gas to travel calculator

Trip Calculator

Trip vehicles, step 1 of 2. select one or more vehicles..

You can add, edit, and remove vehicles at any time.

You can edit vehicles to personalize the MPG and fuel prices.

In Step 2, you will enter the trip details including starting point, intermediate stops, and destination.

Enter the Trip

You will be able to modify the route by dragging the route line on the map.

The Trip Vehicles section above will be updated with the cost of fuel for the trip.

Directions and Map

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.

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Today’s AAA National Average $3.593

Price as of 4/7/24

AAA GAS COST CALCULATOR

Today’s AAA National Average

Please select Starting location and Destination

Please select car Maker, Year and Model or MPG

Results display fuel cost based on today's average.

Fuel Price Data Provided By: Oil Price Information Service (OPIS)

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Gas Calculator –‌ Gas Costs, Mileage, Routes

Looking to calculate fuel cost for your trip on Google Maps? Use the Gas Cost Calculator App! See total trip cost breakdown - fuel, toll and other charges, tags - E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag - toll plaza, toll discounts. Travel on the cheapest or the fastest routes to your destination. For car, truck (2 axle to 9 axle), EV, RV, bus, motorcycle - across USA, Canada and Mexico roads, highways, bridges, tunnels and toll facilities. 

Business? Integrate Toll API for pre-trip, on-trip and post-trip toll and route information. 

Still not convinced? Just enter your origin, destination, Submit and see gas cost in seconds. Fill the optional fields - mileage, toll etc. - to get more accurate results.  

Electronic Toll gantry only accepting Toll tags

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Truck restricted routes

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How to calculate tolls - tutorial

Check out the detailed usage guide to know more about how to use the toll calculator, how the calculator works and much more.

• Toll plazas on map
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USA toll guide

• How do tolls work in the USA
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• Is E-ZPass good in all states?

Explore how tolling works in US >

The Gas Calculator app is Free for car, SUV, Pickup truck, EV, taxi, rideshare, carpool, and motorcycle (without trailers) across the US, Canada and Mexico. For trucks, buses and RV with or without trailers, subscribe to Web Calculator . Alternatively, use our mobile apps ( iOS or Android ) for free trip calculations for all the vehicles including trucks. 

Other Toll Calculators

Can google maps calculate tolls.

No, Google Maps cannot calculate tolls. However, it can indicate where tolls are in turn-by-turn directions. Use TollGuru Toll calculator instead which is built on Google Maps but also calculates tolls for your trip by all vehicle types - across all the US states.

How do I calculate tolls for a road trip?

You can calculate tolls for your trip using TollGuru Toll Calculator app. All you have to do is specify origin and destination, and Submit. You can choose your vehicle type, toll tags, departure time and more. The mobile app (iOS or Android) is also available.

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Get started with tollguru toll api or cloud services.

Gas Calculator

How much gas will i use, splitting the gas cost, related topics, cost of gas, gas prices and taxes, gas price history, gas price increase, gas price today, fuel economy, best fuel economy cars, cost of gas for trip.

This gas calculator is a handy tool for every driver who, when planning a trip, asks how much gas will I use? We prepared the gas estimator to help you find out how much fuel you will use on a car trip and how much it will cost you.

Our gas cost calculator is versatile and offers more then other web-based fuel cost calculators (e.g. splitting the gas cost). All you need is to enter the driving distance and the average fuel economy of your car - then, all the math is done automatically! In fact, your biggest concern will be how much gas costs at your nearest gas station.

That's not all, though. In the corresponding article, you can find information about gas price today, gas price history, and gas price increase. Also, check out the best fuel economy cars and how to do eco-drive properly. Finally, a user-friendly tutorial will ensure you're using the gas calculator properly.

Our gas estimator operates on a very simple premise:

• Determine the distance you are about to travel. Let's say 295 km .
• Find out what's your fuel economy. Let's use 8 l/100 km .
• To work out how much fuel you will use in total, divide your distance by 100 (because we are looking at the fuel use every 100 km), so: 295 / 100 = 2.95 and then multiply it by your combustion, so by 8: 2.95 × 8 = 23.6 . Now you know that you will use 23.6 liters of fuel.

If we want to take this one step further and find out how much this trip will cost us:

• Determine the price of the fuel. Let's say 1.6 €/L .
• To find out the total price, multiply the total amount of fuel you will use by its price, so: 23.6 l × 1.6 €/L = €37.76 .
• Now you know how to calculate the fuel use and its cost on your own, or you could use our gas calculator to make it so much easier and faster!

We finally know the answer to the question: how much gas will I use? However, we often travel with other passengers, so there is no need to pay for gas only by ourselves, we can split the cost among all passengers instead. All those calculations can be working awkward, so to spare you time and effort, our gas calculator can do it for you:

• Find out the total fuel cost. Let's use the example above of €37.76 .
• Determine how many people are there. Let's say 4 .
• Divide the total price by the number of people to work out each person's share: €37.76 / 4 = €9.44 or let our gas estimator do it for you!

There is occasionally a situation when you need to convert liters into gallons, be it US gallons or UK gallons. Let's be honest, no one has ever learned to do it by heart, so we always seek out help, mostly online. Our gas calculator has the option of not only choosing whether you want to count liters or gallons but also what is the distance unit - kilometers, miles, etc. However, we encourage you to use our mpg converter for converting between liters and gallons.

