Road Trip Cost Calculator
Plan your road trip budget — calculate fuel costs, split between passengers, and compare vehicle options.
Total Fuel Cost
Per Person
Gallons Used
Cost per Mile
Compare Vehicle Options
Using the distance and gas price you entered above.
| Vehicle | MPG | Total Fuel Cost |
|---|
Multi-Stop Trip
Add legs with different distances or gas prices (e.g., state border price changes).
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this fuel cost estimate?▼
The estimate is accurate for steady highway driving at posted speeds. Real-world fuel use can vary 15–25% from EPA ratings based on: driving speed (fuel economy drops significantly above 65 mph — each 5 mph over costs roughly 7–14% more), AC use (+5–25% usage), load weight (more passengers = more fuel), terrain (mountains vs flat), and stop-and-go traffic. For a conservative estimate, reduce your MPG by 10–15%.
Does driving faster use significantly more fuel?▼
Yes, significantly. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed — doubling speed quadruples drag. The Department of Energy estimates you pay about 7–14% more per gallon for every 5 mph over 50 mph. At 75 mph, a car that gets 30 MPG at 60 mph might get only 23–25 MPG. Highway cruising at 60–65 mph is typically the sweet spot for fuel efficiency on most modern cars.