U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Trip Calculator

Trip vehicles, step 1 of 2. select one or more vehicles..

You can add, edit, and remove vehicles at any time.

You can edit vehicles to personalize the MPG and fuel prices.

Country road

In Step 2, you will enter the trip details including starting point, intermediate stops, and destination.

Enter the Trip

You will be able to modify the route by dragging the route line on the map.

The Trip Vehicles section above will be updated with the cost of fuel for the trip.

Directions and Map

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.

Fuel Cost Calculator

This calculator can estimate fuel cost according to the distance of a trip, the fuel efficiency of the car, and the price of gas using various units.

Related Gas Mileage Calculator | Mileage Calculator

The price of gas may go up or down, but it's always a major expense for most drivers. The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. Some of the practical ways to reduce fuel costs are listed below.

Use public transportation

Walking or biking does not consume fuel, and as such does not accumulate fuel cost. In most cases, public transport alternatives to cars such as buses, trains, and trolleys are viable options of reducing fuel costs. Due to the communal nature of ride sharing, the fuel costs of operating public transport are generally less than the fuel costs associated with each individual operating their own vehicle. In some places, public transport is free. Considering the costs associated with owning or renting a car creates even more incentive to use other modes of transportation.

Also known as car sharing, carpooling is the arrangement between two or more people to travel to a shared destination in a single vehicle. Although a heavier car consumes slightly more fuel, it is usually much more efficient than two people driving separate cars towards the same destination.

Use a more fuel efficient vehicle

Driving a smaller car makes a great difference – the fuel cost is about half for a small sedan than for a very large SUV. Similarly, drive with a less powerful engine than you need. Don't pay for an eight-cylinder engine when four cylinders work just fine. Unless you're hauling heavy loads on a routine basis, the extra cost of a bigger engine results in more money spent on gasoline.

Tune the engine

A properly tuned engine maximizes power and can greatly enhance fuel efficiency. But tuning the car engine is often done to increase horsepower – that's not the way to save on fuel. Make sure the tuner gets the message.

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent – this amount will vary depending on the nature of the repair.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Placing ornaments and ground effects, aerodynamics kits, and airfoils, such as deck-lid spoilers, may make you feel good, but they also increase the car's drag and make it require more fuel. Such accessories offer no real handling enhancements, although they may look nice on your car. Also, place signs or cargo on the roof so that the object angles forward. This will reduce the frontal area of the object, and it will cause less drag, and cause you to use less fuel.

Adjust tires

Make sure the tires are inflated to the right levels. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. Your tires also lose about 1 PSI per month, and when the tires are cold (e.g., in the winter), their pressure will decrease due to the thermal contraction of the air. It is recommended to check tires at least monthly, preferably weekly. Having properly inflated tires will also help you avoid uneven wear on the tread.

Gas stations don't always have accurate equipment for this purpose. Sometimes gas stations use automatic air compressors that stop at a pre-determined level. To make sure you inflate to the right level, double-check pressure with your own gauge.

Recommended inflation pressures are for cold tires; put about 3 PSI more in if the tires have been driven on a while. Inflate to the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer, not to the level stamped on the tire.

Use the correct motor oil

Gas mileage will improve by 1 percent to 2 percent if you use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can reduce your gas mileage by a considerable amount. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Plan trips carefully

There is no more obvious way to save gas than to drive a shorter distance.

Plan your route carefully. With today's GPS route planners, it's easy to calculate a straight route with the fewest stops and diversions. It is also possible to judge which route will have the least traffic. Take highways instead of local routes or city streets when possible – the steady speed maximizes fuel efficiency.

When driving in a city, try to park in a central location, and then walk from one appointment to another, or take public transportation. Ragged stop-and-go city driving is terrible for your gas mileage. This also saves the high level of gas used in parking and pulling out in a parking lot.

Factors that determine the fuel price

Government intervention.

Governments may intervene in gasoline (referred to as petrol in some parts of the world) markets by taxation, which may raise prices for consumers within or outside the governmental territory. Similarly, certain industries may receive financial support from the government to promote commercial enterprise (a subsidy). Generally, subsidized products or services can be sold at lower prices.

Financial markets

The global oil price fluctuates constantly. The key crudes quoted are Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in the unit of US$ per barrel. The retail fuel price is closely related to the global oil price fluctuation.

Political elements such as structure, regime, personnel, and events can all affect the cost of fuel. For instance, a change in leadership from a leader who doesn't believe in climate change to one who does may result in changes to the cost of fuel for consumers based on different policies, such as choosing not to subsidize fuel. Political relationships between countries are also a factor; nations can go to war over resources, or form alliances in order to trade, both of which can affect the cost of fuel.

