Trip Cost Calculator
Plan your road trip budget to the dollar. Enter distance, fuel economy, and other costs for a complete travel budget.
How It Works
Calculates fuel cost from distance and MPG, sums all other costs, and optionally splits by passenger count.
Formula
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price
Total = Fuel + Tolls + Food + Lodging
Per Person = Total ÷ Passengers
Example
500 miles, 30 MPG, $3.50/gal, $30 tolls, $50 food:
Fuel $58.33. Total = $138.33. Per person (2): $69.17.
When to Use This Calculator
Use before any road trip to set a realistic budget, compare driving vs flying, or decide whether to rent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using highway MPG for mixed driving — city driving cuts efficiency 25–30%.
- Forgetting return trip — double one-way fuel for roundtrips.
- Not budgeting parking — can exceed fuel costs in cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drive vs fly?
Solo: flying often cheaper beyond 300–400 miles. 3–4 passengers sharing costs: driving usually wins.
Finding car MPG?
Fill up → drive → fill again. Miles / gallons = real-world MPG.
When to rent?
Rent when: poor fuel economy, protect own mileage, or need larger vehicle.
Road trip food budget?
$15–$30/person/day quick meals; $30–$60 for restaurants.
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Last Updated: July 4, 2026