Drive Time Calculator
Plan trip duration, stops, arrival time, and fuel cost with one compact black-and-white calculator.
Trip Inputs
Results
Driving time: 0h 00m
What is a Drive Time Calculator?
The Drive Time Calculator estimates how long a road trip will take by combining distance, average speed, planned stops, and delays. It also projects fuel usage, cost, and arrival time based on your departure.
It removes the guesswork from road-trip planning, daily deliveries, or commute experiments by turning every assumption into a precise schedule.
Layer in the Commute Calculator for weekday comparisons, the Fuel Cost Calculator and Gas Calculator for budgeting, and the Crosswind Calculator when winds may slow arrival times.
Best for:
- Road-trip planning - Know when you will arrive, how much fuel you will burn, and how long you will spend at rest stops.
- Professional driving - Compare potential routes or plan legal duty-day limits with accurate timelines.
- Ride-share & delivery - Estimate customer ETAs and mileage reimbursements before dispatching drivers.
- Family logistics - Share reliable arrival times with hosts or coordinate multi-car caravans.
How the Drive Time Calculator Works
Travel time equals distance divided by speed. Rest stops add fixed minutes, while delays add time to the entire trip. All durations convert to hours and minutes for easy reading.
Fuel usage equals distance divided by MPG; multiplying by current fuel price returns the expected fuel budget for the trip.
- Distance units and speed units must match (miles & mph or km & km/h).
- Arrival time uses your local timezone from the device running the calculator.
- Fuel cost assumes the entire trip uses the same average MPG.
Key Concepts Explained
Average Speed
Blend highway, city, and construction speeds into one realistic average instead of using posted speed limits.
Rest Strategy
Short breaks every 2-3 hours improve alertness; this calculator shows how they impact arrival time.
Buffer Time
Track extra minutes you add for weather or traffic; share the padded ETA with passengers.
Fuel Margin
By knowing gallons required, you can schedule fuel stops before low-fuel lights become urgent.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter route distance
Use your mapping app or odometer estimate and select miles or kilometers.
Set realistic speed
Input the average pace you expect after accounting for traffic and terrain.
Add stops & delays
Track rest breaks, meal stops, fuel stops, and known construction delays.
Set departure time
Optional: add a departure timestamp to see the estimated arrival time automatically.
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- • Reliable ETAs – Share realistic arrival windows with clients, family, or dispatchers.
- • Fuel budgeting – Know how many stops you will make and how much cash you need for the trip.
- • Stress-free planning – Visualize the impact of each stop, so you avoid driving beyond safe duty hours.
- • Scenario testing – Compare day vs night departures, higher vs lower speeds, or alternate routes instantly.
Factors That Affect Your Results
- • Elevation & terrain – Mountain routes reduce average speed and fuel economy.
- • Weather – Rain, snow, or strong winds require extra buffer time.
- • Vehicle load – Heavier trailers reduce MPG and lower cruising speed.
- • Departure timing – Leaving before rush hour can save hours over long distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is total drive time calculated?
We combine pure travel time (distance divided by average speed) with planned rest stops and traffic delays. Each stop adds minutes per break, while delays add minutes globally.
Can I work in kilometers instead of miles?
Yes. Choose miles or kilometers for both distance and speed. The calculator converts units internally so travel time and fuel usage remain accurate.
How is fuel usage estimated?
Provide your vehicle's average MPG (or l/100km converted to MPG) and current fuel price. The calculator multiplies distance by fuel consumption rate to estimate gallons and total cost.
What happens if I skip the departure date?
You still receive travel time, total time, and fuel calculations. Adding a departure date/time unlocks an exact arrival timestamp in your local timezone.
Does this handle variable speeds for city vs highway segments?
Use the overall average speed you expect for the trip. For better accuracy, break the route into segments, run each through the calculator, and add the results.