Group Travel Value Index: Fly vs Drive vs Rideshare
TL;DR: For group trips, driving (especially with a single rental van) often offers the lowest cost per person on many routes. Short trips are usually cheaper by road, and even longer journeys can be budget-friendly when costs are split among passengers. Flying is faster for long distances but costs scale with each ticket, making it pricy for big groups. Rideshares have convenience for short hops but become very expensive or impractical for long hauls. Below, we break down example scenarios with transparent cost models, and we highlight the sweet spots and pitfalls of each mode of travel.
Understanding the Cost Factors
Before deciding whether it’s cheaper to fly or drive, consider how costs accumulate for each mode:
- Flying costs are per person: Every traveler needs a ticket, and potentially baggage fees, airport parking, etc. A great airfare deal might benefit a solo traveler, but a family of 5 would pay five times that fare. Flying also often means you’ll need transportation at your destination (rental cars or multiple rideshares), adding to group travel expenses.
- Driving costs are per vehicle: Fuel, tolls, and vehicle costs (rental rate or wear-and-tear on your own car) are mostly fixed for the vehicle, not the number of people in it. When you split a road trip’s gas and rental among 4 15 people, the cost per person plummets. This is why group road trips can be far cheaper per traveler than flying.
- Time vs. money: Driving takes longer, which has an “opportunity cost” (extra vacation days or hours on the road). Flying is faster for covering big distances, but factor in total door-to-door time getting to the airport early, security lines, possible layovers, and airport-to-hotel transit can add hours to “flying” trips. For moderate distances (say 300 miles), driving may only take a bit longer than the total fly time and can save you money.
- Rideshare and taxi costs: Ride-hailing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) charge by distance/time with no group discount. In fact, large groups often need multiple vehicles or premium XL rides. The average Uber costs about $1 $2 per mile under normal conditions much higher than the fuel cost of driving yourself. On long trips, a single Uber ride could cost hundreds of dollars (and drivers may not even accept very long trips). Plus, surge pricing during peak times can skyrocket these costs further (more on that later).
Keep these factors in mind as we compare scenarios below. We’ll use a simplified model for transparency: fuel cost + vehicle cost vs. airfare cost. (We’ll note where other expenses like lodging or meals might come into play.) Our driving estimates assume a 25 MPG vehicle, gas at around $3.45/gallon (the AAA average in early 2023), and ~$0.10/mile in maintenance/tires (AAA’s estimate for a medium sedan). Airfare estimates are for economy round-trip tickets in peak travel times and include an average ~$40 in baggage/fees. Actual prices will vary, but the comparisons illustrate the trend.
Sample Cost Scenarios: Short, Medium, and Long Trips
Let’s put numbers to the test with three sample routes:
- Short Route: ~400 miles round-trip (e.g. a weekend trip from Cincinnati to Chicago or Los Angeles to Las Vegas roughly 4 6 hours’ drive each way).
- Medium Route: ~1,000 miles one-way (e.g. Los Angeles to Denver or Dallas to Chicago a long day’s drive or a 2-hour flight).
- Long Route: ~2,800 miles cross-country (e.g. Los Angeles to New York a multi-day drive or a 5-hour nonstop flight).
For each, we’ll compare driving vs. flying costs for a solo traveler vs. a group of 4. (Rideshare isn’t really viable for medium/long trips, but we’ll discuss it after.)
Cost Comparison Table Driving vs. Flying (Solo vs. Group of 4):
Trip Cost Comparison (Drive vs Fly 4 People)
- Short Trip (~400 miles)
- Drive: ~$95 total (≈ $24/person)
- Fly: ~$100 per person (≈ $400 total)
- Medium Trip (~1,000 miles)
- Drive: ~$245 total (≈ $61/person)
- Fly: ~$160 per person (≈ $640 total)
- Long Trip (~2,800 miles)
- Drive: ~$670 total (≈ $167/person)
- Fly: ~$260 per person (≈ $1,040 total)
What the table shows: For a solo traveler, short drives can beat flight costs (e.g. $95 vs $100). But longer drives (cross-country) cost a solo driver much more in gas/hotels than a single airfare ( ~$670 vs $260). However, notice the group of 4: Driving 400 miles costs around $95 total split four ways that’s only $24 each, versus $100 each to fly. Even the 1,000-mile trip comes to about $61 each by van, versus $160 each by plane. At 2,800 miles, four people driving ($167 each) starts to approach the cost of four flight tickets ($260 each), but it’s still a bit cheaper. And importantly, these driving figures don’t increase if you add a 5th or 6th person to the van the cost per person would drop further. Flying, in contrast, scales linearly with group size.
