Road Trip Cost Calculator — Fuel Cost for Your Trip
Estimate the fuel cost for your road trip based on distance, vehicle fuel efficiency, and gas price. Split costs between passengers for carpooling. See also our Fuel Cost Calculator and Gas Mileage Calculator.
How to Calculate Road Trip Fuel Cost
- Enter the one-way distance of your trip in miles.
- Enter your vehicle fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (check your owner manual or fueleconomy.gov).
- Enter the current fuel price per gallon.
- Enter the number of passengers to split costs.
- Toggle round trip if you are returning the same route.
Formula
Gallons Needed = Distance / MPG
Fuel Cost = Gallons × Price per Gallon
Cost per Person = Fuel Cost / Passengers
Cost per Mile = Fuel Cost / Distance
Round Trip = One-way Cost × 2Example
500-mile round trip, 25 MPG, $3.50/gallon, 1 passenger:
Total Distance = 500 × 2 = 1,000 miles
Gallons = 1,000 / 25 = 40 gallons
Fuel Cost = 40 × $3.50 = $140.00
Cost per Mile = $140 / 1,000 = $0.140/mile
Fuel Cost by Distance Reference
| Distance (mi) | 20 MPG | 25 MPG | 30 MPG | 35 MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $17.50 | $14.00 | $11.67 | $10.00 |
| 250 | $43.75 | $35.00 | $29.17 | $25.00 |
| 500 | $87.50 | $70.00 | $58.33 | $50.00 |
| 750 | $131.25 | $105.00 | $87.50 | $75.00 |
| 1,000 | $175.00 | $140.00 | $116.67 | $100.00 |
| 1,500 | $262.50 | $210.00 | $175.00 | $150.00 |
| 2,000 | $350.00 | $280.00 | $233.33 | $200.00 |
Based on $3.50/gallon fuel price
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my car's MPG?
Check your owner's manual, the sticker inside the driver's door, or look up your vehicle at fueleconomy.gov. Highway MPG is typically 20-30% higher than city MPG.
Does speed affect fuel cost?
Yes. Fuel efficiency drops significantly above 50 mph. Every 5 mph over 50 is roughly equivalent to paying an extra $0.20-0.30 per gallon.
Should I include other costs besides fuel?
For a complete trip budget, add tolls, food, lodging, parking, and vehicle wear (IRS rate is $0.67/mile for 2024 which includes depreciation and maintenance).
Is driving cheaper than flying?
For trips under 300 miles, driving is usually cheaper. For longer trips, compare total driving costs (fuel + time + wear) against airfare. Carpooling makes driving more economical.
How can I reduce fuel costs on a road trip?
Maintain steady speed, use cruise control, keep tires properly inflated, avoid excessive idling, remove roof racks, and fill up at cheaper stations along the route.