How to Plan a US Road Trip Using Our Tools
Follow this step-by-step guide to plan your perfect American road trip using Travel and Time's free planning tools.
Why Use Our Planning Tools?
Planning a US road trip involves many calculations: distances, driving times, fuel costs, and finding the perfect stopping points. Our free tools make this process simple and accurate.
Whether you're planning Route 66, a Pacific Coast Highway adventure, or a custom route, our tools help you create a realistic, enjoyable itinerary.
Accurate Planning
Real distances and driving times
Budget Control
Calculate fuel and total costs
Smart Routes
Find perfect stopping points
Step-by-Step Planning Process
Choose Your Route & Destinations
Start by selecting a route or creating your own custom road trip.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Browse popular routes (Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, etc.)
- 2Or create custom route with your must-see destinations
- 3Consider trip length and season
- 4Research attractions along the way
- 5Identify potential stopping points
Pro Tips:
- • Popular routes have better infrastructure
- • Allow 7-14 days for most epic routes
- • Consider one-way vs. loop routes
- • Check seasonal road closures
Calculate Distances Between Stops
Determine exact distances between all your planned stops.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Enter starting city
- 2Enter destination city
- 3View straight-line distance
- 4Note actual driving distance will be longer
- 5Repeat for all route segments
Pro Tips:
- • Plan 200-400 miles per day maximum
- • Less is more - enjoy the journey
- • Factor in scenic detours
- • Mountain routes take longer
Calculate Driving Times
Estimate how long each segment will take to drive.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Enter start and end points
- 2View estimated driving time
- 3Add 20-30% for stops and traffic
- 4Consider time zones
- 5Plan arrival times at each stop
Pro Tips:
- • Avoid driving more than 6-8 hours per day
- • Start early to avoid traffic
- • Build in rest stops every 2 hours
- • Check for construction delays
Estimate Fuel Costs
Calculate total fuel costs for your road trip.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Enter total trip distance
- 2Input your vehicle's MPG
- 3Enter current gas price
- 4View total fuel cost
- 5Add 10% buffer for price fluctuations
Pro Tips:
- • Gas prices vary by state
- • Use GasBuddy app for cheapest stations
- • Fill up before entering national parks
- • Consider fuel-efficient vehicle rental
Find Halfway Points & Stopping Cities
Identify perfect stopping points between major destinations.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Enter two cities on your route
- 2Find halfway point
- 3Search for cities near halfway point
- 4Research accommodations and attractions
- 5Add to your itinerary
Pro Tips:
- • Halfway stops break up long drives
- • Look for interesting small towns
- • Book hotels in advance during peak season
- • Consider staying near highway exits
Find Hotels Along Your Route
Locate and book accommodations at each stop.
How to Use This Tool:
- 1Search hotels in each destination
- 2Compare prices and locations
- 3Read reviews carefully
- 4Book refundable rates when possible
- 5Consider location vs. price
Pro Tips:
- • Book 1-2 months ahead for summer trips
- • Chain hotels offer consistency
- • Local motels can be charming and cheap
- • Stay near attractions to save driving time
Sample Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $350-500 | $700-1,000 | $1,400-2,100 |
| Car Rental (7 days) | $250-350 | $350-500 | $500-800 |
| Gas (1,500 miles) | $150-200 | $150-200 | $150-200 |
| Food & Drinks | $280-420 | $420-700 | $700-1,050 |
| Activities & Attractions | $100-200 | $200-400 | $400-800 |
| Total (7 days) | $1,130-1,670 | $1,820-2,800 | $3,150-4,950 |
Road Trip Essentials Checklist
Road Trip Planning Tools
Access all our free US road trip planning tools.