In sum, driving’s cost advantage grows with each additional passenger. The Washington Post gave a simple example: $200 in gas vs. a $150 plane ticket for one person the flight is cheaper, but for a family of four, flying would be three times more expensive than the single car’s gas ($600 vs $200). This is the fundamental math behind the group travel value index.
Note: The above driving costs assume one vehicle. If you’d need multiple cars for your group (say, 8 people in two cars), some of the cost advantage is lost but renting a 12 15 passenger van can solve that, keeping everyone together and splitting one vehicle’s cost many ways. (It also makes logistics simpler one rental van versus coordinating a convoy of cars. For example, one 12-passenger van rental often costs less than renting three separate compact cars, and you save on fuel by having just one engine running.)
Beyond Dollars: Other Considerations by Distance
Short Trips (Under ~500 miles): For roughly half-day drives or less, going by road is often a no-brainer for groups. Besides cost, consider the hassle of flying such a short distance you might spend nearly as long in security lines and layovers as the drive would take. Driving lets you depart on your own schedule and even make impromptu stops. Rideshare could be an option for certain short trips (for instance, a 100-mile one-way ride to a theme park or beach), but remember that a 100-mile Uber could cost on the order of $100+ each way. If you need two Ubers for six people, that doubles the price. In contrast, a 7-seat minivan rental for a day might be $80 $100, plus maybe $30 of gas, and you have full control of the vehicle (and the playlist!). Internal link: If you’re considering a van, check out our minivan rentals or 12-passenger van deals one vehicle can often carry your whole crew, maximizing togetherness and savings.
Medium Trips (500 1,500 miles): Here the decision gets trickier. Flying will be much faster (e.g. ~2 3 hours in the air vs. 8 14 hours driving). The cost trade-off depends on group size and airfares. With 3+ people, driving often wins on pure dollar cost, if you have the time and stamina. For example, a 1,000-mile drive (say 15 hours including stops) might cost around $250 in fuel/tolls, which split among 5 friends is only $50 each likely cheaper than any commercial flight. But you must account for an extra day of travel (or an overnight motel stay) when driving such distances. Flying might be worth it if time is tight or if you snag a good fare. Don’t forget to add the cost of a rental car at the destination if you fly many travelers underestimate this. NerdWallet reminds us that the high cost of renting a car upon arrival can tilt the fly/drive equation; in fact, “keep the cost of renting a car when you arrive after a flight in mind” as it can make driving your own car more appealing. For a medium trip, consider a hybrid approach: perhaps fly out, but road-trip back (or vice versa) to balance time and experience.
Long Trips (1500+ miles): For crossing the country or other marathon routes, flying is usually the only practical choice if you have limited time. It’s hard for driving to compete with a 5-hour nonstop flight when the drive could take 4 6 days round-trip. However, for large groups or special cases, even long drives can save money. For instance, a college sports team or church group of 12 might rent a passenger van and drive 1,500 miles to a tournament. The fuel, van rental, hotel stops, and food might sum up to $2,000, which for 12 people is ~$167 each likely cheaper than 12 plane tickets at $300+ each. The key is that all travelers share those driving expenses, whereas flights don’t become volume discounted just because you’re together. If your group enjoys road tripping, a long journey can double as a sightseeing adventure (with the ability to stop at attractions). Just budget in the extra travel days required and weigh that against any savings.
Finally, think about wear and tear if you’re using personal vehicles for a long trip. Long drives pile miles on your car, which has a real cost. The IRS and AAA estimate around ~$0.50 $0.65 per mile as the true all-in cost of driving when you include maintenance, depreciation, etc. (even higher for larger vehicles). By renting a van or SUV for the trip, you avoid putting those miles on your own car and that rental cost is shared with everyone.
Rideshare Pitfalls for Group Travel
Ridesharing apps are fantastic for local transportation (avoiding parking hassles or when no one wants to be the driver). But for inter-city group travel, they’re usually the most expensive option. Here’s why:
- Cost per mile is high:As noted, Uber/Lyft typically charge around $1-$2 per mile in the U.S. for standard rides. Larger UberXL vehicles or premium options cost more. So, a 200-mile trip could easily be $200 $400 one-way. Contrast that with driving 200 miles in a rented van: maybe $40 of gas and $80 rental = $120 total, whether you have 2 or 12 people aboard.
