How do I calculate the cost of a road trip?

Divide your total distance by your car's fuel economy (MPG) to get gallons needed, then multiply that by the price per gallon. A 600-mile round trip in a car that gets 30 MPG needs 20 gallons — at $3.60/gallon, that's $72 in fuel.

Does this include more than just gas?

No — this calculator covers fuel cost only, since that's the one cost that scales directly with distance and is the same question for almost every trip. It doesn't include tolls, food, lodging, or parking, which vary too much by route and travel style to estimate generically.

How accurate is my car's real fuel economy vs. the sticker MPG?

Highway driving, cruise control, and a light foot on the pedal usually get closer to the EPA sticker number; city driving, AC use, and a full cargo load can bring real-world MPG down by 10-20%. If you know your car's actual average from past fill-ups, use that instead of the sticker rating for a more accurate estimate.

Should I count it as a round trip?

Yes, if you're driving back the same way — check the round trip box and enter just the one-way distance; the calculator doubles it for you. Leave it unchecked if you're only estimating one leg, or if you're flying home and only driving one direction.

How does splitting the cost between people work?

The total fuel cost is divided evenly by the number of people entered — useful for a group trip where everyone's chipping in for gas regardless of whose car it is or who's driving which leg.

Can I use this for a trip in another country?

Yes — switch to the Km / L unit toggle and enter your car's fuel economy in liters per 100km and the local price per liter. Most countries outside the U.S. price fuel this way and post it in the local currency, so convert the price to your currency first if you're planning ahead.

AI Insights

Road Trip Cost Calculator

Estimate total fuel cost for any road trip from distance, fuel economy, and gas price — and split it between passengers.

Last updated September 6, 2026

Units

One-way distance (mi)

People splitting the cost

Fuel economy (MPG)

Price per gallon ($)

Round trip (double the distance)

Total fuel cost

$144.00

1,200 mi total — 40.0 gal needed

Cost per person

$144.00

Cost per mile

$0.12

Driving solo across such a vast distance means fuel prices will vary wildly between states, making a quick route price check worthwhile before you leave. Because you are flying solo, you absorb every dollar of that fluctuating fuel expense without anyone to share the fill-ups. Planning your stops ahead of time helps you steer clear of the most expensive highway-adjacent pumps.

AI-generated insight

How to use the road trip cost calculator

1
Enter the one-way distance, or tap a preset. Check round trip if you're driving back the same way.
2
Enter your fuel economy and the price of gas, and how many people are splitting the cost.
3
Your total fuel cost, cost per person, and cost per mile update instantly.

How the cost is calculated

Distance divided by fuel economy gives you gallons needed; gallons times price per gallon gives you total cost.

Fuel needed = distance ÷ MPG. A 600-mile round trip in a car that averages 30 MPG needs 600 ÷ 30 = 20 gallons.

Total cost = fuel needed × price per gallon. At $3.60 a gallon, 20 gallons comes to 20 × $3.60 = $72.00.

Splitting that between 4 people brings it to $18 each — the calculator does this division automatically once you enter how many people are sharing the cost.

Typical fuel economy by vehicle type

Vehicle type	Typical highway MPG
Compact sedan	35-40 MPG
Midsize sedan	30-36 MPG
SUV / crossover	24-30 MPG
Pickup truck	18-24 MPG
Hybrid	45-55 MPG

These are rough highway ranges — your owner's manual or a recent fill-up will give you a more accurate number for your specific car and driving style.

Everyday uses for a road trip cost calculator

Planning a trip budget: knowing the fuel cost upfront before deciding whether to drive or fly.

Splitting costs fairly: settling on each person's share before the trip, instead of sorting out gas receipts afterward.

Comparing routes or vehicles: checking how much a longer scenic route costs versus the direct highway route, or how much a less fuel-efficient vehicle adds to the trip.

Traveling internationally: if you're comparing costs in another currency, our Currency Converter converts fuel prices and budgets into your home currency.

Deciding whether to lease or buy the car you'd be driving? Try the Car Lease vs. Buy Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

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