Trip fuel cost calculator
Fuel cost for a trip from distance, MPG and price.
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How it's calculated
Distance divided by miles per gallon is the fuel the trip burns; multiply by the price per gallon for the cost. Round trip doubles the distance. Dividing by the number of people gives each person’s share, and price divided by MPG is the fuel cost of every mile, handy for comparing with a train or flight. It is fuel only: tolls, parking and the wear on the car are extra.
Which MPG figure should I use?
For a mostly highway trip use the highway rating or, better, the average your trip computer shows on the open road. Combined ratings are 10–15% lower than highway. A loaded car with a roof box can lose another 10–25%.
Is driving cheaper than flying?
For one person, rarely beyond a few hundred miles once you count the time. For a family, usually: four seats cost nothing extra in a car. Compare the per-person figure here, plus tolls and a night's hotel if the drive is long, with the fares.
What about the full cost per mile of driving?
The IRS standard mileage rate (70¢ a mile in 2025) is a fair estimate of the full cost including depreciation, insurance and maintenance. Fuel alone is usually 12–20¢ a mile, which is what this tool shows.
Results are estimates for informational purposes only and are not financial, medical or legal advice.