- Round trip pricing: Rideshare charges you both ways (there’s no discount for a multi-stop round trip). If your destination is remote, the driver might deadhead back empty and that’s priced in. In some cases, drivers may even decline a very long ride if it takes them far from their usual working area.
- Multiple vehicles needed: Most rideshares seat 4 people (UberX) or up to 6 (UberXL) tightly. If 7 friends are traveling, you’d need two cars and will pay double. With a private van or minibus, everyone’s together and paying once.
- Event surcharges and availability: If you’re traveling to a big event (say a festival or game), beware. Rideshare demand spikes can mean surge pricing multiplies the cost. And after the event, finding a ride for a large group can be a nightmare. For example, festival-goers leaving Coachella have reported surge fares of $175 minimum late at night, with some rides topping $250 for a single Uber once you finally fight through the crowds to get one. In one report, a group paid $250 for an Uber and spent an hour in traffic, after which they decided to drive themselves the rest of the weekend. Rideshare companies also sometimes add special event fees (for instance, an extra $20 pickup fee at a designated event zone).
- Lack of flexibility: When you have your own vehicle, you can change plans on a whim detour to a restaurant, leave later or earlier, take a scenic route. With rideshare, you go from A to B as a passenger. If you need to make multiple stops (say, pick up friends from two locations), the fare climbs or you must request separate rides.
Bottom line: Rideshare is excellent for last-mile hops and nights out, but for point-to-point travel between cities (especially with luggage and multiple people), it’s usually prohibitively expensive and logistically cumbersome. If you do rely on rideshare during group trips, try to travel at off-peak times to avoid surge, and set a rendezvous point where a large vehicle can safely pick you all up. But more often than not, a rental van or driving yourselves will be the far better value for a group trip.
Pros & Cons Summary by Mode
To wrap up the comparison, here’s a quick rundown of advantages and disadvantages for driving vs. flying vs. rideshare on group trips:
- Driving (Rental Car/Van or Personal Car)Pros: Total cost is shared (bigger groups = cheaper per person); unlimited luggage (no baggage fees bring coolers, sports gear, etc.); flexibility to go anywhere on your schedule; enjoy the journey with your group (bonding, playlists, roadside stops). Cons: Longer travel times (might need extra days off); drivers in the group can get fatigued; potentially add costs for overnight stops on very long trips; fuel prices can fluctuate (driving was especially costly when gas spiked over $5/gal, though it’s moderated now). Also, one driver must abstain if others want to relax or party en route. Pro Tip: Consider rotating drivers and plan rest stops and if your group is large, renting a van keeps everyone together and is often cheaper than multiple cars.
- FlyingPros: Fast over long distances (cross-country in hours instead of days); no one has to “focus on driving” so you can nap or work in transit; generally, very safe per mile; good for when time is more critical than money. Cons: Expensive per person, which multiplies with group size (no bulk discount, aside from any group booking fare you negotiate); rigid schedules (flight times are fixed, and delays/cancellations are out of your control); additional costs (baggage fees, airport food, ground transport, etc.); limited flexibility once at destination (likely need to rent vehicles or rely on public transit/taxis). Also, air travel has hidden time sinks you must arrive early, clear security, and you’re stuck waiting if flights get delayed. For regional trips, the airport hassle can outweigh the flying time saved.
- Rideshare/TaxiPros: Convenient for short distances or intra-city travel; no parking or driving responsibilities for you; on-demand service (no need to plan, usually); can be effective for one-way needs (e.g. if you only need a vehicle one direction, like an airport drop-off). Cons: Very costly for anything beyond local trips, especially when split among a group (because you often need multiple cars); subject to surge pricing and availability issues; you have to split up if your group doesn’t fit in one vehicle; no storage space for lots of luggage or equipment (a van or SUV you rent could carry far more stuff than an UberX’s trunk). Additionally, there’s an intangible loss of freedom you can’t spontaneously go off-route or stop for lunch unless you build a new ride request for each segment.
Saving Money on Group Travel: Tips and Tricks
- Calculate Cost Per Person: When trip planning, break everything down by “per person” costs. A rental van at $120/day sounds high, but if 6 people are sharing it that’s only $20 each likely far less than each would spend on individual train or plane tickets for the day. This perspective helps champion the case for driving when appropriate.