You might also find yourself reluctant to drive everywhere. If you're planning to spend some time in a different city, for instance, it might be more economical to use public transport! Take a look at our ticket optimizer to choose the cheapest combination of tickets for your stay.

Every car user spends money on gas. It is one of the most noticeable vehicle-related expenses. You can drive a car that has old tires, but without a full fuel tank, you will not travel far. So, it is evident that we quickly notice any increase in fuel price. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) , the average driver spends $3000 on fuel annually.

Gasoline prices are not determined just by the price of crude oil. Let's take a closer look at it. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) , the average price of a gallon of regular gas in May 2014 was about $3.67. For the week of June 23, it would set you back $3.70. A French driver would have paid around $7.83, a British one $8.94. In Norway, which produces 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, a gallon of gas reached $9.90.

According to the EIA data from May 2014, the costs of producing crude oil account for only 65% of the average gas price. The next 12% are taxes (federal, state, and local), and another 11% for distribution and marketing. Refining accounts for about 13% of the gasoline price.

A big part of the gas price is taxes. The U.S. federal government established an 18.4 cents tax on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel. Without taxes, a gallon of gasoline is more expensive in the USA than in the U.K. ($3.18) and France ($3.37). There are also local and state taxes to consider. According to the Tax Foundation , if you are buying gas in New York State, you would pay the highest taxes in America (50.6 cents per gallon in 2013). The lowest taxes are in Alaska, where most of America's oil comes from - they are 8 cents.

Below you will find the retail price of regular gasoline in the United States from 1990 to 2017 (in U.S. dollars per gallon) . Check the fluctuations of a gas price over the last seventeen years.

Gas prices are not stable and they tend to fluctuate over time. These variations may be driven by many different factors e.g. consumer fears over refining capacity. There are also economic factors, for example, non-stable geopolitical situation (especially near oil-producing nations) or the risk of an oil-supply interruption.

To illustrate this principle, let's go back in time to 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit much of the refining capacity along the Gulf Coast. Many refineries had to be closed, which caused a decrease in oil supply and, automatically, a high increase in gas prices. That year has begun with the average monthly gas price at $2.27 and finished at $2.76 but within the general upward trend. In September, there was a peak up to $3.47 due to fears about the gasoline supply - this is the first time in history when gas prices exceeded the $3 threshold.

Even though the supply has met the demand shortly after, gasoline suppliers weren't inclined to lower the prices, as their customers got used to new prices. As a result, the price of gasoline has been kept high since the hurricane.

According to the Energy Information Administration , USA produces about 12% of the world's oil, which amounts to 2.7 billion barrels per day . That makes the United States one of the major oil-producing countries, up there with the likes of Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, the U.S. is also one of the biggest consumers of gasoline on a per capita basis, with approximately 1.22 gallons of gas per person daily. Gasoline is often regarded as a key driver of a country's economy. It is the main fuel used in passenger vehicles and the automotive fleets of small and large businesses.

Let's take a look at a worldwide gasoline prices comparison (in U.S. dollars per gallon). The data comes from April 16th, 2018. Fuel prices vary from a few cents to over 7 dollars per gallon. Gas price in the U.S. placed at the level of $2.99, while in Germany it was considerably higher - $6.43. We can observe that generally, gas prices in Europe are much higher than in America. Norway is the infamous world leader in gas prices at $7.82 per gallon. This is over 2.6 times more than in the USA and... 261 times more than in Venezuela ($0.03).

We all wish we didn't have to spend so much on gas, and would like to keep that money in our wallets instead. Check out the tips below if you want to save more money while fueling your car:

Check prices online - nowadays, there are many websites that provide daily updated gas prices in your neighborhood. Spending a little bit of time on an Internet check will allow you to plan a route for a gas stop at the station with the best prices. Try to do it for a month or two, and you will notice which stations consistently offer lower prices, and which tend to raise them.

Stay away from the highway - the stations which are located close to big roads are often the easiest to reach and prompt you their good quality coffee and meals. Keep in mind that probably you will pay more (sometimes much more) just because of the good location of the business.

Small, private stations - are a good alternative. Owners are not affiliated with big brands which take some of the income because of brand recognition. The quality of gas has to be compliant with standards, so you shouldn't be concerned about it.

Plan your purchase - try to avoid the situation when you will be forced to fill up by the fuel indicator on your dashboard. You would probably have to stop at the nearest gas station; hopefully not one close to the highway.

Join the club partnership - most gas companies offer club partnerships. Being a club member enables you to recoup some money if you refuel at their gas stations regularly. Usually, you collect points when filling up, and then you can exchange them for discounts or gifts.

Because of rising fuel prices more and more motorists are conscious of getting the maximum efficiency from their cars. Eco-driving is a way of driving that reduces fuel consumption, gas emissions, and accident rates. This term is the synonym for driving in a smart, smooth, and safe way that leads to an average fuel savings of 5-10% . Keep in mind - good driving is eco-driving .

If you are interested, follow the rules below:

• Anticipate the traffic flow : Look ahead on the road as far as you can and try to anticipate the flow of traffic. Maintain a larger safety distance from other cars to increase your scope of the traffic. Use this knowledge to get the most out of your vehicle's momentum (in gear or neutral), accelerating and braking smoothly.

🙋 Learn how to estimate traffic flow in the traffic density calculator .

Maintain a steady speed at low RPM : Drive gently, using the highest possible gear at low RPM. Avoid driving at excessive speeds. Try to keep the speed steady and avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Shift up early : Change to a higher gear at around 2000 RPM.

