim. Not financial or tax advice. CalculatorDashboard.com is not affiliated with any fuel retailer, supplier or government body.