Road Trip Cost Calculator
Example: Total round-trip distance: 1200 mi · Fuel economy: 28 mpg · Gas price: 3.6 $/gal · Nights of lodging: 3 nights · Lodging per night: 140 $ · Food per day: 45 $ · Tolls & parking: 30 $ · Number of travelers: 2 people
| Total trip cost | $784 |
| Fuel cost | $154 |
| Cost per person | $392 |
| Cost per mile | $1 |
Worked example
A 1,200-mile round trip at 28 MPG burns about 43 gallons, or $154 at $3.60. Three nights of lodging at $140 is $420, food across four days at $45 is $180, and tolls add $30. That is about $784 total, or roughly $392 each for two travelers, and about $0.65 per mile. Adding a third traveler barely raises the total but drops each person share, which is why carpooling makes road trips cheaper per head.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use round-trip or one-way distance?
Enter the full distance you will actually drive, including the return leg and any side trips. If you enter only one-way miles, the fuel cost and per-mile figure will be understated by half.
Why does food count an extra day?
The tool counts one more food-day than nights, because a trip with three overnight stays still involves eating on the departure and return days. Adjust the food-per-day figure to match your travel style, from fast food to sit-down meals.
How do I compare driving to flying?
Add up this driving total and compare it to airfare plus a rental car and airport transfers for the same group. For two or more travelers over moderate distances, driving often wins; for a solo long-distance trip, flying can be cheaper once time is valued.
Does this include vehicle wear?
No, it covers out-of-pocket trip costs. If you want the fuller picture, add wear-and-tear at roughly 15 to 20 cents per mile, or use a cost-per-mile calculator and apply it to the total distance.