Check tires pressures frequently : Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure is a safety risk and a waste of fuel.

Avoid dead weight and aerodynamic drag : Remove heavy objects that you don't use from your car (for sure you have some). Also, keep windows closed while driving on the motorway - it helps to improve the fuel economy.

Use air-conditioning sparingly : Using the AC unnecessarily is a waste of money, because keeping it on increases fuel consumption.

Share your car : One of the best ideas to save money. Just one additional passenger would reduce your trip expenses by 50%.

“New vehicles offer the latest designs, cutting-edge technologies, and warranties that offer peace of mind, but, car owners that like to change vehicles frequently should be thinking about the resale value – not just the purchase price – when choosing their next ride.” John Nielsen, American Automobile Association's (AAA) managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

The latest annual AAA’s analysis shows a shift in consumers' preferences. We can observe an increased appetite for SUVs cars and pickup trucks and a decreased demand for sedans.

It results in a higher car depreciation costs (up to 13% in comparison to last year) of these ex-popular cars. Electric and hybrid vehicles have also increased in their popularity - 20 percent of Americans (15% in the previous year) say they are likely to buy an electric car as their next vehicle. It is not surprising - driving "green" cars is going to be more and more affordable. It is because of much lower fuel and maintenance charges.

Research conducted by AAA shows the average cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2018. The study is based on the cost of fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and taxes. 45 top-selling 2018 model year cars were taken into account across nine categories. The databases on 15,000 miles driven annually.

New cars are attractive to buyers because of the newest technology and electronics inside, various accessories, and a multitude of configuration options. However, they are not the best economical choice for some customers. For those who look for alternatives to new car ownership or ways to minimize operating costs should take a look at the tips below:

Buy a pre-owned car - slightly used vehicle in good condition is an affordable choice. Ownership costs are significantly lower, and the vehicle can still be safe, reliable, and perfect for driving.

Fuel responsibly - avoid wasting money on premium grade gasoline (unless your vehicle requires it) and on tanking up at expensive gas stations (e.g., those near highways).

Take care of your car - in general, spending money on routine maintenance will save you money.

Drive eco - when gas prices rise, small changes in your driving style could make a significant difference to your wallet.

Cars with great gas mileage used to have a reputation for being underpowered and small. However, the latest technologies, from plug-in hybrids to weight-saving measures and new solutions applied to engine construction, helped to change it. Nowadays, it means that nearly any kind of vehicle can be efficient without compromising space, comfort, or fun. Take a look at the top 15 best fuel economy cars:

• Toyota Prius Prime (2018)
• Hyundai Ioniq PHEV (2018)
• Honda Clarity PHEV (2018)
• Chevrolet Volt (2018)
• Kia Niro PHEV (2018)
• Kia Optima PHEV (2018)
• Hyundai Ioniq Blue (2018)
• Toyota Prius Eco (2018)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (2018)
• Kia Niro FE (2018)
• Honda Accord Hybrid (2017)
• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (2018)
• Ford Fusion Hybrid (2018)
• Hyundai Sonata SE Hybrid (2018)
• Kia Optima Hybrid (2018)

You are planning a trip, and you are wondering how to get there. Usually, if the distance is not too big, traveling by car is fast and comfortable. Moreover, it is often cheaper than flying or even taking a train. But is it always? Finding the answer involves the current price of gasoline, your car's fuel efficiency, the distance, and some other road fees.

While planning a trip by car, first you should find out what your car fuel economy is (You can do that with our mpg calculator .). Then, knowing the trip distance, you can use the fuel cost calculator and easily find if is it affordable for you to use a car for the trip. Remember, you can easily reduce the costs of gas by finding cheap gas stations on the way and by taking more friends with you, who can chip in for the fuel.

Why do gas prices go up?

Gas prices may go up for a number of reasons:

• Restricted supply of oil;
• Increased taxes; and
• The seller wished to increase their profit margins.

Does cruise control save gas?

Yes , cruise control saves gas, but only on flat roads. This is because it prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration , which can eat more fuel by the sudden shifts in the engine's demands. However, when using cruise control to climb hills, it cannot anticipate when you'll reach the top of the hill and so will keep the gas on for longer than you would.

How much will my drive cost me?

To find out how much your drive will cost, follow these steps:

• Find the distance you have to travel and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
• Multiply these two figures together. Ensure that the two distance units are the same. This result will give you the total fuel used.
• Multiply the total fuel burned by the price of fuel. The two units of volume need to be the same.
• The result is the total cost of your drive.

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Fuel Calculator ⛽

Use this fuel cost calculator to easily calculate fuel cost and the gallons / liters needed to complete a trip. Calculate gas cost or petrol cost - we support miles and gallons, liters and km, etc.

Related calculators

• Fuel Needed & Fuel Cost Calculations

Variation in fuel consumption

• Formula for fuel amount
• How to improve fuel economy?

    Fuel Needed & Fuel Cost Calculations

In order to calculate the amount of fuel for a given trip using our fuel cost calculator or otherwise, you need to know the total distance you will be covering and the expected average fuel consumption of your vehicle. It works the same way for cars, trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, and even boats and planes. If you also want to calculate the fuel cost of a trip, then you need to know the price per gallon or price per liter at which you can by.

