Gas prices can really eat into your travel budget, whether you’re a weekend road-tripper or an international tourist renting a car. In 2025, for example, GasBuddy forecast the national U.S. average at about $3.08 per gallon on Memorial Day – the cheapest in decades.
But that’s still real money spent per fill-up, especially on a long drive. Thankfully, apps like GasBuddy put cheap fuel within reach by helping you shop around. Think of GasBuddy as a buddy along for the ride who always points you to the cheapest pump ahead.
Unlike guessing or stopping at the first station you see, GasBuddy lets you compare dozens of stations on your route so you can save dollars per trip. In fact, GasBuddy’s own summer road-trip survey found its tools can save families $20–$40 on a typical trip – money that can go toward sightseeing or souvenirs instead of gas.
What Is GasBuddy?
GasBuddy is essentially a crowdsourced fuel price app and travel helper for drivers. It bills itself as “the only smartphone app connecting drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop” – in other words, it helps you find the very best places to fill up.
In practice, GasBuddy “shows where to find the cheapest gas near you” by tapping into real-time price reports from millions of drivers. The app is free and available on iOS and Android, and it covers the U.S. and Canada (it even expanded to Australia in 2016).
When you open GasBuddy, it uses your location to list nearby gas stations and their prices (for regular unleaded by default, but you can filter by diesel, premium, etc.). You’ll see both a map view and a sortable list – for example, you can sort by cheapest price first, by distance, or by brand.
Tap any station in the list or map to see more details: prices by grade, amenities (car wash, convenience store, restrooms), and last updated time. In most areas these prices are crowdsourced by users or station owners, so they tend to be refreshed often (GasBuddy reports that many stations update prices at least once per day).
That way, you get a pretty accurate picture of current prices without driving around blind.
GasBuddy also gives each station a small gas pump icon on the map, so you can literally see where the deals are. It even highlights stations offering special discounts: any station with a GasBuddy Deal Alert (such as those accepting GasBuddy’s own payment card) will show a red “Deal Alert” tag and the discount amount.
Essentially, GasBuddy turns gas shopping into a game of “cheapest wins.” For road trippers, this means you can plan fueling stops ahead of time. Rather than randomly fueling at the first station off the freeway, you use GasBuddy to scout the stretch ahead.
If the app says a station two exits down is 20¢/gal cheaper, most drivers find it worth taking the extra minute to save. Over multiple stops, those savings really add up.
GasBuddy offers other helpful features too. For example, a Trip Cost Calculator lets you estimate your fuel cost before you go – just enter your miles to drive and your car’s mileage.
There’s also a Fuel Logbook where you can track your own MPG and spending, so you know exactly how much you’re paying per tank. These tools can help long-distance travelers budget for fuel in advance.
And if you like friendly competition, GasBuddy even has a leaderboard: submit fuel prices or log fill-ups and earn points or badges. (It’s like Reddit karma for gas prices, which many find oddly addictive.)
GasBuddy’s functionality goes even deeper. If you dig into the app’s menus, you’ll find things like Fuel Price Charts (historical trends in your area), an Outage Tracker (planned gas pipeline or refinery outages), and even Vehicle Recalls (handy, though not gas-specific).
There’s a “Plan Your Trip” tool to map routes with cheaper fuel stops, and (in premium membership) a Roadside Assistance plan. In short, GasBuddy is more than just a map of prices – it’s a full suite of “fuel economy” tools, all aimed at saving you cash on the road.
Pay with GasBuddy: Fuel Cards and Rewards
One of GasBuddy’s biggest money-savers is its fuel payment card. Called Pay with GasBuddy, this is a free prepaid fuel card (you link it to your checking account) that gives you an automatic discount every time you use it at the pump.
Even without any subscription, the card guarantees you at least a few cents off per gallon; GasBuddy notes that free members typically save up to 25¢/gal with the card. If you upgrade to GasBuddy Premium ($9.99/month), you’re guaranteed at least 20¢ off per gallon (up to 50 gallons per month) and can often hit 40¢ off. (One reviews notes “up to 40¢/gallon” savings with the card.)
Premium also unlocks perks like 24/7 roadside help and special “GasBack” offers (cashback at partner stores).
The nice thing is this card works everywhere Mastercard is accepted. No membership with Shell or BP is needed – just pay normally with the GasBuddy card and the discount applies automatically.
In practice, you stack this savings on top of any station loyalty or credit-card rewards you already use. For example, a savvy traveler could use Pay with GasBuddy plus a credit card that earns 2% cashback on gas, getting discounts from both. Just beware that some deals may require activating “Deal Alerts” in the app beforehand (station-specific offers).
Pro Tip: If you want even more off at the pump, GasBuddy introduced a new charge card (Pay with GasBuddy+) that can net up to 33¢ off per gallon. This works like a gas credit card: you get a baseline 3¢/gal off (more if you set up autopay), plus up to 25¢/gal from in-app deals. It replaces the old prepaid model later in 2023, so check the app for details. Either way, the combination of GasBuddy’s price finder and its fuel card means you’re attacking costs from both angles: find the cheapest station, then pay with a discount card.
