Trying to decide whether to take a domestic flight or hit the open road? You’re not alone—choosing between flying vs driving is one of the most common travel debates. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or mapping out an epic cross-country trek, knowing the pros, cons, and average costs of each can help you figure out the best way to go.
Let’s break it down and help you answer the question we all ask before a trip: do I fly or drive—and which is actually better for me?
Tyler and Ryan in a very packed SUV for a road trip
Flying over the clouds
Driving vs Flying: The Real Talk
Let’s be honest: when it comes to longer distances, flying is hard to beat. A domestic flight can save you hours (or even days) on a coast-to-coast trip. But road trips offer something that plane tickets just can’t: the flexibility of the journey itself. It’s not just about getting to the destination—it’s about the stops, the scenery, and the stories along the way.
So, what’s the best way to travel when you’re deciding between flying or driving? The answer depends on your destination, the length of your trip, gas prices, and your own personal preferences.
Why We Usually Prefer Road Trips
There’s just something about loading up the car, rolling the windows down, and heading off with no security lines or baggage limits. With road trips, you are in control of the schedule, the stops, and even the snacks.
Here’s why we often choose a long drive over a flight:
- No extra fees for baggage, seat selection, or cancellations
- Freedom to make spontaneous detours
- The cost of gas—even when prices are high—can be cheaper than plane tickets, especially for families or groups
- You can choose the vehicle type that suits your trip—a fuel-efficient sedan, a roomy SUV, or even a camper van
We’ve found that road trips are best for shorter trips under 15 hours or longer trips where the drive is part of the adventure itself.
Loaded up the vehicle and ready to go
Tyler and Ryan on a road trip
When Flying Might Be the Better Option
Even though we love the open road, there are times when a domestic flight just makes more sense. If your destination is across the country or if time is tight, flying might be the best way to maximize your vacation days.
Here’s when we usually fly:
- You’re traveling across longer distances (think coast to coast)
- You only have a long weekend or limited time off
- You’re flying into or out of a smaller airport that’s close and convenient
- You can find cheap plane tickets thanks to a sale or the use of a coupon code
Keep in mind that airfare comes with extra fees—checked bags, pet travel, and early boarding—so always factor that into your budget.
Ryan and Tyler watching our plane taxi to the gate
Ryan and Tyler walking off a plane in Wyoming
Road Trip vs Flying: Things to Consider
Don’t Forget to Consider the Season
The time of year plays a huge role in deciding whether to drive or fly.
Winter road trips can be cozy and scenic, but also come with risks like icy roads, traffic delays, and shorter daylight hours. In those cases, a flight might be the safer choice.
Summer driving, on the other hand, is classic road trip season. Long days, warm weather, and clear highways make for some unforgettable adventures, though gas prices often spike during the summer months.
Spring and fall tend to offer the best balance: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and moderate costs, whether you’re driving or flying. Although, watch out for those price jumps for Spring Break.
Pets & Kids
Road trips are usually the more family- and pet-friendly option. You can set your own pace—pull over for potty breaks, stretch your legs, grab snacks, or let the baby nap undisturbed in the car seat. Kids can have their favorite toys, books, or even watch movies without worrying about bothering other passengers. Pets are usually much happier, too—they can ride comfortably in the backseat, and you can plan your stops around pet-friendly parks or rest areas.
Flying, on the other hand, comes with more rules and restrictions. Babies and toddlers need to stay buckled in for most of the flight, which can be tough for long stretches. You’ll need to bring FAA-approved car seats, time feeding and naps carefully, and pack smart with limited bag space. For pets, airlines require carriers that fit under the seat, strict paperwork for travel, and extra fees that vary depending on the airline and animal size. And in many cases, pets have to travel in the cargo hold—something not all pet owners are comfortable with.
So if you’re traveling with young kids or furry companions, a road trip often gives you the freedom and flexibility that a domestic flight just can’t match.
Tyler on his iPad in the car
Ryan on his iPad in the car
Vehicle Maintenance: Don’t Skip This Step
If you’re leaning toward a road trip, one thing that’s absolutely worth considering before hitting the open road is your car’s condition. Nothing derails an adventure faster than a breakdown in the middle of nowhere—and trust us, we’ve learned that the hard way.
Before committing to a long drive, take a moment to assess your vehicle. Ask yourself:
- When was your last oil change?
- Are your tires properly inflated and in good shape?
- Do your brakes, windshield wipers, and headlights work well?