Geographic area

Certain geographical areas or countries in the world have an abundance of oil, while others do not have a single drop. Regional consumers within close proximity of high supplies of oil are more likely to have lower costs of fuel due to ease of access. Areas without their own supply of oil that are isolated from the rest of the world (such as islands in the Pacific) can find fuel to be relatively expensive.

Natural disaster or weather

Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, major floods, and other such nature-related phenomena can affect the production, manufacturing, and logistics of gasoline, which can possibly affect the price of fuel. For instance, a snowstorm may close certain roads, disallowing the transportation of the resource and driving up fuel costs in these areas. Hurricanes or earthquakes can damage oil refineries, abruptly halting production, which can also eventually increase fuel costs.

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Today’s AAA National Average $3.208

Price as of 9/16/24

AAA GAS COST CALCULATOR

Today’s AAA National Average

Please select Starting location and Destination

Please select car Maker, Year and Model or MPG

Results display fuel cost based on today's average.

Fuel Price Data Provided By: Oil Price Information Service (OPIS)

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Travelmath

Travel Cost Calculator

Quick links, trip pricing calculator.

Travelmath provides an online cost calculator to help you determine the cost of driving between cities. You can use this data to figure out a budget for a road trip. The driving calculation is based on the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and you can change the gas mileage in mpg or L/100 km to match your exact make and model. Gas prices are automatically estimated based on current fluctuations, and again you can adjust these to fit your local gas station prices. Both U.S. and international units are available to make the calculations easier to use, and the output is given for both one-way and round trip travel routes.

Check the driving distance for your planned route, and see if the total driving time requires an overnight stay. If it's a long trip, you may want to research some hotels along the way . Or compare whether it's better to fly or drive to your destination.

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  • Gas Trip Calculator: The Ultimate Tool for Calculating Your Fuel Costs

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As avid road trippers and travel enthusiasts, we understand the importance of accurate planning and budgeting for an unforgettable journey. That's why we've developed our very own Gas Trip Calculator, a user-friendly online tool designed to help you estimate fuel costs for your upcoming road trips. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about our Gas Trip Calculator, its features, and how it can enhance your travel planning experience.

What is a Gas Trip Calculator?

A gas trip calculator is an online tool that helps you estimate the cost of fuel for your road trips. By taking into account factors such as distance, fuel efficiency, and gas prices, our calculator provides you with an estimated total fuel cost for your journey. This valuable information allows you to budget accordingly, make informed decisions on your travel route, and ultimately, enjoy a smooth and worry-free road trip.

How Our Gas Trip Calculator Works

Our Gas Trip Calculator is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. To estimate your trip's total fuel cost, you'll need to input specific information about your journey and vehicle. Here's a rundown of the most common inputs required by our calculator:

  • Starting point and destination: Input your trip's starting and end points to help the calculator determine the total distance of your journey.
  • Vehicle's fuel efficiency: This can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual or online, and is typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) or kilometers per liter (KPL).
  • Fuel type: Select the type of fuel your vehicle uses, such as regular, premium, or diesel, to obtain a more accurate cost estimation.

Once you've provided this information, our Gas Trip Calculator will use its advanced algorithm to estimate your trip's total fuel cost. Keep in mind that these estimations are subject to change due to factors such as fluctuating gas prices, changes in driving habits, and unforeseen detours or delays.

Key Features of Our Gas Trip Calculator

Our Gas Trip Calculator offers several unique features designed to enhance your road trip planning experience:

  • Up-to-date gas prices: Our calculator uses real-time data to provide you with the most current gas prices for your chosen fuel type.
  • Customizable preferences: Customize your currency, distance, and fuel efficiency units to obtain personalized results.
  • Interactive map: Our interactive map allows you to visualize your route, locate gas stations along the way, and even explore alternative routes for a more fuel-efficient journey.
  • Round-trip calculations: Estimate fuel costs for both one-way and round-trip journeys with just a few clicks.
  • Mobile-friendly: Our Gas Trip Calculator is optimized for use on mobile devices, allowing you to access fuel cost estimates on-the-go.

