12 Best Road Trip Routes in the US — With Estimated Costs

7. The Loneliest Road (Nevada) - $1,000-$1,600 for 5 Days

Highway 50 across Nevada, dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America" by Life magazine in 1986, offers an authentic experience of the American West's vast open spaces, stretching 287 miles across the state's midsection through some of the most remote and hauntingly beautiful desert landscape in the country. This route challenges travelers with long stretches between services while rewarding them with stunning mountain vistas, historic mining towns, ancient petroglyphs, and the profound silence of the Great Basin Desert, where the night sky reveals countless stars unmarred by light pollution. The journey typically requires 4-6 days to appreciate fully, allowing time to explore historic Virginia City, the restored ghost town of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, the quirky roadside attractions of Austin, and the recreational opportunities around Lake Tahoe at the route's western terminus. Budget considerations for the Loneliest Road favor adventurous travelers willing to embrace simplicity, with fuel costs averaging $120-180 for the complete route plus additional driving to reach the highway from major cities, accommodation ranging from $60-120 per night at small-town motels and historic hotels, and dining expenses of $25-40 per day at local cafes and family restaurants that serve hearty American fare to sustain travelers crossing the desert. Additional costs remain minimal, with state park fees of $7-10 per vehicle, museum admissions of $5-15, and optional activities like hot springs soaking (free to $15) and rockhounding expeditions, while the primary expense involves ensuring adequate supplies and emergency equipment for safe desert travel. The total estimated cost ranges from $1,000-1,600 for two people, making it one of America's most affordable road trip experiences while providing an authentic taste of the frontier spirit and natural grandeur that defined the American West.