- Is your spare tire ready (and do you know how to change it)?
- Do you need to top off any fluids—coolant, brake, transmission, windshield washer?
If you’re traveling in hot weather, make sure your A/C is working properly. If it’s winter, check the heater and defroster. And if you’re covering longer distances or passing through remote areas, it’s smart to bring along a roadside emergency kit—jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid supplies, water, and some snacks.
Also consider your vehicle type in relation to your route. Is it built for mountain driving, dirt roads, or long stretches of highway? A quick pre-trip tune-up at your local mechanic might add $50–$100 to your average costs, but it could save you thousands—and a lot of stress—down the road.
So yes, flying means skipping all that. But if you’re going by car, giving your vehicle a little TLC beforehand is one of the smartest things you can do.
And don’t forget—after the trip, you’ll probably need to give your car a good cleaning, inside and out. Between spilled snacks, muddy shoes, pet hair, and all those fast-food wrappers, road trips can leave your vehicle looking a little worse for wear. It’s just one of those small-but-real trade-offs when you choose to drive.
The Jeep getting an oil change and tire rotation
The guys washing the Jeep after a road trip
Hazards of the road include rocks hitting the windshield
Think About the Costs
How to Plan the Best Driving Route (to be cost efficient)
If you’re hitting the road, planning your route can be half the fun. Here are our favorite tools for mapping out road trips:
- Google Maps – Great for estimating average costs and drive times
- Roadtrippers – Perfect for adding cool stops, scenic detours, and hidden gems
- GasBuddy – Helps you track gas prices along the way
- Waze – Offers real-time traffic updates and alternative routes
- State travel sites – Great for inspiration and road trip guides based on vehicle type, theme, or season
Remember: the fastest way isn’t always the most memorable. Taking the scenic route often adds magic to your trip.
How to Find the Best Flight Prices
If flying is the plan, finding a good deal can ease the sting of those extra fees. Here’s how we search for affordable plane tickets:
- Google Flights – Our go-to for comparing routes, airlines, and dates
- Skyscanner – Best for flexible travel or flying to “anywhere”
- Hopper – Predicts price drops and alerts you when to book
- Southwest Low Fare Calendar – Amazing if you’re flying domestically and can be flexible
- Use of coupon codes from airlines or credit card reward portals
Also, check flights from smaller airports nearby—they’re often less chaotic and sometimes even cheaper.
Flying over Sanibel Island near sunset
Ryan and Tyler waiting at the airport for our ride home
Breaking Down the Average Costs
Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend:
Expense | Road Trip (Per Car) | Domestic Flight (Per Person) |
Gas | $75–$200+ (depends on the cost of gas and driving distance) | N/A |
Lodging (if overnight) | $100–$150/night | $100–$150/night |
Food | $25–$50/day | $25–$50/day |
Tolls/Parking | $10–$50 | $30–$100 |
Flights | N/A | $150–$400 (plus extra fees) |
Bags | N/A | $30–$70 each way |
Flexibility | Total control | Airline schedules |
Driving is typically cheaper for families or small groups. Flying can be more affordable for solo travelers, especially if you snag a deal.
Final Thoughts
So, fly vs drive—which one wins? The answer is different for everyone. Road trips give you the flexibility to wander, explore, and slow down. Domestic flights help you go farther, faster, and sometimes for less than you’d think—especially with the right planning.
Whichever you choose, make sure it fits your trip goals, your time frame, and your travel style. And remember: sometimes, the best way to go isn’t the one with the shortest travel time, but the one that makes the journey unforgettable.
Which is Better? It Comes Down to You
At the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is what kind of experience you want. Do you prefer getting there quickly or turning the journey into an adventure? Are you chasing the cheapest option or the most comfortable one?
We usually go on road trips when we want freedom, fun stops, and lots of flexibility. But we’re not afraid to book a flight when it saves us time, money, or headaches.
There’s no right or wrong—it all comes down to personal preferences.
Our Personal Rule of Thumb
Here’s what we usually do: if the drive is under 15 hours and we have at least a few days to explore, we road trip it. Over 15 hours and a tight schedule? We’ll check flight prices and go from there.
Of course, some trips are meant for the road. Think national parks, quirky roadside attractions, scenic byways, or a multi-stop tour through a region. Others are made for the sky—like tropical islands or big cities halfway across the country.
Stephanie, Tyler, Ryan, and Justin ready for another road trip!