Great American Road Trip Now Costs Over $1,300 More for Gas Than a Decade Ago
Rising fuel prices significantly increase the budget for a cross-country journey hitting major U.S. landmarks.
The cost of embarking on the quintessential Great American road trip has surged, with drivers now facing an additional $1,300 for gas compared to a decade ago, according to recent research. This increase is largely attributed to rising oil prices, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Dr. Randal S. Olson, a researcher who initially mapped out an "optimal" U.S. road trip in 2015, has updated his findings to reflect current economic conditions. The original trip, designed to visit landmarks across 49 states, covers approximately 13,949 miles and requires 224 hours of driving. When first published, the estimated gas budget for this journey was $1,300, based on an average gas price of $2.37 per gallon, according to AAA.
At the current national average of $4.28 per gallon, Dr. Olson now suggests a gas budget of $2,350 for the same trip, marking a substantial increase of approximately $1,000 from the initial estimate. Some of the landmarks included in the route are the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the White House, and the Alamo.
Gas prices vary considerably by state. California presents the most expensive stretch, with the route covering about 860 miles at an average price of $6.14 per gallon. In contrast, North Carolina offers the lowest price, with gas averaging $3.60 per gallon, though the route through the state is much shorter at approximately 80 miles. Other notable states on the route include Montana, with about 960 miles of driving at $4.46 per gallon, and Texas, covering roughly 870 miles at $3.78 per gallon.
Dr. Olson has also developed an itinerary for visiting every national park in the contiguous United States. This extensive trip spans 16,103 miles and requires 270 hours of driving. Driving an average of 6 hours per day, this journey would take approximately 6.5 weeks to complete. The longest single driving leg on this route is over 14 hours, taking travelers from Ohio, where gas prices average $4 per gallon, to Maine, where prices are around $4.34 per gallon. The shortest leg connects Carlsbad Caverns to Guadalupe Mountains and takes just 44 minutes.
Despite the increased costs, Dr. Olson has also provided a tool on his website, optimalroadtrips.com, allowing individuals to build their own custom road trips for free. Travelers are advised to consult AAA for current gas prices in each state to optimize their travel budget.