Planning a Summer Road Trip? Here's How to Cut Costs
Drivers expect to spend about $2 per mile on average, or about $1,000 on road trips this summer, according to an Experian survey.


Summertime — warm weather, t-shirts, concerts in the park… and budget-friendly road trips. Errr, not so fast. And it looks like summer 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the road trip. According to a new GSTV survey, 84% of responders plan to use their own vehicle for a road trip this summer, and 56% plan to travel by car more than they did last summer.
There are a few different reasons while this seems to be the case for this year. Both higher flight prices and cheaper gas prices are root causes. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the average domestic flight cost for 2024 was $384 per person. Although this isn't a drastic change from previous years, the rising cost of other household items like groceries and rent doesn't leave much wiggle room. For a family of four, that can quickly add up.
Average gas prices in America have slightly gone down: it's currently $3.18 per gallon, while 2024 prices averaged at $3.49.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“Consumers may not have much control over some of the costs of their vacation, but there are many ways to prepare in advance so that they can save more,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for Experian. “I always suggest consumers make a budget before finalizing their vacation plans, then research costs for different accommodations, activities and experiences, and book those accordingly.”
Additionally, Griffin suggests leveraging credit cards to earn reward points and discounts to apply toward vacation plans.
How far will you go?
According to GSTV, 60% of people polled plan to drive over 300 miles this summer. Domestic beaches and/or resorts are at the top of their travel lists this summer; 58% call it their top destination versus the 23% of people who said they were visiting a National Park this summer.
Top three road trip expenses
A 2024 Experian survey noted that most road trippers said they expect gasoline (76%) and lodging (61%) to be the biggest expenses on their road trip, and another 47% say food will be one of their big-ticket items this summer.
Indications in 2024 were that gas prices were expected to be below average as a result of the U.S. releasing some of its fuel reserves, but they are not likely to fall below $3 per gallon. The same is shaping up to be true for summer 2025. Honestly, unless you're driving an electric car this summer, you’re looking for ways to save on gas.
Fuel your road trip and earn rewards faster with Kiplinger’s top gas and transit credit cards, powered by Bankrate. Advertising disclosure.
Other anticipated costs
Other expected costs, according to Experian, while on the road are entertainment (18%), car maintenance (10%) and vehicle rental (6%). Understandably, 15% of those surveyed also mentioned insurance premium costs for their own vehicle or, if they rent, the additional coverage they'll either use or purchase for their rental.
Insurance costs have climbed more than 26% since 2023. As such, they have become a constant pain point among many motorists, even on vacation.
Griffin points out that, “consumers can consider splitting costs with friends or family members, sharing hotel rooms and packing food instead of eating out at restaurants for all of their meals to help cut back on some of these expenses.”
Test drive insurance premiums
According to Bankrate’s True Cost of Auto Insurance Report, the average cost of full coverage car insurance reached $2,638 in 2025. This was a pretty steep 12% increase from 2024.
"So, if you think this summer’s road trip may break your budget, Griffin adds, "it may be time to compare car insurance quotes online from top auto insurance carriers."
If you're rethinking your auto insurance, check out the tool below to help you compare rates, powered by Bankrate.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
Think Twice Before Getting a Credit Card Cash Advance
A credit card cash advance can be a quick solution when you need emergency help with money. But you'll pay for the convenience with high interest and fees.
-
What is AI Worth to the Economy?
The Letter Spending on AI is already boosting GDP, but will the massive outlays being poured into the technology deliver faster economic growth in the long run?
-
Think Twice Before Getting a Credit Card Cash Advance
A credit card cash advance can be a quick solution when you need emergency help with money. But you'll pay for the convenience with high interest and fees.
-
5 Home Run Hotel Packages Every Baseball Fan Will Love
From Fenway to Yankee Stadium, these bundled hotel-and-baseball deals combine savings, perks and unforgettable fan experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Marketing Consultant, 74, Southern New Hampshire
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Amtrak Debuts High Speed Trains as Train Travel Enters a New Golden Age
Amtrak's new high-speed trains come with upgraded amenities, expanded schedules and more as rail travel demand surges.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Three Things You Will Wish You Did Before the Fed Cuts Interest Rates
With potential interest rate cuts on the horizon, you might want to lock in today's higher yields and consider adjusting your asset allocation.
-
Simple Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping This Year
Set a budget and stick to it, scour the house for what you already have, decorate backpacks and lunch boxes with your kids and consider buying some items during holiday sales.
-
The New Rules for Student Loans
Whether you’re paying off education debt now or planning to borrow in the future, get ready for bigger payments and lower loan limits.
-
Get the Best Car Deal in Retirement: Here's the Trick
Planning on shopping for a new car this Labor Day weekend? Here’s how to haggle for a better price, even though you are retired.