drive or fly (Houston: rent, hotels, buy)

[flydxb001]

Would driving from Houston to California be cheaper then flying for 2 Adults and 3 children?

[MIBS98]

There is no way for anyone to be able to answer that accurately. You actually have to do your homework on this one (and it isn't that hard). Airline ticket prices vary depending on when you are coming. Hotel costs vary depending on how many hours a day you are willing to drive, what kind of hotels you prefer to stay in. Driving time depends on how fast you drive. Gas costs depend on what kind of mileage you get.

Between sites like kayak and southwest airlines you can figure out air fare. Mapquest you can figure out driving distances. You decide where you want to stop along the way and prices. You figure out gas costs based on distance and your vehicle mileage per gallon.

[HoustonRonnie]

No, but flying is safer.

Ronnie

[Watchful]

Originally Posted by flydxb001

Would driving from Houston to California be cheaper then flying for 2 Adults and 3 children?

Amtrak can be a good deal - depending on the day of departure and the age of your kids - if they are 15 and under - can be as low as $518 for one way for two adults and three children from Houston to LA.

[DJboutit]

Flying would be so much faster driving would take 2 1/2 days one way. If you drive your gonna have to plan for a extra 5 days to a week to your trip

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by flydxb001

Would driving from Houston to California be cheaper then flying for 2 Adults and 3 children?

This is a ridiculous question. So many variables that it's hardly worth answering. And yet I will.

1600 miles to CA, car gets 25mpg, takes 64 gallons, costs you less than $300. Can you fly five people for <$300?

Even if your car gets fewer mpg, it's still cheaper. But are you going to stop? Stay in hotels? yada yada...

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by DJboutit

Flying would be so much faster driving would take 2 1/2 days one way. If you drive your gonna have to plan for a extra 5 days to a week to your trip

It really depends on your goal. Scenic trip with kids? Yeah, allow a few days.

But when I was younger (ok, much younger), I drove from Houston to Santa Barbara non-stop. More than once. We would leave in the morning, and arrive dusk the next day.

[trbstang]

I'll be doing both this August since my son is spending a semester in LA. Driving will run us about $320 each way if gas stays below $4.50, including $120 for one night hotel and two days food. The return flight for me will be about $210 if I buy it now, so $420 round trip per person. Flying would be about $2,100 for 5 people round trip, vs say $650 total for driving (if only taking 2 days each way); and add another $200 for each day of driving added for hotel and food. You can spend a total of 7-8 days driving and sight seeing along the way for the same $2,100. Of course, your mileage may vary, so the gas costs could go up.

I took my family to LA for a vacation back in 06 and we flew. The only way I could afford it was we got a $200 round trip including fees. $1,200 for 6 people, now that's a bargain.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by astrohip

This is a ridiculous question. So many variables that it's hardly worth answering. And yet I will.

1600 miles to CA, car gets 25mpg, takes 64 gallons, costs you less than $300. Can you fly five people for <$300?

Even if your car gets fewer mpg, it's still cheaper. But are you going to stop? Stay in hotels? yada yada...

I have a family of 5 and can give a better answer
Gasoline = $300
Hotel = $100
Food = $150
Total = $550

[fnh]

Will you be renting a car in CA, for how long? Which is more precious to you - time or money?

We've driven to CA the last two summers, previously we would fly and rent a car while there. Now that our kids are older the drive there and back is a big part of the vacation, stopping along the way at various places, plus we haul bikes etc. Honestly I think it costs just as much to drive and it certainly requires far more of your time, but it's a great experience.