Road Trip Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate what gas will cost for your road trip in a few seconds.

How it works: fuel cost = (trip distance ÷ your car's MPG) × gas price per gallon. Enter your numbers below — we'll handle the math, round-trips, and splitting the cost between travelers.

Trip distance (miles, one way)

Not sure? Look up the driving distance between your cities.

Your car's fuel economy (MPG)

Average new car ≈ 28 MPG. SUV ≈ 22. Hybrid ≈ 45+.

Gas price ($ per gallon)

U.S. average (June 2026). Edit for your area.

Split between how many people?

Set to 1 if you're not splitting the cost.

Round trip (there and back)

Planning the drive?

Renting a more fuel-efficient car can cut these costs on a long trip. Compare live rental prices for your dates.

How to estimate your numbers

Distance: use the driving distance between your start and end points, not the straight-line distance. MPG: check your car's window sticker or owner's manual; highway driving usually beats the city number. Gas price: the field above defaults to the recent U.S. average — adjust it for the states you'll drive through, since prices vary a lot by region.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is this calculator?

It's a solid estimate based on steady driving. Real costs vary with traffic, terrain, speed, weather, and how loaded the car is. Add about 10–15% as a buffer for a long trip.

How do I find my car's MPG?

Check the window sticker, owner's manual, or the EPA fuel-economy rating for your make and model. Use the combined or highway figure for road trips.

Does this work for an electric vehicle?

This tool is built for gas. For an EV, you'd calculate cost from your car's kWh-per-mile and your electricity rate instead.