Fuel in the USA – Gasoline/Petrol & Service Stations for Motorhome Travelers
Traveling the United States by motorhome or RV means covering long distances, so understanding how fuel works is essential. Most rental RVs in the U.S. run on unleaded gasoline, knowing prices, units, and station availability will help you plan your trip with confidence.
Fuel in the USA is cheaper than in Europe, but prices vary widely by region and can change.
Fuel and Service Stations in the USA
-
Fuel is sold by the gallon (1 U.S. gallon = 3.785 liters).
-
Unleaded gasoline is the most common fuel type; diesel is available but less common at smaller stations.
-
Rural stations are often cheaper than city stations, but they may be farther apart. Always check your vehicle’s tank capacity before long drives.
-
Payment: Most stations accept credit cards, but some rural pumps may require pre‑payment inside.
Plan ahead in remote areas like national parks, deserts, or mountain regions where stations are sparse.
Fuel Prices in the USA Compared to Europe
Here’s how U.S. regional average gasoline prices compare to Europe’s average and the 10‑year European average ($1.45/l).
| Region | States (Tourism Highlights) | U.S. Price (per liter) | % vs Europe 2025 (avg $1.30/l) | % vs Europe 10‑yr avg (avg $1.45/l) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast | Texas, Louisiana, Alabama | $0.72 | 44.6% lower | 50.3% lower |
| Lower Atlantic | Florida, Georgia, North Carolina | $0.77 | 40.8% lower | 46.9% lower |
| Midwest | Illinois, Michigan, Ohio | $0.79 | 39.2% lower | 45.5% lower |
| New England | Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont | $0.81 | 37.7% lower | 44.1% lower |
| Central Atlantic | New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania | $0.84 | 35.4% lower | 42.1% lower |
| Rocky Mountain | Colorado, Utah, Montana | $0.84 | 35.4% lower | 42.1% lower |
| West Coast | California, Oregon, Washington | $1.12 | 13.8% lower | 22.8% lower |
Average Fuel Efficiency in the USA
| Vehicle Type | Typical Size | Average Fuel Efficiency (mpg US) | Liters per 100 km (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class B Campervan (with shower & toilet) | Van‑based, compact | 14–16 mpg | 15–17 L/100 km |
| Small Motorhome (~20 ft, Class C) | Sleeps 2–4 | 10–14 mpg | 17–24 L/100 km |
| Large Motorhome (~30 ft, Class C) | Sleeps 4–6 | 8–12 mpg | 20–29 L/100 km |
| Class A Motorhome | 30–40+ ft, bus‑style | 6–10 mpg (gas) / 7–12 mpg (diesel) | 20–35 L/100 km |
-
USA trips are ~35–40% cheaper per mile/km than Europe, purely on fuel costs.
-
For long‑distance RV road trips (e.g., 3,000 miles/4,800 km), fuel savings in the U.S. can easily exceed $600–$800 compared to Europe.
-
Campervans (Class B) are the most fuel‑efficient option, but even they cost significantly less to run vs. Europe due to higher fuel prices.
Cost per Mile/Kilometer: USA vs Europe
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Efficiency | Cost per mile (USA) | Cost per km (USA) | Cost per mile (Europe) | Cost per km (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B Campervan (with shower & toilet) | 15 mpg (6.4 km/l) | $0.35 | $0.22 | $0.54 | $0.34 |
| Small 20 ft Motorhome (Class C) | 12 mpg (5.1 km/l) | $0.42 | $0.26 | $0.65 | $0.40 |
| Large 30 ft Motorhome (Class C) | 9 mpg (3.8 km/l) | $0.56 | $0.35 | $0.87 | $0.54 |
| Class A Motorhome | 8 mpg (3.4 km/l) | $0.63 | $0.39 | $0.98 | $0.61 |
Assumptions:
-
USA fuel price (Sept 2025): $0.84/liter (~$3.17/gal)
-
Europe fuel price (Sept 2025): $1.30/liter (~$4.92/gal)
-
Conversion: 1 mpg (US) ≈ 0.425 km/l
Tips for Motorhome Travelers
-
Know your fuel type: Most rental RVs in the U.S. run on unleaded gasoline, but confirm before departure.
-
Use apps and maps: Tools like GasBuddy or AAA Gas Prices help locate the cheapest stations nearby.
-
Check distances: In the West (Nevada, Utah, Arizona), stations may be 100+ miles apart.
-
Fill up before national parks: Inside Yosemite, Yellowstone, or Grand Canyon, fuel is limited and more expensive.
-
Burning Man travelers: Stock up in Reno before heading to Black Rock Desert — fuel is scarce on the Playa.
Smart planning ensures you never run low on fuel during your U.S. road trip.
External Resources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration – Gasoline & Diesel Fuel Update – monthly national and regional trends
-
Global Petrol Prices - International comparison of U.S. fuel prices
Vehicles Available
Motorhomes in the USA
Campervans in the USA
Luxury Coaches in the USA
Profile vans in the USA
Truck Campers in the USA
4wds In The USA
General Info
The motorhome is an ideal way to travel along the open US roads. You will find your motorhome easy to drive and maneuver, and there are ample stations for refueling and refilling water tanks.
In the national parks, there are many low cost campgrounds that don't require booking in advance. Arrive early in the day for the best availability, travel as you please!
Road trips from the east-coast to west-coast and vice-versa are very popular so be sure to book your motorhome well in advance.
Dine like at home - all our motorhomes are equipped with large fridges!
The new generation motorhomes have improved fuel efficiency, and gas prices are much lower than many other destinations.
Road-trip Across the United States
Read past experiences
Los Angeles - San Francisco by motorhome
Read past experiences
From San Francisco to Los Angeles
Read past experiences
From Los Angeles to San Francisco by Campervan
Read past experiences