Is It Cheaper to Fly or Drive?
A new calculator makes it easy to figure out which mode of transportation is more affordable.
With gas prices so high, I’m trying to figure out whether it is cheaper to drive or fly on my next vacation. Any suggestions?
Yes, there is a new tool at BeFrugal.com that helps you figure out whether it’s more economical to fly or drive. The calculator asks you to supply details about both options -- including the model and year of your car, the cost of a hotel stay on the way (if needed) -- and can automatically estimate the cost of the flight, too.
The calculator also takes into account frequently overlooked costs, such as transportation to and from the airport, parking at the airport, any extra baggage fees, and even wear and tear on your car (but you’ll have to add in any rental car costs). You’ll immediately see the costs for both options and the total time it will take.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Regardless of whether you fly or drive, it's going to cost more to get to your destination this summer. But you can save on lodging, food and entertainment. To find out how, see What You Need to Know About Summer Travel.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
What to Expect From Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies in 2025
With help from Donald Trump, the cryptocurrency industry is expanding rapidly. Here's what to expect from bitcoin in 2025.
By Tom Taulli Published
-
What's the Key to a Happy Retirement for a Couple?
Retired couples spend lots of time together. Without the distractions of work and raising kids, miscommunication can cause trouble. Here's a way to avoid that.
By Richard P. Himmer, PhD Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is Strong
From the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
By Quincy Williamson Last updated
-
24 Best Travel Websites and Apps to Find Deals and Save You Money
Travel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and More
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
Frequent Flyer Tax Could Raise Billions for Climate
Could taxing frequent flyers help combat global pollution? Some climate scientists say yes.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
How to Make The Most of a Travel Insurance Claim
More travelers are buying insurance. If your trip is canceled, take these steps to increase your chances of recovery.
By Susan J. Wells Last updated
-
Despite Cancelled Flights and Short-Staffed Hotels, Americans Are (Sort of) Traveling Again
Business Travel Thanks to high gas prices, cancelled flights and labor shortages across the sector, the post-COVID travel recovery looks uneven.
By Sean Lengell Published