October 21, 2005
A summer of hurricanes has left travelers facing increased costs for both driving and flying to chosen destinations. With rising costs for both modes of transportation, what really weighs on the decision to drive for that trip or to fly?
To gain a better understanding of the “fly or drive” decision, Runzheimer International reviewed costs for trips between three city pairs - Boston to Philadelphia, 318 miles one-way; Chicago to St. Louis, 300 miles one-way; and Los Angeles to San Francisco, 425 miles one-way.
The per-mile driving cost between Boston and Philadelphia is 61.10 cents-per-mile, using a newer mid-size vehicle. This includes operating costs for fuel, maintenance and tires, and ownership costs for insurance, license & registration fees, taxes and depreciation. Multiplying the per-mile cost by the roundtrip distance of 636 miles, the per-trip driving costs are $388.60. Add in two meals-on-the-road, and total costs equal $412.01.
This same trip by air would cost a total of $428.00, which includes airfare, airport parking for a three-day cycle, and taxi fare between airport and downtown. A last minute trip during mid-week could cost considerable more in airfare. Driving also eliminates rental cars and any other forms of ground transportation at the destination location. Although if you drive to a larger city, you might incur downtown parking charges.
Based on the same set of assumptions, here’s how the other trips compare in cost. Chicago to St. Louis roundtrip costs $380.48 if you drive and $307.00 if you fly. Los Angeles to San Francisco roundtrip costs $617.90 by car and $407.00 by plane. Cost flexibility is greater with the flying trips because of greater airfare choices. The driving trip costs, except for the on-road lunches, are pretty much set in place.
In the end, the cost differences - whether significant or not - may not be what helps make the “fly versus drive ” decision for the traveler. The decision may be based on travel time differences, convenience, comfort and concerns for physical or mental readiness. Driving for 6 hours may be difficult; however, it may be just as difficult and wearing to get to, around and through today’s airports. It’s not always cost that matters, but with fluctuating fuel prices, it pays to review all factors relating to the decision.
Table 1: COST OF DRIVING
City Pairs |
Roundtrip Miles |
Per-Mile Cost |
Per-Trip Cost |
Meals |
Total Cost |
| Boston to Philadelphia |
636 |
61.10c |
$ 388.60 |
$ 23.41 |
$ 412.01 |
| Chicago to St. Louis |
600 |
59.53c |
$ 357.18 |
$ 23.30 |
$ 380.48 |
| Los Angeles to San Francisco |
850 |
69.45c |
$ 590.33 |
$ 27.57 |
$ 617.90 |
*Costs are based on a 2005 mid-size vehicle and include operating costs for fuel, maintenance and tires, and ownership costs for insurance, license & depreciation fees, taxes and depreciation. Costs are based on the originating city, except fuel costs which can occur during the trip. Meals include the cost of two lunches, one leaving and one on the return trip.
Table 2: COST OF FLYING
City Pairs |
Roundtrip Airfare |
Airport Parking |
Taxi |
Total Cost |
| Boston to Philadelphia |
$ 334.00 |
$ 51.00 |
$ 43.00 |
$ 428.00 |
| Chicago to St. Louis |
$ 189.00 |
$ 54.00 |
$ 64.00 |
$ 307.00 |
| Los Angeles to San Francisco |
$ 235.00 |
$ 98.00 |
$ 74.00 |
$ 407.00 |
*Costs are based on a three-day trip and include roundtrip coach fare, seven day advance, and Saturday night stay. Airport parking is a daily rate (not remote parking) for three days. Taxi is for one passenger and assumes two trips between airport and downtown.
About Runzheimer International
Founded in 1933, Runzheimer International serves 60 percent of the Fortune 500. Recognized for providing innovative solutions relating to employee mobility, Runzheimer is a global leader in employee-provided business vehicle reimbursement programs, employee compensation and relocation, and travel management.
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For more information, contact Luella Dooley at Runzheimer International, Runzheimer Park, Rochester, Wisconsin 53167, (262)971-2277, ljd@runzheimer.com, www.runzheimer.com.
