The road trip route cost calculator computes total fuel cost for gas vehicles and optionally compares against an EV trip cost. Supports both imperial (miles/MPG) and metric (km/L per 100km) units so drivers worldwide can use it.
Trip Details
Road trip DC fast charging avg: ~$0.28-0.35/kWh
Total Fuel Cost
Gallons / Liters Used
Cost per Mile
Enter your trip distance and fuel details, then click Calculate Trip Cost.
How to Use the Road Trip Route Cost Calculator
The road trip route cost calculator gives you a fast, accurate fuel cost estimate for any trip. Budget realistically by accounting for real-world fuel economy rather than optimistic EPA ratings.
Step 1: Get the Route Distance
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to get your route distance. For multi-stop road trips, add the segments together. Add 10-15% for detours, traffic rerouting, and sightseeing loops — real trips are almost always longer than the direct route.
Step 2: Use Realistic MPG
Highway fuel economy is typically 10-20% better than city driving, but sustained highway speeds above 70 mph start reducing efficiency compared to EPA test speeds (55-60 mph). For highway road trips, use your vehicle's EPA highway estimate or reduce it by 5-10% if you drive above 70 mph consistently.
Step 3: Compare EV vs Gas for Long Trips
EV road trips require factoring in DC fast charging costs (typically $0.28-0.38/kWh at Electrify America, ChargePoint, and non-Tesla networks). This is 2-3x more expensive than home charging but still cheaper per mile than most gas vehicles. Factor in charging stops of 20-40 minutes for long Tesla road trips, and plan routes around charging station locations.
FAQ
How do I calculate road trip fuel cost?
Fuel cost = (total miles / MPG) × price per gallon. For a 500-mile trip at 32 MPG and $3.50/gallon: (500 / 32) × $3.50 = $54.69 in fuel. Add 10-15% for detours and traffic. This calculator does the math instantly and also shows cost per mile and an EV comparison.
How much does a road trip cost per mile?
At $3.50/gallon and 32 MPG, fuel costs about 11 cents per mile. At 25 MPG, it's about 14 cents per mile. An EV at 4 miles/kWh and 16 cents/kWh costs about 4 cents per mile — roughly 3x cheaper per mile than gas. The calculator shows all three figures for easy comparison.
How do I convert MPG to L/100km?
To convert: L/100km = 235.2 / MPG. For example, 30 MPG = 235.2 / 30 = 7.84 L/100km. This calculator handles the conversion automatically — just toggle the unit system between imperial (miles/MPG) and metric (km/L per 100km) and it recalculates instantly.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run in your browser.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Everything runs locally in your browser. No data is transmitted or stored.
Should I budget extra fuel for a road trip?
Yes — add 10-15% to your estimate. Real-world fuel economy is typically 10-15% lower than EPA ratings due to traffic, highway speed (fuel economy drops above 60 mph), elevation changes, and air conditioning use. Construction detours and sightseeing add extra miles. A 10-15% buffer keeps you from running tight.