.road-distance-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 10px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.road-distance-calculator-container h2 {
text-align: center;
color: #333;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 26px;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #555;
font-weight: bold;
font-size: 15px;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container input[type="number"] {
width: calc(100% – 22px);
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(0, 123, 255, 0.3);
}
.road-distance-calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 14px;
background-color: #007bff;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #0056b3;
transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.road-distance-calculator-container #roadDistanceResult {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
background-color: #e2f0e4;
border-radius: 8px;
font-size: 17px;
color: #155724;
line-height: 1.6;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container #roadDistanceResult p {
margin: 8px 0;
}
.road-distance-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #dc3545;
font-size: 14px;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
}
function calculateRoadTrip() {
var totalDistance = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalDistance").value);
var averageSpeed = parseFloat(document.getElementById("averageSpeed").value);
var fuelEfficiency = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fuelEfficiency").value);
var fuelPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fuelPrice").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("roadDistanceResult");
if (isNaN(totalDistance) || totalDistance <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive total trip distance.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(averageSpeed) || averageSpeed <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive average driving speed.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(fuelEfficiency) || fuelEfficiency <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive vehicle fuel efficiency.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(fuelPrice) || fuelPrice <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive average fuel price.";
return;
}
// Calculate estimated travel time
var travelTimeHours = totalDistance / averageSpeed;
var fullHours = Math.floor(travelTimeHours);
var remainingMinutes = Math.round((travelTimeHours – fullHours) * 60);
// Calculate estimated fuel needed
var fuelNeededGallons = totalDistance / fuelEfficiency;
// Calculate estimated total fuel cost
var totalFuelCost = fuelNeededGallons * fuelPrice;
resultDiv.innerHTML =
"Estimated Travel Time: " + fullHours + " hours and " + remainingMinutes + " minutes" +
"Estimated Fuel Needed: " + fuelNeededGallons.toFixed(2) + " gallons" +
"Estimated Total Fuel Cost: $" + totalFuelCost.toFixed(2) + "";
}
Road Trip Planner & Cost Estimator
Enter your trip details above and click 'Calculate' to see estimated travel time and costs.
Planning Your Journey: Understanding Road Trip Costs and Time
When embarking on a road trip, knowing the distance is just the first step. Google Maps provides excellent route planning and distance information, but to truly prepare, you need to estimate how long the journey will take and how much it will cost in fuel. Our Road Trip Planner & Cost Estimator helps you do just that, turning a simple distance into a comprehensive travel plan.
How This Calculator Works
This tool takes the total distance of your trip (which you can easily get from Google Maps or any other mapping service) and combines it with a few key variables to give you practical estimates:
- Total Trip Distance (miles): This is the primary input, representing the length of your journey.
- Average Driving Speed (mph): This isn't necessarily the speed limit, but rather your realistic average speed, accounting for stops, traffic, and varying road conditions. A good estimate is often 5-10 mph below the typical highway speed limit for longer trips.
- Vehicle Fuel Efficiency (MPG): Your car's miles per gallon (MPG) rating is crucial for calculating fuel consumption. You can usually find this in your car's manual or by checking online resources like FuelEconomy.gov.
- Average Fuel Price ($/gallon): The current price of fuel directly impacts your total cost. You can use a national average or the price you expect to pay along your route.
Key Calculations Explained
The calculator performs three main calculations:
- Estimated Travel Time: This is calculated by dividing the total distance by your average driving speed. For example, a 500-mile trip at an average of 60 mph would take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes (500 miles / 60 mph = 8.33 hours).
- Estimated Fuel Needed: This is determined by dividing the total distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency. A 500-mile trip with a car getting 25 MPG would require 20 gallons of fuel (500 miles / 25 MPG = 20 gallons).
- Estimated Total Fuel Cost: This is the fuel needed multiplied by the average fuel price. Using the previous example, 20 gallons of fuel at $3.50 per gallon would cost $70.00 (20 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $70.00).
Tips for Accurate Estimates
- Be Realistic with Average Speed: Don't just use the speed limit. Consider how many stops you'll make, potential traffic, and whether you'll be driving through cities or rural areas.
- Know Your Vehicle's MPG: Your actual fuel efficiency might vary from the manufacturer's stated MPG, especially if you're driving in varied conditions or carrying a heavy load. Track your real-world MPG for better accuracy.
- Check Fuel Prices: Fuel prices fluctuate. Use apps or websites to get up-to-date fuel prices along your route for the most accurate cost estimate.
- Factor in Other Costs: Remember that fuel is just one part of a road trip budget. Don't forget to account for tolls, food, accommodation, and potential vehicle maintenance.
By using this calculator, you can gain a clearer picture of your upcoming road trip, allowing for better planning and a more enjoyable journey.