With gas prices constantly in flux, every driver wants to find the best deal—but not if it means a 10-minute detour that wipes out the savings. The good news? There are simple tools and search methods that can help you locate the cheapest gas near you in under a minute, without getting off track.

Here’s how to find low-cost fuel fast—without overthinking, overspending, or overdriving.

1. Use Google Maps for a Quick Fuel Price Scan

If you’re already using Google Maps for navigation, you’re one tap away from seeing live gas prices nearby. Simply open the app, type “gas stations” into the search bar, and a map will populate with nearby options—including their current fuel prices (where available).

Quick tip:

• Sort by distance, not just price. If the cheapest option is 4 miles out of your way, it may cost more in fuel and time.
• Tap on stations along your current route to minimize detours while still getting a better deal.

Google pulls fuel price data from public listings and user reports, which is typically updated daily for major chains.

2. Check GasBuddy for Crowd-Sourced Price Accuracy

GasBuddy is one of the most popular and accurate gas tracking apps, thanks to its large community of contributors. Open the app, and it immediately shows a list of gas stations sorted by distance or price.

Fast setup:

• Set your preferred fuel grade and location access
• Use the list view for side-by-side price comparisons
• Look for “updated X mins ago” to ensure the price is fresh

GasBuddy also offers a “deal alert” feature and a trip cost calculator, both of which are useful when planning ahead or budgeting weekly fuel costs.

3. Use Station-Specific Apps for Live Prices and Loyalty Deals

Many major fuel brands have their own apps with real-time pricing, rewards integration, and in-app directions. These apps are especially helpful if you consistently visit the same brand station and want to check prices before pulling in.

Apps worth downloading:

• Shell App for live pricing, Shell Fuel Rewards, and contactless payment
• Exxon Mobil Rewards+ for checking prices, earning points, and digital receipts
• Chevron for price checks tied to Safeway and Albertsons fuel rewards

These apps work best when you’re already loyal to one or two fuel brands and want to check their rates without navigating a third-party map or site.

4. Avoid Detours That Cancel Out the Savings

A common pitfall when chasing cheap gas is driving too far to save a few cents. Depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, even a 5-mile round trip can cancel out any potential savings at the pump.

Quick calculation:

• If your car gets 25 MPG and gas is $3.50/gallon, a 5-mile detour costs you about 70 cents—equal to the savings from a 4-gallon fill-up at 17 cents cheaper per gallon.

Stick to stations that are on your route or within a half-mile of your path. Use routing filters in Google Maps or Waze to avoid fuel-hungry detours.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap gas doesn’t need to be a research project. With tools like Google Maps, GasBuddy, and station-specific apps, you can spot the best nearby deal in under 60 seconds—and stay on course. Keep your fuel stops efficient by avoiding lengthy detours, and let tech do the comparison work for you.