Flying vs. Driving

In 1885, a German man named Karl Benz created what is now known as the first gasoline powered automobile. 18 years later, the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully invented, built, and flew the world’s first heavier-than-air aircraft.

Fast forward a little over 100 years and technology has brought both of these modes of transportation to levels their original creators could never have imagined and have opened the doors to traveling further than humans ever could before.

When one travels, the first thought is, “How do I get there?” Obviously when oceans are an obstacle, taking a plane is often your only means to get somewhere in a reasonable time. But what about shorter journeys? What if you’re only going somewhere say, 1,000 miles away? Should you drive? Or should you fly?

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1. How long will it take you to get to get there?

Total travel time is important to consider when making the decision of how to get somewhere.

Let’s look for example a theoretical trip we’re taking from Boston to New York City. At only 200 miles apart, not taking traffic into account, we could make the trip in a little under fours hours if we drive. If we flew, this trip only takes one hour.

This seems like a no brainer right? Not so fast. The total time in the air only accounts for part of your total travel time when flying. You also have to remember that you’re going to have to get to the airport two hours before your flight. Your total travel time is now at three hours.

Three is still less than four though right? Technically, you’re still not at your destination once you land, and by the time you get off the plane, get your bags, hop in a taxi, and get to your final destination, you’ll probably have spent more time traveling because you chose to fly rather than drive.

200 miles is typically the cutoff point after which flying is definitely the faster option, however time isn’t the only thing you have to consider when choosing your mode of transportation.

The website BeFrugal.com has a great calculator tool where you plug in where you’re departing from, where you’re going to, what kind of car you drive, and a couple of other variables and it will calculate how long each method of transportation will take you (including time at the airport), how much each would cost you, and as a fun little bonus, it even calculates your carbon impact so you can make a decision that is more environmentally friendly as well.

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2. Time vs. Money

We are constantly making choices that value place value on time over money. Taking an uber to work is definitely faster than taking the bus or train, but it’s also significantly more expensive. Choosing to fly instead of drive somewhere is the same way.

Although slower, driving is definitely the more affordable option, especially when you’re going as a group of two or more. At this point it’s important to remember the old adage: Time = Money. Are you willing to drive eights hours if it means not having to pay for a two hour flight?

Ultimately this choice depends on how much time you have and how much your time is worth to you.

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3. Taking the scenic route

Unlike driving, flying is a very “A-to-B” mode of transportation. If you want to see more along the way, driving offers you the unique opportunity to see things that you would otherwise only experience from a small window 30,000 feet in the air.

Driving also offers you the ability to go at your own pace. Flights operate on precise schedules, and if you don’t do the same you’re going to miss your flight. If you are enjoying your vacation and want to stay an extra day? It’s going to cost you ($200 usually) to change your ticket. Driving yourself offers you greater flexibility during your travels.

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4. Hidden costs

When making the choice to drive or fly, don’t forget to calculate the cost of transportation while you’re at your destination. If you choose to drive, you’re probably going to have to pay to park your car. Most hotels in large cities offer valet parking for those who drive which tends to run upwards of $30 a night.

If you choose to fly, you’ll have to take into consideration the added price of taking an Uber to and from the airport and pretty much anywhere you may want to go unless you plan on sticking to public transportation which is sometimes more difficult than you’d expect.

Don’t forget about the ACTUAL hidden costs when flying, such as luggage fees, onboard Wi-Fi and entertainment, and overpriced snack boxes available for purchase onboard the plane.

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Whichever mode of transportation you choose to use the next time you travel, don’t forget to have fun along the way. As we recently learned when we went to Mardi Gras, the journey is sometimes just as fun as the destination. Hopefully by taking these tips to heart you will make the best decision for your travel plans.

Happy travels. Adventure is out there!