Travel

Road Trip Calculator

Calculate your road trip fuel cost, add tolls and stops, and split the total between passengers.

Quick Answer

Road trip cost = (Distance / MPG) x Fuel Price + Tolls + Stops. A 500-mile trip at 28 MPG and $3.50/gal costs about $63 in fuel. Add $25 for tolls and $30 for food stops = ~$118 total, or $59 per person split two ways.

Total Trip Cost

$117.50

Per Person

$117.50

Fuel Cost

$62.50

Drive Time

7h 42m

Cost Breakdown

Fuel (17.9 gallons)
$62.50
Tolls
$25.00
Stops (2 x $15.00)
$30.00
Total
$117.50
Cost per mile
$0.23/mi

About This Tool

The Road Trip Calculator estimates your total trip cost by combining fuel, tolls, and food/rest stops. Split the cost among passengers to see what each person owes. It also estimates drive time based on average highway speed.

Saving on Road Trip Costs

Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheap fuel along your route. Maintain steady highway speed (55-65 MPH is the efficiency sweet spot for most cars). Pack snacks and drinks to reduce stop costs. Consider E-ZPass or similar transponders for toll discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate road trip fuel cost?
Divide total distance by your car's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by the fuel price per gallon. A 500-mile trip at 28 MPG with $3.50/gallon gas costs about $62.50 in fuel.
What is the average MPG for a car?
The average US passenger car gets about 25-30 MPG on the highway. SUVs average 20-25 MPG, trucks 15-20 MPG, and hybrids 40-55 MPG. Check your specific vehicle at fueleconomy.gov.
How much should I budget for food stops on a road trip?
Budget $10-$20 per person per stop for fast food or gas station meals. For sit-down restaurants, budget $15-$30. Most people stop every 2-3 hours (about 150-200 miles), so a 500-mile trip typically has 2-3 stops.
How do I find toll costs for my route?
Use Google Maps or a toll calculator app. Major toll roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Florida Turnpike, or I-90 (Ohio) can cost $20-$50+ per trip. Consider E-ZPass or SunPass for discounted rates.
Is driving cheaper than flying?
For 1-2 people on trips under 500 miles, driving is usually cheaper. At 3+ people splitting costs, driving wins even for longer distances. Factor in time value: a 500-mile drive takes ~8 hours vs. a 2-hour flight (plus airport time).

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