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Cost of driving in the USA

The good news is that the cost of driving in the USA has fallen. This is because car hire prices have dropped since the end of the pandemic.

However, there are some potential costs to be aware of. These include toll roads, which are a far more common sight in the US - particularly around cities.

Here’s what you need to know about the cost of driving in the USA...

 

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Fuel

Petrol - or gas as it is commonly known in the US - is cheaper than it is at home.

You can check the latest US prices here.

The UK’s average petrol and diesel prices can be found here.

Bear in mind that it’s common practice to pay for your fuel before you fill up at most US petrol stations. It’s also worth knowing that some gas stations may offer a small discount to customers who pay in cash.

 

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Toll roads

There are toll roads in most US states, and these are most often found when entering cities.

They usually charge a standard toll rate for your vehicle class. For example, taking a Class 1 car to any of the main bridges and tunnels entering New York will cost you $15.38 during peak hours. Price correct as of August 2024. Check the latest prices here

Before setting off on a road trip, it’s worth checking if there are any tolls on your route and how much they cost, so that you have the money to pay for them. Here’s a map of US toll roads and how much they cost.

 

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Car hire

The USA is among the cheapest holiday destinations to rent a car, with prices typically less than half than those in the UK.

You could get an even better deal by booking in advance. There are many online car hire price comparison sites which could help you select a hire company for your trip, such as VroomVroomVroom and Expedia.

 

Did you know?

Many US petrol stations allow you to pay at the pump using a credit or debit card, just like in the UK.

But, in the US, it’s common for pumps to ask for your postcode too, known as a zip code.

If you prefer paying this way, you can usually 'convert' your UK postcode into a US zip code. You do this by removing any letters and adding zeros to the end until you have a five-digit code. For example, M1 5SW would become 15000.

Downloadable Guide



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