Car or plane, what would generally be a cheaper trip?

Question

My gf and I plan on visiting my homestate of Vermont for the summer. We live in Texas now and I was wondering if it would be cheaper with a plane or the car. Another option is to fly up and drive back...any help?

Answer 1

In recent years, I've found that Amtrak, though it takes longer, is far more affordable than flying and saves the hassle of driving.

Greyhound is another option.  I've been seeing ads where they say $99 to anywhere in the U.S.

Answer 2

By almost any measurement, flying is cheaper and safer (considering that you get more exposure to harm being on the road for so long) but driving is more scenic.

The simple logic is that a typical airliner is designed for fast and efficient 'bulk' transportion over relatively long distances. Comparable ground transportation would be a greyhound bus or a train.  

Perhaps a minivan filled with passengers and driven by a skilled driver could also be competitive by the time you factor in the actual cost per passenger, but not with 2 people on board.

Answer 3

that far

man flying especially if u fly southwest

but my only problem is changing the tempatures soooooooo fast i can get sick real eaisly

Answer 4

Factor in hotel, fuel and vacation time from work.

One way tickets are expensive.

Answer 5

Personally, I believe flying is the cheaper way to go.  Southwest is running specials right now advertising $29-$99 one way tickets.  You could fly into Manchester, NH and then drive to Vt.  It just depends if you have the time to drive.  Driving from Texas to Vt is an easy 2 day drive and it can be challenging if you go in the winter.  Good luck on your decision.

Answer 6

At $3.00 a gallon a trip like that would take probably 5 tanks of gas each way and the cost of hotels and meals and your nerves must be figured in.  That's an awfully long car trip. Flying will no doubt be the most economical way of going both for your pocket book and your time off especially if you shop well for your ticket.

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Answer 7

It's hard to give a precise answer without knowing a few things, but it should not be too hard for you to estimate:

Flying, you will have the price of your ticket, and possibly long term parking fees at your point of departure.  Of course if someone can take you to the airport, that's not an issue.  You might have a meal in the terminal before your flight, and that should cover most of it.

Driving, you will need to have a realistic estimate of what it costs to operate your vehicle per mile, including gas, wear and tear, depreciation, etc.  The IRS allows in the vicinity of $.505/mile to be claimed for tax purposes, so that should give a starting point.  Then with a trip of that length you will probably spread the trip over at least two and more likely 3 or more days each way.  You will need to plan for motels, campgrounds, or whatever your tastes favor.  You will probably have at least two meals each, per day, maybe more, plus snacks.  These are some of the big items.

Another consideration is that traveling by aircraft is much safer.  Yes, I agree that nothing is likely to happen on either trip, but if it is a concern, the airplane is arguably safer.

Another intangible is the enjoyment factor.  Personally I love road trips, despite an aviation background, and drive whenever possible, even though as you'll find, it's likely to be more costly.

I know I didn't give you a true cost analysis, but only you have the missing parts to complete that puzzle.  Have fun and enjoy your trip, whichever way you chose to do it.