Is flying or driving more cost-effective for budget travelers?

When traveling domestically in the U.S. and aiming to cut costs, choosing between driving and flying can significantly impact your budget. The least expensive option may surprise you.

You might think a road trip is always the best choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, flying can sometimes be the quickest and most economical option — especially if you know how to make the most of points and miles for travel.

Of course, every scenario is unique; in some situations, driving could be the more sensible financial choice, particularly for families or those with pets.

Here’s how to evaluate which mode of transport is ideal for your budget and needs.

How to assess the costs of driving versus flying

Begin by grabbing a pen and paper (and ideally a calculator) to crunch the numbers. Let’s analyze the expenses for a hypothetical journey from Louisville, Kentucky, to Chicago.

A flight in June 2024 from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can cost as low as $99 for a round trip with United Airlines if you select a basic economy fare.

If you choose to drive the same route, it’s a 590-mile round trip. As of now, average gas prices in the U.S. are around $3.60 per gallon. With a gas tank size of 14 gallons and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need to fill up approximately 1.68 times for the trip, totaling about $84.67 in fuel costs.

For a solo traveler, driving from Louisville to Chicago is only marginally cheaper than flying. That slight difference in cost might not justify spending five hours on the road when the flight takes just an hour and a half.

On the other hand, if you're traveling with family or more than one person, driving could be a significantly cheaper option per individual.

Now, let’s consider another scenario involving a longer journey that necessitates an overnight hotel stay to break up the drive.

A June 2024 flight from Atlanta to Miami can be as low as $40 round-trip on Frontier Airlines or $157 on Southwest Airlines if you prefer a more comprehensive service that includes checked and carry-on luggage. This nonstop flight takes approximately two hours.

The round trip from Atlanta to Miami spans 1,326 miles. With the same gas mileage and tank capacity as mentioned earlier, you would need to refuel your car 3.79 times for the entire trip. The total fuel cost would amount to $191.02 — only slightly less than the price of five tickets on Frontier Airlines for the same journey.

The driving time is approximately 10 hours, so you might want to plan for an overnight hotel stay during your road trip. This would add at least $100, plus meal costs, to your overall expenses.

This example trip perfectly illustrates a scenario where flying can be more economical than driving.

Here are some additional factors to weigh when deciding between driving and flying.

Think about the number of people traveling with you.

If you snag a fantastic flight deal or book with a budget airline, one-way fares can be under $50. However, that price increases when you factor in a spouse and children. For larger groups, flying might end up being pricier than driving, even after including gas, meals, and an overnight hotel stay.

Utilize a calculator to assist in cost comparisons

How can you figure out whether flying or driving is the more economical choice for your trip? The most effective method is to run the numbers, as demonstrated in the previous examples.

Consider the cost of filling your car's gas tank and how often you'll need to refuel for the journey. Then, include estimates for food stops and any lodging required for a multi-day trip.

Resources like AAA's user-friendly gas cost calculator simplify the process. Just enter your starting point, destination, and your car's make and model to determine your estimated fuel expenses for the trip.

Compare that cost with the flight prices for everyone traveling. Weekend or holiday flights tend to be pricier, but if your schedule allows for flexibility, you might discover a great deal.

Select a flight to any destination

If you’re feeling adventurous, websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner allow you to search for flights to various destinations by simply entering your departure airport and travel dates. The results will display prices to multiple locations, helping you find the most budget-friendly option.

Think about the time investment

Lastly, don’t overlook the time involved in both driving and flying. For lengthy road trips, is it really worth all those hours confined to a car, just staring at the road to reach your destination? Would you prefer to spend a bit more money to enjoy that time at home or at your final stop? Or is the journey itself what makes the trip enjoyable?

Conversely, in some situations, flying can take almost as long as driving. You need to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight (often more), and if you have a connecting flight, you might face lengthy layovers.

The bottom line

Driving isn't always the most economical option for reaching your destination. While short road trips can effectively cut costs, flying might surprisingly offer savings when planning your domestic vacations this year.