Road Trip Fuel Cost Calculator
Plan your road trip budget: total fuel, cost, number of fill-ups and cost per person, based on your route distance and your car.
Plan your trip fuel
How to use the Road Trip Fuel Cost Calculator
- Enter the one-way distance from your map app.
- Add your car’s fuel economy and the expected fuel price on your route.
- Enter tank size and people to see fill-ups and the cost per person.
- Tick “loaded” if you carry a roof box, bikes or a full trunk.
For the full background, read our guide: Road Trip Car Checklist: Prepare Your Car Before You Go.
The formula behind it
Cost = Fuel needed × Price
Range per tank = 85% of tank × MPG
Fill-ups = ⌈(Fuel needed − one tank) ÷ one tank⌉
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for gas on a road trip?
Use this calculator with a fuel price slightly above today’s average, then add about 10% for detours and idling.
Why use only 85% of the tank?
Most drivers refill with a quarter tank or less left. Planning on 85% keeps a safety margin in rural areas.
Does highway driving improve MPG?
Usually yes, up to around 60 to 65 mph. Above that, air drag climbs quickly and economy drops.
How do I split gas costs fairly?
Divide the total fuel cost by everyone in the car, or use our gas money split calculator to include tolls and parking.
Related tools
Results are estimates for general information only. Always confirm with your vehicle owner’s manual or a qualified technician before acting on them.