Road Trip Cost Calculator
Estimate your total road trip cost including fuel, food, and lodging. Supports both imperial (MPG) and metric (L/100km).
Sample Road Trip Cost Estimates
| Route | Distance | Days | Est. Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → Miami | 1,280 mi | 2–3 | $350–550 |
| LA → Las Vegas | 270 mi | 1 | $60–100 |
| Chicago → Nashville | 470 mi | 1–2 | $150–300 |
| Seattle → San Francisco | 810 mi | 2–3 | $300–500 |
| Coast to Coast (US) | 2,800 mi | 5–7 | $800–1,500 |
Estimates based on 1 person, 28 MPG, $3.50/gal, $50/day food, $100/night lodging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I budget for a road trip?
Start with the three major costs: (1) Fuel — calculate using distance, MPG, and current gas prices. (2) Food — budget $40–80/day per person depending on whether you eat at restaurants or pack meals. (3) Lodging — $80–200/night depending on hotel vs. camping. Add a 15–20% buffer for unexpected expenses like tolls, parking, or emergency stops.
How much does a cross-country US road trip cost?
A solo cross-country trip (2,800 miles coast to coast) typically costs $800–1,500. Fuel: $300–400 (at 30 MPG, $3.50/gallon ≈ $327). Food: $150–250 (5–6 days at $40–50/day). Lodging: $400–700 (5 nights at $80–140). With two people sharing costs, per-person cost drops significantly for lodging but not fuel.
What is the cheapest way to do a road trip?
Cost-saving strategies: camp instead of hotel ($20–40/night vs. $80–150), pack food and cook meals, drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, avoid toll roads, travel in shoulder seasons (lower prices), and book accommodations in advance. National Park America the Beautiful passes ($80/year) save money if you visit multiple parks.
How do I calculate tolls on a road trip?
Tolls vary significantly by route. I-95 from Miami to Boston can total $30–50. Major toll roads include the Ohio Turnpike, New Jersey Turnpike, and Illinois Tollway. Use Google Maps or the official toll calculator for your route. TollGuru and TollSmart apps can estimate tolls for any US route.
How much should I budget for food per day on a road trip?
A practical daily food budget: $25–35/day if you pack most meals and snacks, $40–60/day with a mix of packed lunches and sit-down dinners, $70–100/day if eating out every meal. Fast food runs about $10–15/meal; sit-down restaurants average $15–30 per person. Buying groceries at supermarkets saves 50–60% versus restaurants.