How to Use This Road Trip Cost Calculator
Planning a road trip starts with knowing what it'll actually cost. This free calculator gives you a complete breakdown — gas, food, lodging, and tolls — before you leave the driveway. Here's what each input means:
- Total Distance: Enter the one-way or round-trip mileage. Use Google Maps to get an accurate distance for your route.
- Fuel Efficiency (MPG): Find your car's highway MPG on the window sticker or fueleconomy.gov. Highway MPG is typically 20–30% better than city MPG.
- Gas Price: Check GasBuddy.com for real-time prices along your route. Prices vary significantly by state.
- Average Speed: Affects your estimated drive time. Factor in rest stops — plan for one stop every 2 hours.
- Food per day: Budget $30–$50 for fast food/diners, $60–$100 for sit-down restaurants per person.
- Hotel per night: Budget motels run $60–$90, mid-range hotels $100–$150, and nicer properties $200+.
- Tolls: Use TollGuru.com to get an accurate toll estimate for your specific route.
Average Road Trip Costs by Vehicle Type (2026)
| Vehicle Type | Avg MPG | Gas Cost / 100 mi | 500 mi Trip | 1,000 mi Trip |
|---|
| Compact Sedan | 35 MPG | ~$10 | ~$50 | ~$100 |
| Midsize Sedan | 30 MPG | ~$12 | ~$58 | ~$117 |
| Crossover SUV | 27 MPG | ~$13 | ~$65 | ~$130 |
| Full-Size SUV | 20 MPG | ~$17 | ~$88 | ~$175 |
| Pickup Truck | 18 MPG | ~$19 | ~$97 | ~$194 |
| Hybrid | 48 MPG | ~$7 | ~$36 | ~$73 |
| RV / Motorhome | 10 MPG | ~$35 | ~$175 | ~$350 |
Based on average US gas price of $3.50/gallon. Prices vary by region and season.
Cheapest States for Gas in the US (2026)
Where you fill up dramatically affects your total road trip cost. Gas prices can vary by $1.00 or more per gallon between states. Generally, Gulf Coast states like Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Oklahoma consistently have the cheapest gas. California, Hawaii, Washington, and Nevada tend to have the most expensive gas.
Pro tip: Plan your fill-ups just before crossing into expensive states, and use GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest station within a few miles of your route — savings of $5–$15 per fill-up add up quickly over a long trip.
How to Save Money on a Road Trip
- Drive 65 mph instead of 75 mph — fuel economy drops 7–14% for every 10 mph above 65. This single change can save $20–$40 on a 1,000-mile trip.
- Check tire pressure before you leave — under-inflated tires reduce MPG by up to 3% and wear out faster.
- Pack a cooler — replacing one restaurant meal per day with packed food saves $15–$30 per person.
- Book hotels Sunday–Thursday — weekend rates at the same hotel can be 30–50% higher.
- Use cruise control on the highway — maintains a steady speed and avoids unnecessary acceleration that burns extra fuel.
- Get a gas rewards credit card — cards like the Costco Visa or Shell Fuel Rewards save $0.05–$0.25 per gallon.
- Share the trip — splitting gas and hotel with one extra person nearly halves your per-person cost.
Most Popular US Road Trips & Estimated Costs
| Route | Distance | Gas Cost* | Total Budget† |
|---|
| NYC → Miami | 1,280 mi | ~$149 | ~$600–$900 |
| LA → Las Vegas | 270 mi | ~$32 | ~$150–$300 |
| Chicago → Denver | 1,000 mi | ~$117 | ~$450–$700 |
| Route 66 (full) | 2,400 mi | ~$280 | ~$1,200–$2,000 |
| Pacific Coast Highway | 650 mi | ~$95 | ~$500–$900 |
| Nashville → New Orleans | 530 mi | ~$62 | ~$350–$600 |
*Gas cost based on 30 MPG at $3.50/gal. †Total budget includes gas, food ($45/day), and hotel ($110/night) for 2 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate road trip gas cost?
Divide your total trip miles by your car's MPG to find gallons needed, then multiply by the current gas price per gallon. For example: 500 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 16.7 gallons × $3.50 = $58 in gas. This calculator does all that math instantly.
How much does a 1,000-mile road trip cost in gas?
At average US gas prices ($3.50/gallon), a 1,000-mile trip costs about $100–$195 in gas depending on your vehicle. A 30 MPG sedan costs ~$117, while a 20 MPG SUV costs ~$175, and a 15 MPG truck costs ~$233.
What is the average total cost of a road trip per day?
For two people, budget $150–$300 per day total — this covers gas, food ($40–$60/day each), and a mid-range hotel ($100–$150/night). Solo travelers can do it for $80–$150/day by splitting nothing but spending less on food.
Does driving faster use more gas?
Yes, significantly. Most vehicles hit peak efficiency between 55–65 mph. Above 65 mph, aerodynamic drag increases exponentially — driving at 75 mph uses 10–15% more fuel than 65 mph. On a 1,000-mile trip, slowing down could save you $15–$25 in gas.
How accurate is this road trip cost calculator?
The gas calculation is precise — it uses your exact MPG and gas price inputs. Food and hotel estimates are based on US averages for 2026. Your actual costs may vary based on your dining habits, hotel choices, and exact route. Always add a 10–15% buffer to your total budget for unexpected expenses.
What apps help save money on road trips?
GasBuddy finds the cheapest gas near you, Waze shows cheaper stations along your route, HotelTonight offers last-minute hotel discounts, Roadtrippers helps plan efficient routes, and GasBuddy's trip cost feature estimates gas costs between two cities. Together these apps can save $50–$150 on a typical multi-day trip.
