Is it cheaper to fly or drive? Simple math will help you decide.
Say your destination is more than 200 miles away. If you're thinking about driving, you'll probably have to factor in the cost of a hotel stay, meals, parking fees and tolls.
Then there's the cost of gas round trip. At blog time, a gallon of regular ranged from $2.50 to $3. Depending on your vehicle's gas mileage and tank size, driving 400 miles round trip may require more than one fill-up. You can go online to AAA's fuelcostcalculator.com to estimate the potential mileage and fuel costs for your trip.
If there will be three or four travelers in the car, then driving likely is the cheapest way to go. It's invariably less costly than paying for multiple airfares and rental cars or cabs.
If you're traveling solo or as a couple, then the cost of driving might not be much different from the cost of flying. So get out your calculator before you make any plans.
Get more of Everett Potter's travel tips on his website, everettpotter.com.
Learn even more at usaweekend.com and follow their TravelSmart series.
Scott Lovingood
Sep 9, 2009
5:48 pm
Dont forget time involved as well
Flight often involves extra time and some hidden cost. Don't forget parking tolls as well as the hour extra you need to allow for security.
I much prefer driving even if it is 400 miles. The freedom that comes from being able to leave when you want is important to me.
Everything isn't a straight money decision though it does make sense to look at the numbers.
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