Google Maps Driving Distance Calculator

by

Google Maps Driving Trip Planner

function calculateTripDetails() { var drivingDistance = parseFloat(document.getElementById('drivingDistance').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('result'); resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#e9f7ee'; resultDiv.style.borderColor = '#d4edda'; resultDiv.style.color = '#155724'; if (isNaN(drivingDistance) || isNaN(averageSpeed) || isNaN(fuelEfficiency) || isNaN(fuelPrice) || drivingDistance <= 0 || averageSpeed <= 0 || fuelEfficiency <= 0 || fuelPrice <= 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.'; resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#f8d7da'; resultDiv.style.borderColor = '#f5c6cb'; resultDiv.style.color = '#721c24'; return; } // Calculate Estimated Travel Time var estimatedTravelTimeHours = drivingDistance / averageSpeed; var hours = Math.floor(estimatedTravelTimeHours); var minutes = Math.round((estimatedTravelTimeHours – hours) * 60); // Calculate Fuel Needed var fuelNeededGallons = drivingDistance / fuelEfficiency; // Calculate Estimated Fuel Cost var estimatedFuelCost = fuelNeededGallons * fuelPrice; resultDiv.innerHTML = '

Trip Summary:

' + 'Estimated Travel Time: ' + hours + ' hours and ' + minutes + ' minutes' + 'Fuel Needed: ' + fuelNeededGallons.toFixed(2) + ' gallons' + 'Estimated Fuel Cost: $' + estimatedFuelCost.toFixed(2) + "; }

Plan Your Road Trip with the Google Maps Driving Trip Planner

While Google Maps is excellent for providing the shortest or fastest routes and the total driving distance, it doesn't always give you a full picture of the time and cost involved. Our Google Maps Driving Trip Planner helps you take that initial distance and calculate crucial details like estimated travel time, the amount of fuel you'll need, and the total fuel cost for your journey.

Why Use This Calculator?

Planning a road trip involves more than just knowing the mileage. This calculator is designed to help you:

  • Budget Fuel Costs: Get a clear estimate of how much you'll spend on gas, helping you manage your travel budget effectively.
  • Estimate Travel Time: Understand how long your journey will truly take, accounting for your average driving speed, which can differ from Google Maps' ideal estimates.
  • Plan Fuel Stops: Know approximately how much fuel you'll consume, aiding in planning where and when to refuel.

How to Use the Calculator

Using this tool is straightforward:

  1. Get Your Driving Distance: First, use Google Maps (or any other mapping service) to find the total driving distance between your starting point and destination. Enter this value into the "Total Driving Distance" field.
  2. Input Average Driving Speed: Consider the type of roads you'll be on (highway vs. city) and your typical driving habits to estimate your "Average Driving Speed." Google Maps often provides an estimated time, which you can use to back-calculate an average speed if needed, or simply use a realistic average like 60 mph for highway driving.
  3. Enter Vehicle Fuel Efficiency: Find your car's Miles Per Gallon (MPG) rating. This is usually available in your car's manual or online specifications.
  4. Provide Fuel Price per Gallon: Look up the current average fuel price in your region or along your route.
  5. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Trip Details" button to instantly see your estimated travel time, fuel needed, and total fuel cost.

Understanding the Results

  • Estimated Travel Time: This is the pure driving time based on your distance and average speed, not including stops for food, rest, or traffic delays.
  • Fuel Needed: The total gallons of fuel your vehicle is expected to consume for the entire trip.
  • Estimated Fuel Cost: The total monetary cost for the fuel required for your journey.

Example Scenario:

Let's say you're planning a trip from New York City to Niagara Falls, which Google Maps tells you is approximately 400 miles. You estimate your average driving speed will be around 60 mph. Your car gets about 30 MPG, and the current fuel price is $3.80 per gallon.

  • Total Driving Distance: 400 miles
  • Average Driving Speed: 60 mph
  • Vehicle Fuel Efficiency: 30 MPG
  • Fuel Price per Gallon: $3.80

Based on these inputs, the calculator would show:

  • Estimated Travel Time: 400 miles / 60 mph = 6.67 hours, or 6 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Fuel Needed: 400 miles / 30 MPG = 13.33 gallons.
  • Estimated Fuel Cost: 13.33 gallons * $3.80/gallon = $50.65.

This gives you a clear picture of the time commitment and financial outlay for fuel, helping you plan your stops and budget accordingly.

Leave a Comment