Plug in the distance and your car's MPG. We'll do the math.
Last updated April 2026
Gas is usually cheaper away from highways and airports. Exit a mile into town to save.
Apps like GasBuddy can save you $0.10-0.30 per gallon by finding the cheapest station nearby.
Cruise control at 65 mph vs 80 mph can save 15-20% on fuel. Your wallet and nerves will thank you.
Gas is usually the second biggest expense on a road trip after the rental itself, and most people just guess. RoadTripCost gives you an actual number based on your route distance, vehicle fuel economy, and current gas prices so you can budget properly instead of hoping for the best.
Divide your total trip distance by your car's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by the price per gallon. RoadTripCost does this math for you and lets you adjust for different vehicle types and fuel prices along your route.
Definitely. A compact car getting 35 MPG vs an SUV getting 22 MPG makes a big difference on a 1,000-mile trip. The SUV might cost $40-60 more in fuel alone. Sometimes the cheaper rental rate on a bigger car gets eaten up by gas costs.
Almost never. Prepaid fuel options charge you for a full tank whether you use it or not, and their per-gallon rate is usually at or above market price. Fill up at a gas station near the return location instead -- you'll only pay for what you actually used.
Small-ticket items that prevent big-ticket headaches on a long drive.
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