Our calculator supports entering distances in miles and kilometers. In terms of fuel consumption, it is very versatile as it accepts: miles per gallon, gallons per 100 miles, kilometers per liter and liters per 100 kilometers. In the US, miles per gallon and kilometers per liter would more frequently used, while in most of Europe the preferred metric would be liters to travel 100 km and gallons to cover 100 miles. The result in terms of fuel amount is in gallons or liters, and for fuel cost is in the currency you entered it in (you can simply ignore the currency sign, e.g. $ (USD)).

Make sure to account for the variation in fuel consumption when driving within city limits and on highways - usually the consumption is higher in the former case. Always fill your tank with more fuel than you anticipate you would need, especially during winter or when driving through desolate areas or when extreme weather conditions are expected.

    Formula for fuel amount

If you are using mpg (miles per gallon), then the formula for calculating the total amount of gas needed is:

Fuel = Distance / Consumption mpg

For example, if the distance is 500 miles and consumption is 20 miles per gallon, then the fuel you will need for the entire distance is 500 / 20 = 25 gallons.

If you are using gallons per 100 mi to measure consumption, then the formula for calculating the amount of fuel needed is:

Fuel = Distance / 100 x Consumption per 100 mi

For example, if the distance is 300 miles and the consumption is 5 gallons per 100 miles, you will need 300 / 100 x 5 = 15 gallons of gas.

Both formulas are applicable for metric units - km and liters, just make sure you do not mix metric units. Using an online fuel calculator will make sure you do not commit that mistake.

    How to improve fuel economy?

Don't like the numbers you see when you use our tool? If you wonder how you can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle so you can cover more miles (or kilometers) with less fuel, we have some tips that can result in significant savings, especially when applied consistently over time. Here is our list of 10 fuel efficiency tips :

• Drive sensibly - If you drive aggressively - too fast compared to other cars, constantly overtaking other vehicles, and rapid acceleration followed by braking, only to accelerate again wastes a lot of gas. By some estimates, quick starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by more than 30% ! This is why this is number one in our fuel efficiency list.
• Observe the speed limit - Different vehicles have optimal fuel economy at different velocities, but one way to increase gas mileage is to avoid driving at higher speeds. A small reduction of your average speed , say from 70 mph to 60 mph (equivalently: from 115 km/h to 100 km/h) can help you save 10 to 20% due to lower fuel consumption.
• Follow the leader - drive at about the speed of the vehicle in front of you, if they are following the first 2 tips above. This will make sure you need to accelerate and decelerate as little as possible. If possible, overtake drivers who do not follow them, as it will make it very hard for you to do so. This will result in smaller numbers from our fuel cost calculator.
• Check your tires - make sure your tire pressure is at optimal levels as indicated in the owner's manual provided by the auto manufacturer. If the pressure is too low your mileage will decrease significantly, not to mention that the car may become dangerous to drive.
• Smart routing - make sure you take optimal paths to reach your desired destination. Learn the different modes of route selection your GPS employs - the shortest is not always the fastest and idling stuck in traffic will waste fuel. Use services such as Google Maps to check for traffic congestions on the planned route. Using a route you know well can also help improve fuel efficiency, since you will know in advance where it makes sense to increase speed and where it does not, because of a traffic light just ahead.
• Air conditioning - turning it off will most likely improve your fuel efficiency by 10-15%, and will result in you having more power to accelerate quicker when needed. If it is necessary, make sure you do not set it to unreasonably low or high levels. Air temperature in the range between 64°F - 75°F (18°C - 24°C) is comfortable for most people. Due to the law of thermodynamics, each subsequent degree of heating or cooling requires progressively more energy to accomplish and maintain.
• Remove excess weight - make sure you remove any unneeded heavy items you have in your trunk. One of the untold benefits of losing weight is that your car will be a bit more efficient as well.
• Turn cruise control ON - when on a highway, make sure to use your cruise control option. By keeping your speed constant, it will most likely save gas and result in lower fuel costs.
• Avoid idling - idling means 0 miles per gallon and the larger the car engine, the more gas is wasted when idling. Avoid excessive idling, when possible, in line with point #5 above to keep fuel costs low.
• Maintain your vehicle - a well-maintained car, truck, van, SUV, etc. will operate at greater efficiency. Exact fuel savings are hard to calculate, as it will depend on the type of maintenance work your vehicle needs. However, good maintenance is sure to lead to fuel savings and smaller cost numbers coming out of our calculator.

All the above advice is fine, but what do you do if you have been following the above advice, yet our tool still shows you numbers that are so high you want to cry? Well, it is most likely time for a new car, or it could be just the fuel price fluctuations over which, unfortunately, neither you nor we have much influence, individually. Fuel prices in most places contain license fees and other state or local government taxes, in some places reaching as much as 50% of the final price. Financial market fluctuations, natural disasters or extreme weather, crisis, as well the geographical area you are in and the local fuel suppliers all influence the price of gas. All you can do is try to observe them and predict when you can get a more decent price.

Cite this calculator & page

If you'd like to cite this online calculator resource and information as provided on the page, you can use the following citation: Georgiev G.Z., "Fuel Cost Calculator" , [online] Available at: https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/fuel-calculator.php URL [Accessed Date: 08 Apr, 2024].

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Road trip gas calculator

Don't Just Estimate—Calculate and Optimize with Roadtrip

Welcome to the simple web version of Roadtrip's Fuel Calculator. More than just a calculator, this is your comprehensive guide to fuel cost planning, whether you're prepping for a quick commute or a grand road trip adventure.