In practical terms, here’s how a GasBuddy Pay Card might work for a trip: say the cheapest gas you find is $3.50/gal. Using the GasBuddy card could immediately knock that to $3.25/gal or lower.
On a 15-gallon fill, that’s about $3.75 saved right there. On a long road trip with multiple fill-ups, that could easily translate to tens of dollars saved – basically covering your hotel parking or an extra meal. (GasBuddy found typical trip savings around $20–40, largely by combining these cheaper stops and card discounts.)
Other Fuel Apps and Tools
GasBuddy is aimed squarely at fuel savings, but it’s worth knowing what else is out there. Some travelers may use Waze, Google Maps, or their AAA app for related features. Here’s a quick comparison:
- GasBuddy (USA/Canada): Finds cheapest fuel nearby (crowdsourced prices), filters by fuel type or amenities, offers paid features (fuel cards, premium) and even driving analytics. It’s the market leader in North America for fuel prices. The app consistently updates fuel costs through its large user base, and even shows you fuel price graphs for locations. (It was originally U.S./Canada only, had an Australian version in 2016, but that was later discontinued.)
- Waze (Global navigation app with gas): Waze is primarily a driving navigation app (owned by Google), but it has a gas-station search function. Once enough stations are mapped in a region, you can tap the “Gas stations” icon and see a list sorted by price, distance or brand. Like GasBuddy, Waze relies on user-reported prices, but it requires you to be very close to a pump (within ~0.3 miles) to update that pump’s price. In practice, Waze’s gas feature is handy in well-covered areas but patchy in rural regions. It won’t show discounts or have a payment card, and it’s more of a quick add-on rather than a dedicated gas-saving tool.
- Google Maps (worldwide): Google Maps wasn’t known for gas prices until recently, but on mobile it now has a “Gas” option under the search bar. Tapping that icon shows stations in your area with price tags (for many, though not all stations provide price data). You can filter by hours or features, then tap a station to see its current price and get directions. It’s a decent basic tool since it works in most countries and integrates with route planning, but it lacks GasBuddy’s depth (no loyalty deals or fuel economy tools). A bonus: Google Maps can also compute an estimated fuel cost if you input your car’s mileage, but that’s more of a rough travel budgeter than an up-to-date savings finder.
- AAA Mobile (USA only): The AAA club’s travel app (for members) includes a gas station finder and often displays current prices. It also highlights stations offering AAA member discounts (for example, Shell’s Fuel Rewards). This can save money if you have AAA – in fact many AAA members get an extra 25¢/gal off at Shell via the AAA card. However, all this requires an active AAA membership (the app won’t show you prices until you log in). AAA’s tool is useful, but of course only AAA members (mostly U.S.) benefit. There’s no crowdsourcing like GasBuddy; AAA typically sources prices from fuel-reporting networks and big data.
None of these tools perfectly replace the others. Waze and Google Maps are great for navigation and finding a pump on-the-fly, AAA is great if you’re already a member, but GasBuddy’s niche is pure fuel economy: it’s built to save you money on gas. It combines price updates, station filters (like Diesel vs Unleaded, or “only show stations with a car wash”), and rewards all in one place.
Road-Tripper Tips: Maximize Your Savings
Knowing how to use these tools is half the battle. Here are some practical tips for getting the most out of GasBuddy and similar apps on a long trip:
- Plan Ahead: Before you hit the road, look up your route on GasBuddy’s trip planner or Google Maps. Plot out where you’ll fuel up when the tank’s getting low. Often the cheapest gas isn’t at the busiest rest stop but a town or exit or two off the highway. A smart plan might add a few minutes, but could knock tens off your fuel bill. For example, GasBuddy noted a $1.10/gal spread in Boston at one point. If your tank holds 12 gallons, that’s about $12 saved per fill-up just by choosing wisely.
- Fill Up Strategically: Keep an eye on state lines and price cycles. In many states, gas is taxed differently, so prices can jump when you cross a border. It often pays to top up just before entering a higher-tax area. Also, in the U.S., mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) is typically cheaper than weekends, although that can vary. Use GasBuddy’s map to see if prices have dropped in your current area or tomorrow’s destination, and set a Price Alert in the app for your target price. When your alert fires, you know it’s go-time.
- Drive Efficiently: Don’t forget that how you drive affects gas savings. GasBuddy’s own “Trips” feature (introduced in 2017) analyzes your acceleration, braking and speed, and grades each trip. It turns out most drivers have some bad habits – hard braking is the #1 culprit – and smoothing out those habits can cut fuel use significantly. GasBuddy even calculated that by driving smarter you can save 13¢ to 89¢ per gallon. In practical terms: avoid jackrabbit starts, heavy braking, and excessive speeding. Cruise control on highways and coasting in gear in towns can make your tank go further (and stretch that $20–$40 trip saving even more).
- Use Multiple Apps: Don’t rely on one source. Check GasBuddy, Google Maps, Waze, and even local stations’ own apps for price reports. Sometimes a small chain or independent station isn’t in every app, so do a quick cross-check. Also, locals often report lower prices at big grocery or warehouse chains (Costco, Sam’s Club, etc.), so if you can safely pull over near one, it might pay off.
