Use this comprehensive calculator to determine the true cost—including the value of your time—of driving versus flying for your next round trip.
Driving vs. Flying Calculator
Driving Estimates
Flying Estimates
Driving vs. Flying Cost Formula
Total Driving Cost
$$C_{\text{Drive}} = C_{\text{Fuel}} + C_{\text{OtherDrive}} + C_{\text{TimeDrive}}$$
$$C_{\text{Fuel}} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{MPG}} \times P_{\text{Gas}}$$
$$C_{\text{TimeDrive}} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}} \times V_{\text{Time}} \times N_{\text{Travelers}}$$
Total Flying Cost
$$C_{\text{Fly}} = (P_{\text{Ticket}} \times N_{\text{Travelers}}) + C_{\text{OtherFly}} + C_{\text{TimeFly}}$$
$$C_{\text{TimeFly}} = (\text{Time}_{\text{Flight}} + \text{Time}_{\text{Airport}}) \times V_{\text{Time}} \times N_{\text{Travelers}}$$
Difference
$$\text{Savings} = C_{\text{Drive}} – C_{\text{Fly}}$$
Formula Sources: Investopedia, U.S. News & World Report
Variables Explained
- Round-Trip Distance: The total mileage for the drive, crucial for calculating fuel and time.
- Gas Price / Car’s MPG: Determines the variable cost of fuel consumption.
- Other Driving Costs: Fixed costs like tolls, parking at the destination, and estimated wear-and-tear.
- Round-Trip Ticket Price (Per Person): The base cost of air travel.
- Total In-Air Flight Time / Pre/Post-Flight Time: Used to calculate the total duration of the trip for time cost calculation.
- Value of Traveler’s Time ($/Hour): The opportunity cost of time spent traveling, a critical factor often overlooked.
Related Calculators
- Annualized Return Calculator
- Travel Budget Planner
- Car Maintenance Cost Estimator
- Future Value of Savings Calculator
What is a Driving vs. Flying Calculator?
A Driving vs. Flying Calculator is a tool designed to provide a comprehensive and accurate comparison of the total expenses associated with two primary modes of long-distance travel. It moves beyond simple gas costs versus ticket prices by incorporating crucial, often-forgotten variables.
The primary distinction this tool offers is the inclusion of the “Value of Time.” By assigning a monetary value to the hours spent traveling, it transforms time—which is non-monetary—into a quantifiable expense. This often reveals that flying, despite higher initial ticket costs, may be cheaper for high-income earners due to the time savings.
The calculator provides separate totals for the driving option (fuel, tolls, maintenance, and driving time cost) and the flying option (tickets, baggage fees, airport transportation, and total flying time cost). The final output is the difference, showing the monetary saving or cost of choosing one method over the other.
How to Calculate Driving vs. Flying (Example)
- Determine Driving Costs: Calculate the fuel needed (1000 miles / 30 MPG = 33.33 gallons). Then, multiply by gas price ($3.50/gallon) to get fuel cost ($116.67). Add fixed costs ($50). Subtotal: $166.67.
- Determine Driving Time Cost: Calculate driving time (1000 miles / 60 MPH = 16.67 hours). Multiply time by the value of time ($25/hour) and the number of travelers (2): 16.67 * $25 * 2 = $833.50.
- Total Driving Cost: $166.67 (Expenses) + $833.50 (Time Cost) = $1,000.17.
- Determine Flying Costs: Calculate total ticket price ($400/person * 2 travelers = $800). Add other flying fees ($50). Subtotal: $850.
- Determine Flying Time Cost: Calculate total flying time (3 hours flight + 4 hours airport = 7 hours). Multiply time by the value of time ($25/hour) and travelers (2): 7 * $25 * 2 = $350.
- Total Flying Cost: $850 (Expenses) + $350 (Time Cost) = $1,200.00.
- Compare: Total Driving Cost ($1,000.17) – Total Flying Cost ($1,200.00) = -$199.83. In this example, driving saves $199.83.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the biggest hidden cost in travel comparisons?
The biggest hidden cost is the value of your time. If you earn $100 per hour, 20 hours of travel time costs you $2,000 in lost opportunity, which can quickly make a seemingly cheap option expensive.
Does the calculator include car depreciation?
Direct mileage depreciation is not automatically calculated. It is recommended to include an estimated depreciation amount (e.g., 60 cents per mile) into the “Other Driving Costs” field for a more precise analysis.
When is driving always cheaper than flying?
Driving is almost always cheaper when: 1) The distance is short (under 300 miles round trip); 2) You are traveling with a large group (3+ passengers); and 3) The monetary value of your time is relatively low.
How accurate is the “Average Driving Speed” input?
The Average Driving Speed should account for all stops, traffic, and rest breaks. For long trips, assume a lower speed (e.g., 55 MPH) than the posted speed limit to account for real-world delays.