Map Shows Where Gas Is Most Expensive This Summer Travel Season
Gas prices are entering the summer travel season at some of their highest levels in years, and AAA data shows a sharp divide between regions. While the national average has climbed well into the mid‑$4 range, some states are paying far more-especially along the West Coast, where prices have surged past $6.
Meanwhile, drivers in parts of the South and Midwest are still seeing some of the lowest averages in the country, though even those states have experienced steep increases since late February. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive states is now wider than it has been in several summers, and the latest numbers show exactly which regions are feeling the most pressure at the pump.
Which States Have the Highest Gas Prices at the Start of Summer?
As summer travel ramps up, gas prices remain sharply divided across the country, and the West Coast continues to dominate the top of the list, based on AAA data. Here are the top states with the highest average regular gas prices:
- California - $6.094
- Washington - $5.752
- Hawaii - $5.655
- Oregon - $5.290
- Alaska - $5.255
- Nevada - $5.243
- Arizona - $4.767
- Illinois - $4.903
- New York - $4.584
- Connecticut - $4.604
These states have long struggled with higher fuel costs due to a combination of environmental regulations, refinery constraints, and limited access to cheaper regional fuel supplies.
While West Coast states are paying some of the highest prices seen since 2022, much of the South and Midwest remains below the national average. But even in states with lower prices, costs have risen dramatically since late February, when the Iran war began, and global oil markets were disrupted. The result is a summer travel season where nearly every driver is paying more, but some significantly more than others.
How Much More Expensive Is It to Travel 1,000 Miles by Car This Year vs. Last Year?
The jump in gas prices means long‑distance travel is noticeably more expensive than it was a year ago. With today's national average at $4.46 per gallon, compared to $3.17 at this time last year, the cost difference adds up quickly. A typical car averaging 25 miles per gallon would need about 40 gallons to travel 1,000 miles. At today's prices, that trip costs roughly $178. Last year, the same drive would have cost about $127, a difference of more than $50 for a single long‑distance trip.
For families planning multiple road trips this summer, those added costs compound. A two‑car household traveling several thousand miles over the season could easily spend hundreds more than they did in 2025. Analysts warn that prices may remain elevated for months, especially with the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, still disrupted by the war in Iran. Even if prices stabilize, the cost of long‑distance travel is already significantly higher than last year, and many Americans are adjusting their plans accordingly.
Americans Are Taking Shorter Road Trips, Fewer Vacations Amid Surging Gas Prices
Higher fuel costs are already reshaping how Americans travel. AAA's Memorial Day forecast showed a record number of people hitting the road, but many are choosing shorter trips or destinations closer to home. With gas prices up more than a dollar from last year, travelers are trimming itineraries, reducing the number of stops, or opting for long weekends instead of full‑week vacations. The trend mirrors what analysts have seen during previous price spikes: people still travel, but they scale back.
Surveys from GasBuddy and other travel platforms show that rising prices are also causing some Americans to skip vacations entirely. While 56 percent of respondents say they plan to travel at some point this summer, many report delaying trips, cutting out nonessential travel, or choosing cheaper lodging and activities to offset fuel costs. Even as demand remains strong, financial pressure is pushing travelers to rethink how far they're willing to drive and how often.
Which States Benefit the Most From Road Trips?
States with major tourism economies, especially those rich in national parks, scenic highways, and outdoor attractions, tend to benefit the most from road‑trip travel. According to data from Roadtrippers, California, Florida, and Texas are the top destinations for road‑trip planners, capturing a significant share of domestic travel spending. California alone accounts for more than 16 percent of all road‑trip destinations, thanks to its national parks, coastal routes, and dense network of attractions.
States with iconic natural landmarks also see major economic boosts from road‑trip tourism. Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota consistently rank among the most visited states because of destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and Mount Rushmore. These states rely heavily on travelers who drive rather than fly to reach remote parks, small towns, and scenic byways. Even as gas prices rise, these regions continue to draw millions of visitors each summer, making road‑trip tourism a critical part of their economies.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 3:58 PM.