Fuel Cost Calculator — Road Trip

Miles per gallon (MPG) measures how far your vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. A higher MPG means better fuel efficiency and lower costs per mile. The EPA rates vehicles for city, highway, and combined driving. Highway MPG is typically 20-30% higher than city because highway driving involves less braking and acceleration. Your actual efficiency depends on driving habits, tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions.

Maintain steady speeds — using cruise control on the highway can improve efficiency by 7-14%. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and can reduce MPG by up to 3%. Remove unnecessary weight from your trunk, avoid excessive idling, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Planning your route to avoid heavy traffic and steep grades also helps.

For solo travelers, driving is often cheaper than flying for trips under 300 miles. With two or more passengers sharing fuel costs, the break-even distance extends to 500-700 miles or more. Don't forget to factor in tolls, parking, wear and tear on your vehicle, and the value of your time. For longer trips, the convenience and speed of flying often outweigh the fuel savings of driving.