Enter your trip distance, your car’s mpg and today’s gas price. You’ll see the fuel cost, each rider’s share, and what the same trip would cost in a hybrid, pickup or EV.
How trip fuel cost is calculated
Fuel cost = gallons × price per gallon
Worked example: 300 miles each way
A round trip is 600 miles. In a car that gets 28 mpg, you burn 21.4 gallons. At $4.49 a gallon, the trip costs about $96 in gas, or $48 each if two people split it.
What gas costs right now
AAA put the national average for regular gas at $4.49 a gallon on September 25, 2026. AAA noted this was the highest national average ever recorded for this time of year, with crude oil prices pushing pump prices up. Prices vary a lot by state: in early September 2026 California was the most expensive at close to $5.90 a gallon, while Indiana and Texas were under $3.70. Use the price at the stations on your route for the most accurate estimate.
Gas vs. electric: the EV comparison
The EV bar assumes a typical efficiency of about 0.30 kWh per mile and home charging at your electricity rate. The US average residential rate was about 18.8 cents per kWh in April 2026, according to the Energy Information Administration. Public fast charging often costs two to three times more than charging at home, so road-trip EV costs can run higher than the chart shows.
Ways to spend less on fuel
- Slow down a little. Fuel economy drops quickly above about 60–65 mph.
- Check tire pressure. Underinflated tires waste fuel and wear out sooner.
- Pack light and skip the roof box. Extra weight and drag cost you on every mile.
- Fill up before tourist areas and highway exits. Stations a mile off the interstate are often cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my car’s mpg?
Look up your model on the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov, or measure it yourself: fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive, then divide miles driven by gallons needed to refill.
Should I use city or highway mpg?
Highway mpg for road trips, combined mpg for daily driving and commutes.
How do I split gas money fairly?
Divide the total fuel cost by the number of riders, which the calculator does for you. Some groups also split tolls and parking the same way.
What does it cost per mile to drive?
For fuel alone, a 28-mpg car at $4.49 a gallon costs about 16 cents a mile. The full cost of driving, including insurance, maintenance and depreciation, is much higher.
Sources: AAA national gas price average (September 25, 2026); AAA and LendingTree state averages (September 2026); U.S. Energy Information Administration residential electricity data (April 2026).
