The Cheapest Cross-Country Road Trip Routes
Affordable Adventures Across America
A cross-country road trip is the ultimate travel experience, but gas, lodging, and food can add up fast. Luckily, some routes are cheaper than others, offering scenic beauty, free attractions, and budget-friendly accommodations along the way.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best low-cost cross-country road trip routes, including where to stay, how to save on gas, and free things to do along the way.
Top Budget-Friendly Cross-Country Routes
Below is a quick overview of some of the most affordable road trip routes:
| Route Name | Start & End | Why It’s Cheap | Best Time to Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 66 (Classic Route) | Chicago, IL → Santa Monica, CA | Budget motels, free roadside stops | Spring & fall |
| The Southern Route (I-10) | Jacksonville, FL → Los Angeles, CA | Low gas prices, cheap campgrounds | Winter & spring |
| The Northern Route (I-90) | Boston, MA → Seattle, WA | Free national parks, cheap cities | Summer & fall |
| The Great River Road | Minnesota → Louisiana | Free scenic drives, budget eats | Fall |
| The Appalachian Route | Maine → Georgia | Free hiking, affordable towns | Spring & fall |
1. Route 66 – The Budget-Friendly Classic
📍 Route: Chicago, IL → Santa Monica, CA
📏 Distance: ~2,400 miles
One of the most iconic road trips in America, Route 66 is perfect for budget travelers thanks to its cheap motels, free roadside attractions, and affordable diners.
Budget-Friendly Highlights
- Cadillac Ranch (TX) – Free roadside art installation.
- Petrified Forest National Park (AZ) – Small entrance fee, stunning landscapes.
- Santa Monica Pier (CA) – Walk the beach for free.
Where to Stay Cheap
- Budget motels along the route ($40–$70 per night).
- Camping & RV parks for even lower costs.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Skip big cities (like L.A.) and stay in small Route 66 towns instead.
2. The Southern Route (I-10) – Warm & Affordable
📍 Route: Jacksonville, FL → Los Angeles, CA
📏 Distance: ~2,400 miles
This warm-weather road trip is one of the cheapest cross-country routes, with lower gas prices, affordable camping spots, and free attractions along the way.
Budget-Friendly Highlights
- New Orleans’ French Quarter – Walk around for free, enjoy street music.
- White Sands National Park (NM) – Just $25 per car for a breathtaking view.
- Saguaro National Park (AZ) – See giant cacti for a low entrance fee.
Where to Stay Cheap
- State parks & campgrounds ($10–$30 per night).
- Budget motels in smaller cities ($50–$80 per night).
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Use gas apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel along I-10.
3. The Northern Route (I-90) – Scenic & Budget-Friendly
📍 Route: Boston, MA → Seattle, WA
📏 Distance: ~3,000 miles
I-90 is one of the most scenic and affordable cross-country routes, with free national parks, cheap lodging, and fewer big-city expenses.
Budget-Friendly Highlights
- Niagara Falls (NY) – Free viewing areas on the U.S. side.
- Badlands National Park (SD) – Only $30 per car for breathtaking scenery.
- Yellowstone National Park (WY) – One of the best budget-friendly national parks.
Where to Stay Cheap
- KOA Campgrounds & state parks (as low as $20 per night).
- Affordable motels in the Midwest ($50–$90 per night).
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Buy a National Parks Pass ($80) for unlimited entry to parks along the route.
4. The Great River Road – The Hidden Gem Route
📍 Route: Minnesota → Louisiana
📏 Distance: ~2,300 miles
This lesser-known route follows the Mississippi River, offering free scenic drives, small-town charm, and super cheap food.
Budget-Friendly Highlights
- Hannibal, MO – Visit Mark Twain’s hometown (some museums are free).
- Memphis, TN – Walk Beale Street & see live music for free.
- New Orleans, LA – Explore the historic French Quarter without spending a dime.
Where to Stay Cheap
- Small-town motels ($50–$80 per night).
- Cheap riverfront campgrounds ($15–$30 per night).
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Eat at local diners instead of touristy spots—BBQ and southern food are super affordable.
5. The Appalachian Route – Free Outdoor Adventures
📍 Route: Maine → Georgia
📏 Distance: ~2,200 miles
This East Coast road trip is great for nature lovers, with tons of free hiking, cheap small-town lodging, and beautiful scenic roads.
Budget-Friendly Highlights
- Shenandoah National Park (VA) – Just $30 per car for some of the best mountain views.
- Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC) – One of the few free-entry national parks!
- Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC) – A free scenic drive with breathtaking views.
Where to Stay Cheap
- Hostels & budget motels in small mountain towns ($50–$90 per night).
- Campgrounds & national parks ($10–$30 per night).
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Camp instead of booking hotels—the Appalachian route has tons of free or low-cost camping areas.
FAQs: Budget-Friendly Road Trips
- What’s the cheapest way to sleep on a road trip?
🏕 Camping is the best option ($10–$30 per night), but budget motels and hostels also keep costs low. - How do I save money on gas during a long road trip?
⛽ Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest stations, avoid speeding, and fill up in small towns (big cities charge more!). - What’s the cheapest time of year for a cross-country road trip?
📅 Spring & fall are the best—gas is cheaper, and you avoid peak summer hotel rates. - How much does a budget-friendly cross-country road trip cost?
💰 Around $500–$1,500 per person, depending on fuel, lodging, and food choices. - Are national parks worth the cost?
✅ Yes! Get the $80 National Park Pass—it pays for itself if you visit 3+ parks.
Final Thoughts
A cross-country road trip doesn’t have to be expensive—with the right planning, you can explore the U.S. on a budget while enjoying stunning landscapes, historic sites, and quirky roadside attractions.
🚗 Pick a route, grab a map, and start your budget-friendly adventure today!