- Stack Discounts: Combine GasBuddy deals with other programs. For instance, AAA members should use Shell’s Fuel Rewards card (25¢ off) plus the GasBuddy payment card to double-dip. Some stations let you use credit-card rewards too. And remember promotions like CashBack apps – some apps rebate a bit for using linked credit/debit cards. Every little bit stacks.
- International Alternatives: If you’re renting a car outside North America, download a local fuel-price app. In the UK, for example, many drivers use the free PetrolPrices app or website. In Germany or France, apps like 1-2-3 Fuel or Fillzz crowdsource prices. Google Maps usually shows station locations worldwide (though prices only in some countries). Waze has gas prices in countries that reach 75% map coverage. The bottom line: look up “fuel price app [country]” before you go.
- Contribute Back: Whenever you fill up, open GasBuddy and confirm the price. It only takes a couple taps. Active users help keep the data accurate for everyone (and can sometimes earn entry into GasBuddy sweepstakes or GasBack credits). In my experience, people overwhelmingly appreciate seeing recent updates – it’s what keeps GasBuddy working.
GasBuddy vs. AAA vs. Waze vs. Google – Who Wins?
Ultimately, the “best” app depends on your situation:
- If you want purely the cheapest gas in North America: GasBuddy is king. Its crowdsourcing means even small price differences show up. The added perks (payment card, Trip analytics) are icing on the cake.
- If you’re on a turn-by-turn journey: Waze or Google Maps might be your go-to for navigation, but use their gas search only as a backup. Waze’s gas listings are handy when you’re already in the app, but it won’t alert you to better deals ahead of time. Google Maps will find some local prices, but it’s still emerging in that role.
- If you’re already a AAA member: The AAA app is a fine quick-fix for station locations and member discounts, but it won’t outprice GasBuddy’s crowdsourced map. That said, AAA’s Shell deal (a big network of stations) can be combined with other tools to save a good chunk.
- If you’re traveling abroad: You may have to rely on Google/Waze or local apps. GasBuddy simply isn’t available in most countries (its Australian experiment in 2016 was later discontinued). So read up on local tools in advance.
Here’s a quick feature comparison in a nutshell:
- Cheapest Gas Search: GasBuddy (yes, by design); Waze (yes, where covered); Google Maps (yes, via “Gas” search); AAA (yes, for members).
- Real-time Updates: GasBuddy (crowdsourced, often daily); Waze (crowdsourced, limited by who reports); Google (updates as provided by users/businesses); AAA (updates via fuel price networks, not instant).
- Fuel Card/Rewards: GasBuddy (has its own card, and a premium plan); Waze/Google (none); AAA (shell fuel rewards for members).
- Route Planning: GasBuddy (you can preview stations on a route); Google Maps (integrated routing, now shows gas icon); Waze (routing focused, but gas stops easily added); AAA (no route fuel plan, just map points).
- Driving Efficiency Tools: GasBuddy (Trips trip analyzer); others (no).
Each app has its place – but for saving money on gas while travelling, GasBuddy’s combination of up-to-date prices and payment discounts makes it a standout tool. It’s like having a savvy local helping you fill up (often it literally is a local reporter telling you the price).
Drive Smart, Save Big: Tips from the Road
To wrap up, here are a few real-world tips for road warriors using GasBuddy and friends:
- Pitch in and Earn: Keep contributing price reports. Not only does it help the community (and yourself on future trips), but some savvy users have earned enough points for free fuel or gift cards.
- Cross-Border Awareness: If you cross into Canada or Mexico (or states with different taxes), watch the map. GasBuddy will show the change in average fuel price. A quick check before you cross a line can save you a surprise at the next station.
- Avoid Emergencies: GasBuddy’s Outage Tracker can warn you of big maintenance in fuel supply (less common for casual trips). The premium roadside service can also be lifesaving if you run out of fuel unexpectedly – and yes, GasBuddy sells that too! (Breaking down with a half-tank is no fun, so better plan ahead.)
- Check Daily Deals: Some stations pop up with flash deals (e.g. Friday Frenzy: 10¢ off if you use a loyalty card). If GasBuddy flags a short-term deal alert in your area, it might be worth a pitstop.
- Mind Your Tank: As a general habit, avoid running tanks completely empty on long trips. Getting gas at ¼ tank rather than 0 can sometimes mean a little extra stop, but it’ll save time in the end (and keep your fuel pump happy).
Remember: Every little bit saved on gas is more in your pocket. As GasBuddy found in its travel surveys, when budgets are tight smart travelers will go an extra mile (literally) for a better price. With GasBuddy as your co-pilot, you can join them.
Pack those snacks, tune the playlist, and let GasBuddy steer you to cheap fuel. Whether you’re cruising U.S. highways or exploring Europe’s scenic routes (with a local gas app), being armed with current fuel prices means you fill up smarter – not harder. Safe travels and happy saving on the road!
