Driving Time Calculator

The driving time calculator also referred to as travel time calculator - helps you determine the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and the total drive hours for your car journey from one location to another. It also helps you calculate the total drive cost and the cost per person for your trip so that you can plan your trip efficiently.

How to use this driving time calculator?

First, choose the units in which you want to calculate

Enter the values for the following parameters into the given section:

• Distance
• Average Speed
• Total Time of Breaks

Similarly enter the values of the departure time, fuel economy, fuel price, and the number of passengers

Hit on the Calculate button

This calculator will give you the results for total drive hours, arrival time, total drive cost, and the drive cost per person.

How do I calculate my driving time?

You can use the following formula to calculate your driving cost manually, you can also use the driving time calculator for this calculation offered by Calculatored.

Total drive time = (total distance in km/h /average drive speed) + total break time 

We have included a practical example below to enhance your understanding.

Example:

Let’s imagine, John is planning a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The total distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is 400 kilometers. John expects to drive at an average speed of 80 km/h, and he plans to take breaks totaling 1.5 hours during the journey.

Given values:

• Total distance: 400km
• Average speed: 80 km/h
• Total break time: 1.5 hours

Now, use the formula to calculate the total drive time:

Total drive time = (total distance / average drive speed) + total break time

Add the values into the driving time formula:

• Driving Time = (400 km / 80 km/h) + 1.5 hours
• Driving Time = 5 hours + 1.5 hours
• Driving Time = 6.5 hours

Therefore, according to the Driving Time Calculator formula, John's estimated total drive time for the road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco is 6.5 hours. This information helps him plan his departure and arrival times more effectively for the journey between the two cities.

Factors affecting driving time:

Driving time can be significantly impacted by a variety of factors, so it's important to consider them and use this driving time calculator when planning your trip. Here are some key factors to be aware of:

• Distance: The total distance to be covered is a fundamental factor. Longer distances generally result in longer driving times.

• Speed Limits: Speed limits signposted on roads and highways play a crucial role. Following or exceeding these limits influences how fast your journey progresses.

• Traffic Conditions: Traffic congestion, road closures, construction zones, and other traffic-related issues can affect driving time. Traffic is often slower during rush hours and peak travel times.

• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather such as rain, snow, fog, or storms, can slow down travel and increase the risk of accidents. So, drivers often need to adjust their speed and driving style accordingly.

• Road Conditions: The quality of the roads, including smoothness, maintenance, and the presence of potholes or obstacles can affect driving speed and time.

• Driving Speed: The speed at which a driver chooses to travel can impact overall driving time. Higher speeds generally result in shorter travel times, while lower speeds extend the duration of the journey.

Breaks and Rest Stop: Planned breaks, rest stops, and the duration of these pauses contribute to the total driving time. Rest breaks are essential for driver safety and well-being.

Rest Breaks: Taking breaks for meals, rest, or stretching can contribute to the total duration of the trip.

Route Choice: The specific route taken can influence driving time. Some routes may have more favorable conditions in terms of speed limits, traffic flow, or road quality.

Type of Road: Whether the journey involves highways, local roads, or a combination of both can affect driving time. Highways usually allow for higher speeds and smoother travel.

Driving Experience: The skill and familiarity of the driver with the route and driving conditions can impact the overall efficiency of the journey.

Estimated time of arrival

The Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is like estimating when a vehicle will reach a certain place. You can figure it out by dividing the distance to travel by the expected speed.

For example, if a bus is supposed to travel 100 miles at 50 miles per hour, the ETA would be 2 hours. However, this method doesn't consider unexpected things like accidents or bad weather that might slow down the journey, so the actual arrival time could be different. 

Tips for efficient road trip planning:

Planning your road trip efficiently can help make your trip experience more enjoyable and ensure a smoother journey.

Before you hit the road:

• Plan your route in advance
• Schedule your stops
• Stay updated on current road conditions and weather forecasts
• Check your vehicle's maintenance, including oil, brakes, tires, and fluids, before the trip
• Pack a roadside emergency kit
• Pack essentials such as clothing, toiletries, snacks, and any required medications
• Download offline maps or navigation
• Calculate driving time using our driving time calculator
• Estimate your expenses for fuel, accommodations, meals, and activities
• Have some extra funds for unexpected expenses
• If you plan to stay overnight, book accommodations in advance

Hitting the road:

• Start early
• Rotate drivers to avoid fatigue
• Take regular breaks to stretch and rest to avoid fatigue
• Share your planned route and itinerary with someone back home in case of emergencies
• Don’t try to cover too many miles within a single day
• Be ready to modify your plan in case of road closures, weather conditions, or unexpected route changes

How do I calculate the drive cost?

Driving cost can easily be calculated by using the following formula:

• Total drive cost = (distance/100) × car fuel consumption × fuel price

To calculate the cost of driving per person, use this formula:

• Drive cost per person = total drive cost/number of passengers

When must a driver take a 30-minute break?

As per the regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers are required to take a 30-minute break if they have been driving continuously for 8 hours without a minimum 30-minute interruption.

What is the best time of day to avoid traffic? 

Generally, early mornings and late evenings are less congested, but it can vary based on location and day of the week.