Why Every Driver Needs Roadtrip's Gas and Fuel Calculator

• Pinpoint Accuracy : Tailor your calculations based on your car's actual mileage for the most accurate estimates.
• Speedy Results : In a few clicks, you can know exactly how much you'll spend on fuel.
• Any Device, Any Time : Our web-based Gas and Fuel Calculator is free and universally accessible.
• Updated in Real Time : Never get caught off guard by fluctuating fuel prices again.

The Roadtrip App: A World of Features Just a Click Away Download Here

Sure, our Gas and Fuel Calculator is handy, but why settle for basic when you can have it all with the Roadtrip app? Here's what you'll get:

• 🌎 Smart Route Planning : The app's geo-location features do the hard work for you, finding the most fuel-efficient path.
• 🔎 Just search for your car : We look up the specs of your car so you don't have to, ensuring our fuel calculator is as accurate as possible.
• ⚡️ Electricity Costs, Too : Own a hybrid or electric vehicle? The app adapts to include local electricity costs in your estimates. Try the EV calculator.
• 🌱 Carbon Emission Estimates : The app shows you the estimated carbon emissions for your trip based on how many gallons of gas or litres of petrol you use on your trip.

Bottom Line : If you find the Gas and Fuel Calculator useful, you'll find the Roadtrip app indispensable. Download it now and transform the way you plan your journeys.

How to Maximize Savings with Roadtrip's Gas and Fuel Calculator

• Input Distance : Start by entering the distance of your journey.
• Update Fuel Price : Use the most current local fuel prices for precise estimates.
• Include Your Car's Mileage : Customization is key—enter your car's mileage for an estimate that's uniquely yours.
• Calculate : Hit the button, and you'll get an instant, accurate estimate that helps you budget smarter for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Gas and Fuel Calculator really accurate? A: Our Gas and Fuel Calculator is incredibly precise when given the right inputs. However, for a deeper dive into your trip costs, including live fuel prices, you'll want to download the Roadtrip app .

Q: How much does it cost to use the Gas and Fuel Calculator? A: It's entirely free. But for a full suite of planning tools and real-time updates, the Roadtrip app is your go-to resource .

Q: What extra features do I get with the Roadtrip app? A: Everything from real-time fuel price updates to route optimization is at your fingertips. Experience the difference today .

Download for free today!

Road Trip Gas Calculator

Welcome to our Gas Calculator - Your tool for trip budgeting. Compute travel expenses by entering miles, gas price, and fuel efficiency. Plan your journey confidently with accurate cost predictions

Cost per mile:

Total miles:

Planning Your Journey with a Road Trip Gas Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide

A Road Trip Gas Calculator is an invaluable tool for anyone planning a road trip, offering a simple way to estimate fuel costs based on distance, fuel efficiency, and gas prices.

This tool helps travelers budget accurately for their journeys, making road trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

This guide delves into the importance of calculating gas expenses, how a Road Trip Gas Calculator works, and its strategic benefits for optimizing travel plans and expenses.

Understanding Road Trip Gas Calculators

A Road Trip Gas Calculator estimates the amount of gas needed for a road trip and the total cost based on the vehicle's fuel efficiency, the trip's total distance, and the current price of gas.

This calculation allows travelers to plan their budget and make informed decisions about their route and travel logistics.

The Importance of Calculating Gas Expenses for Road Trips

Calculating gas expenses is crucial for several reasons:

Budget Planning : Helps travelers allocate funds accurately, ensuring that gas expenses are covered within their travel budget.

Route Optimization : Encourages travelers to consider different routes based on fuel efficiency and cost, possibly discovering more scenic or less expensive paths.

Expense Management : Aids in managing overall travel expenses by providing a clear picture of one of the trip's main costs.

How a Road Trip Gas Calculator Works

A Road Trip Gas Calculator requires three key pieces of information to provide an estimate of gas costs:

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency : The average miles per gallon (MPG) or kilometers per liter (km/L) your vehicle can travel. This figure can typically be found in the vehicle's manual or online.

Trip Distance : The total miles or kilometers you plan to travel. This can be determined using a map or a GPS device.

Gas Price : The current price per gallon or liter of gas. This varies by location and can be found at local gas stations or through various online resources.

By inputting these details, the calculator will estimate the total quantity of fuel needed for the trip and the associated cost, based on the formula:

Total Gas Cost = (Trip Distance / Fuel Efficiency) × Gas Price

Advantages of using a road trip gas calculator.

Efficiency and Accuracy : Provides a quick and precise estimate of gas costs, facilitating effective travel planning.

Cost-Saving Insights : Offers the opportunity to explore cost-saving measures, such as optimizing the route or traveling at more fuel-efficient speeds.

Financial Preparedness : Helps travelers ensure they have allocated enough funds for fuel, avoiding potential budget shortfalls during the trip.

Implementing Gas Cost Calculations in Travel Planning

To effectively incorporate gas cost calculations into travel planning, consider the following practices:

Early Planning : Use the calculator during the early stages of travel planning to estimate gas expenses accurately and adjust your budget or route as needed.

Comparative Route Analysis : Compare different routes to determine which offers the best balance of fuel efficiency, travel time, and scenic value.

Regular Updates : As gas prices fluctuate, update your calculations close to your departure date for the most accurate budgeting.

Real-world Applications and Success Stories

Travelers frequently use Road Trip Gas Calculators to plan and budget for vacations, family visits, and other journeys.

