When travel time rolls around, how do you prefer to get there? For some, nothing beats a classicroad trip. For others, taking to the skies is the preferred choice. Asmany Americans arrange their summer getaways, numerous people are weighing a road trip vs. flying (or opting for a mix of both).
Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, but if your main aim is to cut costs, it’s wise to examine pricing before settling on a decision.
Road Trip vs. Flying: Which Suits You?
Road Trip Cost Factors
Deciding between a road trip vs. flying often comes down to personal taste. Do you like driving? Even enthusiasts might balk at the idea of spending eight hours or more on the road, round trip.
Putting preferences aside, driving frequently turns out to be the more economical option. To understand the expenses, try building a road trip budget and comparing it to air travel costs. Below are rough figures to include in your planning.
Fuel Expenses
Gas prices ticked up at the start of June as the summer driving season heated up. Currently, the average stands at $2.08 per gallon. You can estimate fuel costs by figuring out how much gas you’ll need for your journey.
Assume your vehicle matches theU.S. average fuel economyof 25 miles per gallon. Driving 1,000 miles at 25 mpg requires 40 gallons. At $2.08 per gallon, that amounts to $83.20 for the trip. For a more precise total, try thisGas Buddy calculator.
Food and Snacks
Eating is unavoidable regardless of travel mode. Road trips generally take longer, so you may end up dining out more. However, you might have cheaper options like fast food or quick-casual stops. In this respect, meals and snacks can be less expensive when driving—especially if you pack a cooler instead of paying premium prices at airport eateries when flying.
Before you leave, list needed snacks and meals and weigh stopping for food against a quick grocery store run. With restaurant prices rising, even fast-food stops can add up, particularly for larger families.
Lodging
If your journey exceeds about 10 hours, you won’t want to risk falling asleep at the wheel. That means booking a hotel to break up the drive. A round-trip drive could require two overnight stays. Hotel rates vary by area, but you should expecta couple hundred dollarsas a minimum.
Driving alone can sometimes be less practical than flying. If you lack another adult who can share driving duties, you’ll tire faster and will likely need more hotel stops. Those long drives can also feel less fun without company to pass the time.
Additional Costs
Fuel, food and hotels aren’t the only expenses. Before a long drive, you’ll likely want a basic vehicle check. Your mechanic might offer a quick inspection at low or no cost, but the added mileage means sooner oil changes. Don’t overlook general wear and tear on your car. Renting a vehicle is another route, though it can be pricey.
Driving also includes other time and money costs. There’s the time spent driving — you may need to use vacation days or postpone chores to accommodate a day or two on the road. Also account for tolls along the route and any parking fees at your destination.
Flight Cost Factors
Though flying can sometimes appear costlier, it can be the smarter financial choice in particular situations. Consider these expenses as you weigh a road trip vs. flying.
Airfare
Solo travelers may find flying preferable to driving even without a bargain ticket. But as you add passengers, airfare quickly rises, making flying less economical. Around busy holidays, many flights to popular spots are either full or pricey.
If you haven’t chosen a specific destination, it could beworth checkingdifferent location options.
Occasionally you can score deals (including last-minute offers) via apps and sites likeHopper,Going,SkyscannerandMomondo.
Hidden Fees
Remember the additional charges at the airport. You might avoid checked-bag fees by traveling with only carry-on luggage, but airlines often tack on charges for extra legroom, in-flight drinks, seat selection and even printed boarding passes.
“When booking flights, be mindful of add-on options like seat selection, travel insurance and priority boarding, as they can significantly increase your total,” said Chris Cave, CEO of FlightHub Group.
Airport Parking
Chances are your home isn’t next to the airport, so you’ll need a way to get there. Ideally a friend or neighbor will give you a lift. If not, include transport costs in your budget.
Airport lots are one choice, but they’re usually pricier than nearby park-and-ride services. You can also use a rideshare or local bus. In larger cities, shuttle services frequently run between airports and neighborhoods throughout the day.
Food and Snacks
Just like for a road trip, include meals and snacks in your flight budget. You’ll likely spend a few hours at the airport, which means buying at least a snack or coffee.
This is an area where flying can be more expensive. Even though you might eat fewer meals than on a full-day drive, airport vendors apply extra fees and taxes. You can bring snacks on a road trip, whereasTSA ruleslimit bringing drinks through security, unless purchased after screening for a premium.
Delay Expenses
If your flight is delayed, you might be eligible for a refund, but it’s not guaranteed. Booking an early flight can reduce delay risk, yet weather and other factors can derail even well-timed plans.
“If you fly, think about your departure, connection and arrival airports,” travel prep expert Cheryl Nelson advised. “What is the usual weather like at this time of year where you’re going? If flights get delayed or canceled due to weather, airlines typically won’t cover extra lodging costs.”
Local Transportation
After landing, you’ll need a way to get around. Rental cars can be expensive — a $23-per-day rate can swell to hundreds once fees and taxes are included. Public transit and rideshares may save money, but you’ll need to plan for those costs.
“Even remote airports — I’m looking at you, Denver and D.C.-Dulles — now offer public transit, which would be my first pick,” said Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler.
Ways to Save on Travel
Whichever side you land on in the road trip vs. flying debate, there are strategies to reduce expenses. Below are some tactics to tighten your travel budget, whether you’ll be flying or driving this winter.
1. Pick Smart Dates
For both flying and driving, choosing the right dates is crucial. When flying, you can lower delay chances and costs by avoiding peak travel days. When driving, careful timing helps you dodge traffic from accidents or heavy travel volumes.
If you haven’t bought tickets yet, Potter suggests using a tool like Google Flights.
“It can show if shifting your trip by a day or two saves you a significant amount,” he said.
2. Maximize the Experience
The planning phase is part of the pleasure of traveling. If you’re driving, check for interesting stops along your route. Tools like Trippy or Wanderlog highlight attractions and detours en route.
If you fly, treat airport and flight time as part of the getaway. Bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, catch up on shows, or explore airport amenities. With long layovers and checked luggage, consider hopping on public transit to see cities such as Boston, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
3. Think About Travel Insurance
While not always necessary, travel insurance can make sense for high-risk situations like busy holidays. For flyers, it can provide peace of mind by covering costs if you need to cancel your trip.
Keep in mind travel insurance isn’t cheap. Examine precisely what’s covered and what’s excluded, and know that reimbursement processes can be time-consuming and complex.
Road Trip vs. Flying: Which Is Best?
Your decision to fly or drive this holiday season will likely hinge on personal preference. Road trips let you control your schedule, but they can be tiring and involve traffic hazards. Fuel and vehicle wear often make driving less expensive than flying, especially for shorter distances. You might also consider trains as a middle-ground option, offering some perks and drawbacks of both driving and flying.
Jessica Moore is a finance writer with over a decade of experience. Her articles have appeared on multiple well-known personal finance sites. Alex Greene contributed to this story.
