How much does a road trip cost per mile?

The IRS standard mileage rate for 2025 is $0.70 per mile, which includes gas, depreciation, and maintenance. Your actual cost may vary based on vehicle fuel efficiency, gas prices, and toll roads.

How do I estimate gas cost for a road trip?

Divide your total trip distance by your vehicle's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by the current gas price per gallon. For example, a 500-mile trip at 25 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs $70 in gas.

Is it cheaper to fly or drive?

For short trips (under 300 miles), driving is usually cheaper. For longer trips, factor in all driving costs (gas, tolls, hotels, food, wear) and compare to airfare plus airport transportation.

What is wear and tear cost per mile?

Wear and tear typically costs $0.10 to $0.20 per mile, covering tire wear, oil changes, depreciation, and maintenance. The IRS uses a combined rate that includes this along with fuel costs.

Home / Driving Cost Calculator

Driving Cost Calculator

Calculate the true cost of a road trip including gas, tolls, wear and tear, and overnight stays.

Total Distance (miles)

Vehicle MPG

Gas Price per Gallon ($)

Toll Roads

Overnight Stops

Number of Travelers

Total Trip Cost

Gas Cost

Tolls

Wear & Tear

Hotels

Food

Cost per Person

Cost per Mile

Trip Duration

0 days

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The True Cost of a Road Trip

Most people underestimate road trip costs by only calculating gas. The true cost includes several categories that add up quickly over long distances.

Fuel Costs

The most obvious expense. Calculate it by dividing total distance by your vehicle's MPG, then multiplying by the gas price. Highway driving typically gets better mileage than city driving, so your actual MPG may be higher on road trips.

Tolls

Toll roads can add $10 to $100+ to your trip depending on the route. Major toll corridors include the Northeast (I-95), Florida Turnpike, and various bridges and tunnels. Consider toll-free alternatives, though they may add time.

Wear and Tear

Every mile adds depreciation, tire wear, and brings maintenance closer. The IRS allows approximately $0.15-0.21 per mile for wear and tear (excluding fuel). This is a real cost even if you don't feel it immediately.

Food and Lodging

Budget $40-50 per person per day for food on the road. Hotel costs average $100-150 per night depending on location. Camping can dramatically reduce lodging costs to $20-40 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for a road trip?

A good rule of thumb is $0.50-0.80 per mile for gas and wear, plus $120-150 per night for lodging, and $45 per person per day for food. A 1,000-mile trip for two people with one overnight typically costs $400-600 total.

Is driving cheaper than flying?

For trips under 400 miles with multiple travelers, driving is almost always cheaper. For solo travelers on long trips, flying is often more economical, especially when factoring in the time value.

How can I save money on a road trip?

Pack snacks and drinks, use gas apps to find the cheapest stations, avoid toll roads when time allows, book hotels in advance for better rates, and consider camping or budget motels for lodging.

What is the IRS mileage rate?

The IRS standard mileage rate for 2025 is $0.70 per mile for business use. This rate includes fuel, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance. For personal road trips, you can use this as a benchmark for total vehicle operating costs.