Road Trip Cost Calculator

What will the trip
really cost?

Fuel, tolls, and lodging for the whole drive, plus what each traveler owes.

🛣 The drive

One-way distance (miles)

Your car's MPG

Gas price ($/gal)

Round trip (drive back too)

🏨 Other costs

Tolls & parking ($)

Hotel nights

Cost per night ($)

Food & extras, total ($)

Travelers splitting costs

Total trip cost

Fuel

Tolls

Lodging

Food & extras

Tips

⛽

Real-world MPG is usually lower than the sticker, especially on highways at higher speeds, with a loaded car, or with the AC running. If unsure, subtract a few MPG for a safer budget.

💲

Splitting costs: the per-person number divides the whole trip evenly, including the driver's share. Adjust the traveler count if some people are only along for part of it.

How it works

Total miles are your one-way distance, doubled if you check round trip. Gallons are miles ÷ MPG, and fuel cost is gallons × the gas price. Lodging is hotel nights × the nightly rate. Fuel, tolls and parking, lodging, and food and extras are added into a trip total, which is divided by the number of travelers to get what each person owes.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use highway MPG or the combined rating?

Use a figure that reflects your trip. Highway driving at high speeds, a full car, and air conditioning all lower real MPG, so subtracting a few MPG makes a safer budget.

How do I split costs fairly?

The per-person number divides everything evenly, including the driver's share. If someone joins for only part of the trip or skips the hotel, adjust the traveler count or work out those costs separately.

What should I include in the food and extras box?

Meals, snacks, activities, parking, and a small cushion for surprises. Many travelers add 10% to 15% for unexpected costs.

Does this include wear and tear on my car?

No. If you want to count it, add the IRS-style per-mile cost of operating a car or an amount of your own into the extras box.