Why Choose Our Gas Trip Calculator

Our Gas Trip Calculator offers numerous advantages that can enhance your road trip planning process:

  • Accurate estimations: Our advanced algorithm ensures accurate fuel cost estimations, helping you plan and budget effectively.
  • User-friendly interface: The intuitive design and layout of our calculator make it easy for users of all experience levels to navigate and obtain results quickly.
  • Time-saving: With our Gas Trip Calculator, you no longer need to manually calculate your fuel costs or rely on guesswork. Simply input the required information, and you'll receive an instant estimation.
  • Cost-effective: By providing you with accurate fuel cost estimations, our calculator can help you make informed decisions that could potentially save you money on gas.
  • Environmentally conscious: Understanding your fuel consumption and planning a more fuel-efficient route can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency: Tips for a Cost-Effective Road Trip

While our Gas Trip Calculator can help you estimate your fuel costs, there are additional steps you can take to maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency and save money on your road trip. Here are some useful tips:

  • Maintain your vehicle: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire pressure checks, can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and overall performance.
  • Drive at a steady speed: Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, as these actions can increase fuel consumption. Instead, maintain a consistent speed and use cruise control when appropriate.
  • Reduce excess weight: Removing unnecessary items from your vehicle can reduce its weight, leading to improved fuel efficiency.
  • Minimize idling: Turn off your engine when parked or waiting for extended periods to conserve fuel.
  • Use air conditioning wisely: Running your vehicle's air conditioning can increase fuel consumption. Use it sparingly and consider opening your windows for natural ventilation when possible.

Conclusion: Plan Your Road Trips with Confidence Using Our Gas Trip Calculator

In conclusion, our Gas Trip Calculator is a valuable tool that can help you estimate fuel costs and plan your road trips with ease. By providing accurate and up-to-date information, our calculator allows you to budget effectively, make informed decisions, and ultimately, enjoy a smooth and memorable road trip experience. We hope this guide has helped you understand the benefits and features of our Gas Trip Calculator and has inspired you to embark on your next adventure with confidence. Safe travels!

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Road trip gas calculator

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Don't Just Estimate—Calculate and Optimize with Roadtrip

Welcome to the simple web version of Roadtrip's Fuel Calculator. More than just a calculator, this is your comprehensive guide to fuel cost planning, whether you're prepping for a quick commute or a grand road trip adventure.

Why Every Driver Needs Roadtrip's Gas and Fuel Calculator

  • Pinpoint Accuracy : Tailor your calculations based on your car's actual mileage for the most accurate estimates.
  • Speedy Results : In a few clicks, you can know exactly how much you'll spend on fuel.
  • Any Device, Any Time : Our web-based Gas and Fuel Calculator is free and universally accessible.
  • Updated in Real Time : Never get caught off guard by fluctuating fuel prices again.

The Roadtrip App: A World of Features Just a Click Away Download Here

Sure, our Gas and Fuel Calculator is handy, but why settle for basic when you can have it all with the Roadtrip app? Here's what you'll get:

  • 🌎 Smart Route Planning : The app's geo-location features do the hard work for you, finding the most fuel-efficient path.
  • 🔎 Just search for your car : We look up the specs of your car so you don't have to, ensuring our fuel calculator is as accurate as possible.
  • ⚡️ Electricity Costs, Too : Own a hybrid or electric vehicle? The app adapts to include local electricity costs in your estimates. Try the EV calculator.
  • 🌱 Carbon Emission Estimates : The app shows you the estimated carbon emissions for your trip based on how many gallons of gas or litres of petrol you use on your trip.

Bottom Line : If you find the Gas and Fuel Calculator useful, you'll find the Roadtrip app indispensable. Download it now and transform the way you plan your journeys.

How to Maximize Savings with Roadtrip's Gas and Fuel Calculator

  • Input Distance : Start by entering the distance of your journey.
  • Update Fuel Price : Use the most current local fuel prices for precise estimates.
  • Include Your Car's Mileage : Customization is key—enter your car's mileage for an estimate that's uniquely yours.
  • Calculate : Hit the button, and you'll get an instant, accurate estimate that helps you budget smarter for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Gas and Fuel Calculator really accurate? A: Our Gas and Fuel Calculator is incredibly precise when given the right inputs. However, for a deeper dive into your trip costs, including live fuel prices, you'll want to download the Roadtrip app .

Q: How much does it cost to use the Gas and Fuel Calculator? A: It's entirely free. But for a full suite of planning tools and real-time updates, the Roadtrip app is your go-to resource .

Q: What extra features do I get with the Roadtrip app? A: Everything from real-time fuel price updates to route optimization is at your fingertips. Experience the difference today .

Download Roadtrip for free today!

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IMAGES

  1. How to Calculate Gas for a Road Trip

    road trip calculator gas

  2. How To Calculate The Average Cost Of A Road Trip

    road trip calculator gas

  3. How to Calculate Cost of Gas for a Road Trip

    road trip calculator gas

  4. Road Trip Gas Calculator by Mat Gerow Studios

    road trip calculator gas

  5. How to Calculate the Cost of Gas for a Road Trip

    road trip calculator gas

  6. Road Trip Gas Money Calculator by Nick Petrov

    road trip calculator gas

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