Save on gas
Road Trip Gas Savings Guide
Ten tested ways to cut fuel costs on your next US road trip. Combine three or four and you can shave 20%+ off the total — often $30–$80 saved on a single long-haul drive.
Tip 1
Drive 60–65 mph, not 75+
Fuel economy drops about 7% for every 5 mph above 60. On a 500-mile drive that's an extra gallon or two for free.
Tip 2
Check tire pressure before you leave
Under-inflated tires can cost up to 3% in MPG. Cold pressure should match the door-jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall.
Tip 3
Use cruise control on flat highways
Steady throttle beats human pedal control on long flat stretches. Skip it on big climbs where light, steady acceleration is better.
Tip 4
Pull off roof racks and cargo boxes when not in use
An empty rooftop carrier can cost 10–25% in highway MPG due to drag. Take it down between trips.
Tip 5
Fill up in lower-tax states
Gas taxes vary by 30–60¢/gal between states. Apps like GasBuddy and AAA show real-time prices on your route.
Tip 6
Avoid premium fuel unless the manual requires it
Most cars labeled 'premium recommended' run fine on regular with no MPG loss. Check your owner's manual.
Tip 7
Plan around rush hour
Stop-and-go traffic can cut highway MPG by 20%+. Leave before 6 AM or after 7 PM to skip metro congestion.
Tip 8
Combine errands instead of multiple short trips
Cold engines use 30–50% more fuel for the first few miles. A single 30-minute trip is cheaper than three 10-minute ones.
Tip 9
Don't top off the tank
Once the pump clicks off, stop. Extra fuel can vent through the evaporative system and you pay for it twice.
Tip 10
Use our Trip Cost Calculator before you book
Compare driving vs. flying with real numbers. For 2+ people under 700 miles, driving usually wins.
Ready to plan?
Use our Trip Cost Calculator or browse popular road trip routes for instant cost estimates.