Is it cheaper to drive or fly in America?

Is a road trip cheaper than flying? That depends. I would say kind of the easiest rule of thumb is the more people that are going on the trip, the more that you can usually save (by driving), said Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, founder of the travel agency The Shameless Tourist, an affiliate of Avenue Two Travel.



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It's relatively easy for us, much easier than air travel for example. Gas is comparatively cheap here, we have a federal interstate highway system that is generally well maintained, and you can drive for days without crossing a border or encountering someone who can't speak the same language you do.

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For the shortest trip, driving is slightly more economical than flying. But for the longer cross-country trip, flying is far cheaper. And keep in mind that this only considers solo drivers. Families or friends traveling in one vehicle can save money by driving, even on longer routes.

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The cheapest way to travel across America depends on the mode of transportation. Generally speaking, taking the bus or the train is the most cost effective way to cover a long distance. If you plan ahead, long-distance bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus often offer discounted fares.

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In fact, when choosing between planes, trains, and automobiles, Americans prefer traveling by plane least. A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that three in four (73%) people feel that road tripping is a much more pleasant experience than flying.

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Airfare should be less affected by high fuel prices than gas-powered road trips. Driving could still be best over short distances or with a large group. Keep the high cost of renting a car (to drive to your destination or when you arrive after a flight) in mind.

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Reasons to travel can involve work, family, health or medical treatment, social or economic needs. People who love to travel enjoy relaxation, new cultures, foreign food or incredible landscapes different to their normal surroundings.

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American millennials are reported to travel an average of 35 days per year, significantly more than other generations. Meanwhile, the average travel days for other generations in the US are 26 for Gen X, 27 for baby boomers, and 29 for Gen Z.

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So why does flying feel more dangerous when it's obviously far safer than driving? Part of our fear may stem from the perception that, while plane crashes may be rarer than car accidents, they are more deadly.

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Waterways are the cheapest modes of transport. They are also environmentally friendly because the fuel efficiency in this mode of transport is higher. A larger distance can be covered per unit of fuel.

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15 Ways to Travel for Free (Or At Least Cheap)
  1. Housesit (or petsit) ...
  2. Relocating vehicles. ...
  3. Volunteer and fundraise. ...
  4. Carpool or hitchhike. ...
  5. Crew a yacht or a cruise ship. ...
  6. Commit to a work exchange. ...
  7. Get a travel scholarship. ...
  8. Organize a group tour.


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