USA Road Trip Planner
Everything you need for the ultimate American road trip - route planning, gas costs, park passes, and safety resources
Your Complete Road Trip Planning Hub
From calculating distances to emergency contacts, we have got everything covered. This all-in-one package includes route tools, cost calculators, safety information, and expert tips.
6 Planning Tools
Route, time, cost, and stop calculators
Park Pass Guide
Calculate if annual pass saves money
Live Gas Prices
Current prices by state updated daily
Safety Resources
Emergency contacts and safety tips
US Road Trip Planning Tools
Everything you need for the perfect American road trip
Route Distance Calculator
Calculate total mileage for your road trip
Driving Time Estimator
Estimate drive time with rest stops
Gas Cost Calculator
Calculate fuel expenses by state
Halfway Point Finder
Find perfect stops between cities
Stopping Points Planner
Plan rest stops and overnight stays
National Park Pass Calculator
Calculate if annual pass saves money
Planning Workflow
Start with the route distance calculator, then estimate driving time and gas costs. Use the halfway point finder to plan overnight stops, and check if a National Park pass makes sense for your route.
National Park Pass Calculator
Find out if the America the Beautiful pass saves you money
Annual Pass
$80
- Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites
- Valid for 12 months from purchase date
- Admits pass holder + 3 adults in vehicle
- Children under 16 always free
Per-Visit Fees
Varies by park
- Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite:$35/vehicle
- Zion, Arches, Grand Teton:$30/vehicle
- Rocky Mountain, Acadia:$30/vehicle
- Great Smoky Mountains:FREE
Quick Calculator
✅ Annual pass recommended! You will break even after 3 parks.
Break-Even Point
Visit 3+ parks with $30 fees or 2+ parks with $35 fees to save money
Where to Buy
Purchase online at recreation.gov or at any park entrance station
Pro Tip
Pass covers entrance only, not camping or special tour fees
Gas Price Tracker by State
Current average prices per gallon (Regular)
US National Average
$3.52/gal
Highest
$4.89
California
Lowest
$2.95
Oklahoma
California
$4.89
Hawaii
$4.72
Washington
$4.35
Nevada
$4.12
Oregon
$4.08
Alaska
$3.98
Illinois
$3.87
Pennsylvania
$3.76
New York
$3.68
Arizona
$3.65
Colorado
$3.42
Florida
$3.38
Texas
$3.12
Georgia
$3.08
Oklahoma
$2.95
Trip Fuel Cost Estimator
Based on 2,500 miles ÷ 28 MPG × $3.52/gal
Save on Gas
Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheapest stations along your route
Plan Fuel Stops
Fill up in cheaper states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia
Best Time
Gas prices typically lowest on Monday-Wednesday mornings
Road Trip Packing Checklist
Everything you need for a safe and comfortable journey
Vehicle Essentials
- Spare tire (check pressure)
- Jack and tire iron
- Jumper cables
- Emergency roadside kit
- Phone car charger
- Paper maps (backup)
- Windshield washer fluid
- Motor oil (1 quart)
Navigation & Tech
- Phone with GPS app
- Car phone mount
- Portable power bank
- USB charging cables
- Offline maps downloaded
- Dash cam (optional)
Comfort & Entertainment
- Playlists/podcasts downloaded
- Neck pillow
- Blanket
- Sunglasses
- Books/audiobooks
- Travel games
Food & Drinks
- Reusable water bottles
- Cooler with ice
- Snacks (nuts, granola bars)
- Coffee/tea thermos
- Napkins and wet wipes
- Trash bags
Safety & First Aid
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Pain relievers
- Motion sickness pills
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
Documents & Money
- Driver license
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance card
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash for tolls
- Hotel confirmations
- National Park pass
Before You Go
Get oil change, check tire pressure, test all lights, and fill windshield fluid
Fuel Strategy
Download GasBuddy app to find cheapest gas. Fill up in low-price states
Overnight Stops
Book first night in advance. Keep flexibility for other nights based on pace
Emergency Information
Important contacts and safety tips for US travel
Emergency Contacts
Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical)
Roadside Assistance (AAA)
Poison Control
National Suicide Prevention
Safety Guidelines
Vehicle Breakdown
- Pull over safely to shoulder
- Turn on hazard lights
- Stay in vehicle if on highway
- Call roadside assistance
- Place warning triangle 100ft behind car
Severe Weather
- Check weather before departure
- Download weather radar app
- Avoid driving in heavy rain/snow
- Find shelter during tornado warnings
- Keep emergency supplies in car
Wildlife Encounters
- Slow down in wildlife areas
- Never approach wild animals
- Store food in bear-proof containers
- Keep windows up in national parks
- Report aggressive animals to rangers
Medical Emergency
- Call 911 immediately
- Know your location (mile marker)
- Have insurance card accessible
- Keep first aid kit in car
- Download offline maps to hospitals
Save Contacts
Add emergency numbers to your phone before departure
Share Location
Use phone location sharing with family during your trip
Insurance Info
Keep insurance cards and policy numbers easily accessible
Important Reminders
- • Download offline maps before entering areas with poor cell service
- • Keep car doors locked when stopped in unfamiliar areas
- • Never leave valuables visible in parked car
- • Take breaks every 2 hours to avoid fatigue
- • Have a backup plan if weather forces route changes
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USA Destinations
Explore regions
Discover the best destinations across America with detailed guides and travel tips.
Sample Itineraries
Pre-planned routes
Follow our expertly crafted road trip itineraries with detailed stops and timings.
Planning Guide
Step-by-step help
Learn how to use our tools to plan the perfect American road trip from start to finish.