Driving or Flying: How do I figure out which is cheaper?

[diznee25]

My husband and I usually fly to Orlando from Denver CO, but we would really like to drive out for our next trip. (29 hours of driving!)

What factors do I take into consideration when figuring which is the cheaper way to go?

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[papagooch]

Figure out your average gas mileage, add any hotel for overnights, add the cost of any tolls. You could also figure the government std for mileage which used to be under $0.40 per mile{I don't know what it currently is} about $1500.00 from Denver R/T plus tolls and hotels. The gov't std takes into consideration maintenance and insurance. Compare this to the air line cost and a rental car or limo to and from the resort. You'll probably find that it will be cheaper to fly from Colorado.

 

[crisi]

You may want to consider your time as well. For us, that's the kicker. We can fly in half a day, drive in two. So the three days we "save" are worth something to us.

 

[crzy4dsny]

I don't understand how people factor in the "government standard of milage" when going on vacation. Whether your car is sitting in your driveway or driving to Florida , you still have to pay insurance and car payments. That number is for paying employees for using their own cars to benefit a company. Or for some one to write off on their taxes. It does not cost 40 cents per mile to operate a car. I commute about 600 miles a week to work. That would mean $240 per week, $960 per month, $11,520 per year to operate my truck. If you go food shopping do you add 40 cents per mile to the cost of the groceries?


If something is going to break on your car it is just going to happen a little quicker than if you didn't drive. If your starter is going to go at 80,000 miles It doesn't matter if you drove to Florida or not it is still going to go. The only thing is that you will reach 80,000 miles sooner than if you fly. Follow what I'm saying? It sounds confusing