For example, a family planning a cross-country road trip might use the calculator to determine the most cost-effective route, taking into account gas prices and their vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Similarly, solo adventurers and digital nomads use these calculators to manage their travel expenses, ensuring their journeys are both affordable and enjoyable.

A Road Trip Gas Calculator is an essential planning tool for anyone embarking on a road trip, providing valuable insights into fuel costs and helping to manage travel budgets effectively.

By enabling travelers to estimate and optimize their gas expenses, it contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience, ensuring that road trips remain a popular and accessible way to explore new destinations.

Travel Cost Calculator

Quick links, trip pricing calculator.

Travelmath provides an online cost calculator to help you determine the cost of driving between cities. You can use this data to figure out a budget for a road trip. The driving calculation is based on the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and you can change the gas mileage in mpg or L/100 km to match your exact make and model. Gas prices are automatically estimated based on current fluctuations, and again you can adjust these to fit your local gas station prices. Both U.S. and international units are available to make the calculations easier to use, and the output is given for both one-way and round trip travel routes.

Check the driving distance for your planned route, and see if the total driving time requires an overnight stay. If it's a long trip, you may want to research some hotels along the way . Or compare whether it's better to fly or drive to your destination.

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How to estimate your travel costs

Did you know that Roadtrippers can help you estimate your fuel costs for your next road trip? Get started by entering your vehicle information in your profile.

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Why adventure seekers love Roadtrippers

"Tears of joy"

“After 5 days of using three maps and five different apps, I found Roadtrippers. I was telling my boyfriend as we sat in the RV and started crying as I described it to him. Happy days.” Olivia T.

"Absolutely love this app"

"If you go on even one road trip a year it’s worth it. I use it to find new and unusual stuff in my area… LOVE IT!” Lindsey L.

"Makes planning fun"

“I’m planning a 60-day road trip and this app makes it so much fun and far less work! I couldn’t imagine trying to plan a trip without it now.” David M.

"Discovered new things"

"Fantastic! Really useful with road trips and with finding things in my city I didn't know existed. Seriously, I recommend it to everyone, I love it!" Nick R.

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Discover the most incredible people, places, and experiences worth a detour. Share and collaborate with friends. Have fun planning your next weekend getaway, spring break road trip, or cross-country adventure.

The #1 road trip planning tool

Discover millions of places

Find quirky roadside attractions, scenic points, national parks, and more.

The perfect itinerary-maker

Instantly estimate fuel costs with our powerful route planner. Explore places within a set distance from your route, filter and sort by reviews, photos, and more.

Get pre-made trip guides

From classic American road trips to the weird and the wonderful, get inspiration from our pre-made trip guides.

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Find the best places to stay along your route, check out reviews and photos, and book the most convenient option.

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Add up to 150 of the best stops to your epic road trips.

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Make a route that's customized for your RV.

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Check traffic conditions while on the road.

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Cost To Drive

The cost to drive app helps you calculate the cost of driving between cities, taking into account how much gas you'll need, current gas prices, mileage driven, fuel efficiency of your car or truck in MPG, and other variables. Calculate your driving cost and plan a road trip using this tool.

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Advanced Route Planner for Car Travelers

Unlock new adventures with our free route planner: perfect your road trips, discover new routes, and leverage expert travel insights for an unforgettable journey.

This distance calculator, covering the United States, North America, and worldwide, simplifies your travel planning. Enter your start and end points in the "From" and "To" fields — accepting city names, addresses, or GPS coordinates — and click "Calculate" to get started.

Customize your journey with "Fuel consumption" and "Fuel price" for cost estimates, and use the crosshair icon for map selections. Dive into "Advanced options" to add stops or adjust speeds, tailoring the trip to your pace and ensuring accurate travel time predictions.

Examples of Routes Between Cities of the US

• Distance from Dallas to Houston
• Distance from Austin to Houston
• Distance from Seattle to Portland
• Distance from Dallas to San Antonio
• Distance from San Francisco to Sacramento
• Distance from San Francisco to San Diego
• Distance from Dallas to Chicago
• Distance from Houston to New Orleans
• Distance from Denver to Chicago
• Distance from New York to Chicago

What Can You Do With This Route Planner

Family Vacation Planning : Families planning summer vacations can use the distance calculator to plan their route, estimate fuel costs based on their car's fuel consumption, and calculate budget needs, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable journey.

Business Travel Optimization : Professionals can plot the most efficient routes for their business trips, incorporating distance calculations to manage time effectively and budget for travel expenses accurately.

Logistics and Freight Management : Long-haul truckers and freight forwarders can utilize the tool to map out routes between cities, estimate mileage, and calculate transportation costs based on company tariffs, optimizing delivery schedules and pricing.

Meeting Halfway : Friends living in different cities can find a central meeting point by calculating the halfway distance between their locations, making it easier to arrange reunions and share new adventures together.

