Road Trip Planner Printable
One-Minute Summary
This printable road trip planner helps you plan route stops, gas stations, food breaks, and accommodation. Each day has space for origin, destination, drive time, key stops, and notes. No more 'where do we eat?' or 'how far to the next gas?' — plan it before you go. Print on U.S. Letter paper, one page per day or a multi-day overview. Works for weekend getaways or cross-country U.S. road trips.
Preview & Download
Print Settings
- Paper: U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11")
- Orientation: portrait
- Scale: 100%
- Margins: Default (0.5")
- 💡 Print one page per day for longer trips. Plan gas stops on remote routes.
What’s on this road trip planner
This planner helps you organize route, stops, gas, food, and accommodation. Each day has space for origin, destination, drive time, key stops, and notes.
The route segment sets origin and destination. Drive time & distance keeps expectations realistic. Stops & waypoints — scenic overlooks, gas stations, rest areas — plan 1–2 per 4 hours of driving. Food & accommodation prevents “where do we eat?” and “no vacancy” surprises.
How to use this planner — 2 real scenarios
Scenario 1: 3-day weekend getaway
Friday: drive 4 hours, one gas stop, lunch at midpoint. Saturday: explore, minimal driving. Sunday: drive home. The planner ensures you know where to stop for gas and food.
Scenario 2: Cross-country or long road trip
5–7 days of driving. Each day: 6–8 hours max, overnight in pre-booked motels. The planner tracks cities, gas stops, and sleep. Pre-booking in peak season prevents “we’re tired and everything’s full” panic.
Example fill-out
Day 1 – Fri: Denver → Moab. 5.5 hr, 350 mi. Stops: Glenwood Springs lunch, gas Grand Junction. Night: Moab, hotel booked.
Day 2 – Sat: Moab full day. Arches NP, minimal driving. Stops: Delicate Arch trail, visitors center. Night: same hotel.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Over-estimating daily drive time. 8 hours driving = 10+ with stops. Plan 6–7 hours max per day.
- Not booking accommodation. Popular routes fill up. Book key nights.
- Skipping gas planning. On remote routes, gas can be 50+ miles apart. Plan where to fill up.
- No buffer for traffic. Add 15–20% to drive time. Summer and holidays add congestion.
- Forgetting food. Pack snacks, plan lunch stops. Prevent hangry highway detours.
Customization tips
Use with Packing List: Road trips allow more — cooler, more clothing. The Packing List covers personal items; this planner covers the route.
Apps as backup: Google Maps, GasBuddy, HotelTonight. Printed planner is primary; apps help with real-time updates.
Print one page per day: For longer trips, a dedicated page per day keeps it clear.
Printing Tips
- Print on U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11") in portrait orientation
- Scale: 100% (do not use "Fit to Page")
- Margins: Default (0.5")
- 💡 Print one page per day for longer trips. Plan gas stops on remote routes.
Next step in your meal prep workflow:
Related Templates You Might Need
Most people use 2–3 of these together:
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Helpful Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I drive per day?
6–7 hours max of actual drive time. With stops, that's an 8–10 hour day. More than that and fatigue sets in. Safety first. Split long routes across more days.
Should I book accommodation in advance?
For popular routes and peak season: yes. National parks, coast highways, holiday weekends — book key nights. For flexible off-season travel, you can wing it, but have a backup plan.
How do I plan gas stops on remote routes?
Check distance between stations. Apps like GasBuddy show locations. Plan to fill up when you're at half tank in sparse areas. Don't push it — running empty is dangerous.
What about meal planning on a road trip?
Pack snacks and drinks. Plan one main meal stop per day — research options at your lunch midpoint. Dinner: near your overnight stop. Knowing where you'll eat prevents chaotic detours.
Can I use this for a one-way move?
Yes. Same structure — route, stops, overnight. You might have more drive time per day if you're motivated to arrive. Still plan gas and rest. Moving is stressful enough without roadside surprises.
How do I handle construction or detours?
Check road conditions before you leave. State DOT websites, Google Maps. Add buffer time. Have a rough alternate route in mind for major closures. Flexibility matters; the planner is a guide, not a contract.