USA, North America and Worldwide

This service measures the distance between cities around the world and is available in several languages:

• English ca.drivebestway.com Canada Mileage Calculator
• Spanish www.mejoresrutas.com Traza tu ruta por México
• Portuguese www.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades do Brasil
• English au.drivebestway.com Aussie Distance Calculator
• English gb.drivebestway.com UK Road Distance Calculator
• Spanish es.mejoresrutas.com Calcular ruta entre ciudades españolas
• Spanish ar.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades argentinas
• Spanish co.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades colombianas
• Spanish us.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades de EE. UU.
• Spanish cl.mejoresrutas.com Calcular km entre ciudades chilenas
• Spanish pe.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Perú
• Spanish ve.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Venezuela
• Spanish br.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre ciudades brasileñas
• Portuguese pt.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades em Portugal
• French www.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance France
• French ca.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Canadien
• German www.besterouten.com Routenplaner Deutschland
• Polish www.najlepszetrasy.com Kalkulator odległości drogowych w Polsce
• Czech www.dobracesta.com Kalkulačka vzdálenosti mezi českými městy
• Italian www.percorsomigliore.com Calcola distanze chilometriche in Italia
• Malay www.pandujalanterbaik.com Pengiraan jarak antara bandar di Malaysia
• Dutch www.besteroutes.com Afstand meten in Nederland
• Turkish www.duzgunyolusec.com Türkiye şehirler arası mesafe hesaplama
• Dutch be.besteroutes.com Afstand berekenen tussen Belgische steden
• German be.besterouten.com Routenplaner Belgien Auto
• French be.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance belge
• French ch.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Suisse
• German ch.besterouten.com Routenplaner Schweiz
• German at.besterouten.com Routenplaner Österreich

How Is the Distance Between Cities and Points Calculated?

Distance and travel time calculation algorithm.

This route calculation tool harnesses the power of shortest path search algorithms within a weighted road graph, employing sophisticated algorithms like Dijkstra, A-Star, and Contraction Hierarchies . Unlike conventional calculators that use distance or travel time as the graph weight, our system optimizes drive time for vehicles, favoring routes on higher-class roads for a smoother journey.

The backbone of this tool is built on OpenStreetMap data, ensuring our road graphs are accurate and up-to-date. We calculate distances between road segments with the haversine formula , using precise GPS coordinates to measure the Great Circle Distance. This formula is pivotal for calculating "air distance" or "straight line distance" between two points, taking into account the curvature of the Earth.

Road distances, however, diverge from straight line distances due to the natural curvature and layout of roads . To address this, roads are represented as segmented lines, and the haversine formula is applied to each segment, allowing for precise calculation of the journey length between any two points.

Recognizing that cities encompass large areas, our tool selects a central point within each city for distance calculations between cities. For personalized route planning, users can specify exact addresses or select points on the map. Additionally, the route's start and end points can be adjusted directly on the map for enhanced customization.

Travel time calculations break down the route into segments, evaluating the maximum permitted speed for each segment to estimate the fastest possible travel time.

It’s important to note that while our route calculation relies on advanced computer modeling for accuracy, no model is perfect . We encourage users to plan with a margin for adjustment to ensure a reliable and efficient journey.

Other Methods of Calculating Distances

One simple way to measure distance is by using a highway atlas. By tracing a route with your eye and rolling a curvimeter along it, you can gauge the distance. Estimating travel time involves assuming an average speed of 50 miles/hour on major intercity roads. Although this method provides rough estimates, it's straightforward.

In the absence of a curvimeter, a ruler can serve as a substitute. Start by aligning the ruler's zero mark with your route's beginning and follow the road's bends closely. Then, translate the measured length into kilometers or miles using the map's scale, which is typically provided in the atlas.

For those seeking a more streamlined approach, pre-calculated distance tables specifically for the USA are available on websites, atlases, and guidebooks. Particularly useful for journeys between major cities, these tables streamline planning, although they may omit smaller locales.

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Gas Mileage Calculator

An easy way to calculate gas mileage is to remember the odometer reading or to reset the mileage counter when filling up a gas tank. When doing so next time, obtain the mileage accrued between the two gas fill-ups. Then divide the mileage figure by the amount of gas filled the second time to obtain the gas mileage.

Related Mileage Calculator | Fuel Cost Calculator

How to Improve Gas Mileage?

Carpooling, public transport, or walking/bicycling are the best options for someone looking for the best possible gas mileage, or fuel efficiency. If not viable, here are some pointers to getting the most fuel efficiency:

• Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle –Please visit fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml for the fuel efficiency comparison between different vehicles. Overall, 4-wheel drive vehicles tend to be less fuel efficient than FWD or RWD. By powering all four wheels, the engine works harder to move a car the same speed at higher speeds.
• Tires –Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3% per PSI drop due to wasteful transfer of energy dissipating into the mushiness of the tires when they are underinflated. Rigidity in tires allows for greater frictional interaction between rubber and the road, imparting forward momentum. It is best to consult the driver's manual (also usually available online) or the side markings of the tires to find the optimal PSI range. Also, ensure that wheels are properly aligned.
• When allowed by speed limits, 55 MPH (90 km/h) is best for gas vehicles –According to studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, the optimal speed for fuel efficiency is 55 MPH, but this may vary depending on the given vehicle. Use cruise control when possible, such as on long, straight, and rural highways. According to the Department of Energy, maintaining constant speeds using cruise control helps reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel efficiency. Relative to the optimal speed of 55 MPH, on average, a vehicle is:
• 3% less efficient at 60 MPH (97 km/h)
• 8% less efficient at 65 MPH (105 km/h)
• 17% less efficient at 70 MPH (113 km/h)
• 23% less efficient at 75 MPH (121 km/h)
• 28% less efficient at 80 MPH (129 km/h)
• Don't be aggressive –Steadiness and consistency win the race when it comes to fuel efficiency. Aggressive acceleration churns the engine harder, siphoning more oil. Try not to have as heavy a foot as steady acceleration is not only much safer but is more efficient and is kinder to the depreciation of the vehicle. Also, aggressive braking can have a toll on fuel efficiency because drastic drops in speed will only promote drastic increases in speed, on top of faster wear and tear on brakes. Adhering to these principles can improve gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
• Keep vehicles in good shape –It is possible to improve gas mileage by 1-2% simply by using the recommended motor oil. If the driver's manual states 10W-30 as the recommended, do not use 5W-30! Keep the engine properly tuned, ensure the oxygen sensor is in good shape, and solve any failed emissions test right away. Also, check air filters every few months to see if they are clogged; a lot of times, debris from outside gets sucked into them, depriving proper airflow into the engine.
• Remove unnecessary weight –This is based on an important physics principle – the heavier the object, the more energy (fuel, in our case) is required to move it. When aiming for the best fuel efficiency, driving a smaller, lighter car can be a good start, but anyone can benefit from removing weight from their current car; try to remove any heavy items that are not being used. For example, hitching a trailer to the back of a vehicle when it is not being used on your everyday commute unnecessarily increases the weight of the car, which decreases fuel efficiency.
• Roll up the windows –Open windows add extra resistance to moving vehicles. Because highway driving involves such high speeds, a massive burden in the form of drag pushes against the forward momentum of a traveling car, causing the engine to work harder in order to maintain the same speed. Highway driving is usually more fuel efficient when the windows are rolled up to alleviate drag, even with the AC on instead. However, drag doesn't only apply to open windows. A roof rack or bike rack not only adds weight to the vehicle, but also increases drag, decreasing fuel efficiency.
• Air-conditioning –Fuel economy suffers in especially hot climates because of the partitioning of oil required to power the air-conditioning. A vehicle's fuel economy can drop by 25% in hot climates due to AC usage. It can be helpful not to have the AC unnecessarily high, especially when the car is idle; AC systems are more efficient when the car is moving.
• Avoid unnecessary idling –An idle vehicle gets 0 mpg.

Not only do these tips save drivers money on fuel and maintenance on their vehicles, but being conscious of fuel economy has many positive environmental impacts.

The Simple Formula For Calculating How Much Gas Will Cost On Your Road Trip

T he idea of hitting the open road and enjoying an adventure without daily responsibilities included can be endlessly exciting. Yes, a road trip enjoyed alongside family and friends can feel liberating, but when it comes to your travel budget, the story might be a little more restrictive. Somehow, road trips have a way of adding up to totals beyond what travelers initially anticipate.

Between the cost of lodging, food, and the souvenir shopping to be done along the way too, things can understandably get pricey. It's not uncommon for it all to be more than you bargained for. One of the big hitters when it comes to your road trip budget is typically the amount you'll spend on gas.

Fluctuating gas prices from city to city and between states only add to the confusion. This makes having a plan in place before you get behind the wheel a good idea. While you can't control the price of gas, you can closely calculate what you'll spend by using a simple four-step process.

If you plan in advance, there's room to focus on the road trip fun ahead once you set off. You'll have a budget you can work with that won't cause added stress too. To calculate how much gas will ultimately cost on your road trip, you'll need to look at the gas mileage on your vehicle, how far you're traveling, and the gallons of gas required.

Start With Vehicle Fuel Efficiency And Miles You'll Travel

The first step in calculating how much gas will cost on your road trip is determining how many gallons of gas per mile your vehicle uses. Start by looking up your vehicle's fuel tank capacity which is found in the owner's manual. From here, it's easy to reset your trip odometer, fill up your tank and take note of how far you've gone when it's time to refill again.

It's important to remember that how you drive can make a difference in how your vehicle burns fuel during a road trip. City driving comes with a lot of stop-and-go traffic which uses more gas more quickly. Extended stretches of highway and interstate driving can make gas go farther.

When figuring out the gallons per mile on your vehicle, make sure to use the driving techniques you're likely to use on your road trip for a more accurate picture of gas mileage. If you have multiple vehicles, it's worth your while to test them all. The more fuel-efficient model is going to save you money in the long run.

Step two is to take a look at the total distance you anticipate you'll be traveling. Modern apps like Google Maps make this a fairly quick and easy task. While you might not know exactly what all of your side stops will be, consider adding in a few you think you'll be making to get a more accurate mile count.

Gallons Of Gas Give You The Cost You've Been Looking For

The third step in this calculation is to note current gas prices. This is going to fluctuate everywhere you travel, but using the national average is a useful point of reference for this cost equation. AAA has an easy-to-view national gas price log that adjusts daily. The U.S. Department of Energy also provides a gas price map where costs can be broken down by state and city.

The final step in calculating your road trip gas costs involves some easy math. Begin by dividing your total trip miles by your vehicle's miles per gallon. The answer is the total gallons of gas your journey is going to require.

Multiplying the total gallons of gas needed by the national gas price average will result in an accurate estimate of what you'll spend on gas during your trip. Having this number available will help you budget more efficiently. It will also give you the freedom to worry less about overspending along the way.

You can't control or even plan out every little detail of a trip . You most likely wouldn't want to anyway when unexpected adventures are often half the fun of a road trip. However, the cost of gas isn't something you have to leave to chance when you have this handy calculation available. Put it to use and feel free to let the exploring officially begin.

Read this next: Safety Items You Should Pack For Your Next Road Trip

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event . 

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. It will first be visible as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and progressing along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality. 

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

Why do total solar eclipses happen? Learn what causes the celestial show

When was the last total solar eclipse in the U.S.? Revisiting 2017

How to make pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 solar eclipse safely

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.