- Use a Fuel Cost Calculator: If driving, use tools like AAA’s or Travelmath’s fuel cost calculators. Input your route and vehicle MPG to estimate gas expense. This helps set an accurate budget (and avoid surprises if you’re all chipping in at the pump). Pro tip: driving a fuel-efficient vehicle matters more on long trips upgrading from an 15 MPG old van to a 25 MPG modern van can nearly halve the fuel bill.
- Don’t Forget Tolls & Parking: Long highway trips may include toll roads. Check the route and consider if a toll transponder rental is worth it for your rental car (rental companies charge fees for using their toll pass). Also, factor in parking costs at your destination. If you drive to a city, parking a van downtown could be $25+/day, whereas if you flew, you might not pay that (but you did pay for airport parking or transfers). It’s all trade-offs just do the math for your specific case.
- Leverage One-Way Rentals: Many car rental agencies (including AVR) offer one-way rentals. This means you can pick up a van in City A and drop it in City B, which is great for linear road trips where backtracking is inefficient. There is usually a drop fee, but if it saves a day of travel or a set of air tickets one direction, it can be worth it. Example: Rather than buying round-trip flights for 8 people to a conference, you could fly there, then rent a van and drive back as a scenic team-building return (seeing sights on the way). One-way rental fees would be included up-front in your quote so you know the cost.
- Plan Drivers and Stops: If your group is driving a very long distance, plan to have at least 2 3 people who can take driving shifts. This not only increases safety but can save money you won’t need an overnight hotel if you can drive through the night (though for safety, an overnight stop is recommended for multi-day drives). Packing a cooler with snacks and drinks can also cut down on expensive roadside restaurant stops.
- Compare “Mixed” Options: Sometimes a combo works well e.g., half the group drives with all the luggage and gear in the van, while the other half flies (maybe those who can’t take as much time off). This is complex to organize, but could be a win-win: you save on some airfares and have a vehicle at destination, but not everyone has to spend 20 hours on the road. Use such creative solutions if needed.
- Use Credit Card Rewards or Group Discounts: If flying, see if group booking discounts apply (some airlines have group travel departments for 10+ people). If renting vehicles, look for any applicable coupons or use credit card reward points to offset costs. For instance, some travel credit cards offer rental car insurance or discounts that can save your group money (and provide peace of mind).
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Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially with a group, but it depends on how you value time vs. money. Purely on dollars, driving often wins for groups because you split the fuel and rental costs. For example, four friends could spend ~$600 total driving cross-country (gas, rental, hotels) versus $1,200+ on four plane tickets. However, that drive might take 4 days instead of a 6-hour flight. If you have the extra time and enjoy the journey, driving can be a budget-friendly adventure. For solo travelers, long drives usually aren’t cheaper than flying the gas, lodging, and wear on your car may cost more than a single airfare. It’s also possible to do a mix: some people will drive one-way on a road trip and fly back. Always run the numbers for your specific route (including “hidden” costs like extra nights in a hotel and meals on the road when driving, or baggage fees and airport transfers when flying).
Add up the total driving expenses and divide by the number of people. Major costs to include: fuel (estimate total miles divided by MPG, times the price per gallon), rental vehicle rate (daily rate × days, plus insurance or any fees), tolls (if any), and maintenance or mileage costs if using your own car (you could use the IRS rate of ~$0.65/mile as an upper bound for wear-and-tear). Also factor overnight stops for long trips (hotel, food). Once you have a total, divide it by the number of travelers. Example: A 800-mile trip in a van might use about $120 in gas and $100 in rental fees per day. If it’s a one-day drive with 5 people, that’s $220 total, or $44 per person. Compare that to 5 plane tickets likely much more. Breaking costs down this way makes it clear how much each person needs to chip in and whether driving is truly economical.
Great question. Generally for shorter distances, driving can produce fewer emissions per person, especially if you have a fuel-efficient car and a full passenger load. A plane uses a lot of fuel on takeoff and isn’t very efficient for short hops. For example, a 300-mile flight might emit more CO2 per passenger than the same trip in a fully occupied car. However, for long distances, commercial jets can be quite efficient on a per-passenger-mile basis. If you have a single driver in an SUV vs. that person on a full 737 plane, the plane is likely emitting less per passenger. But with a group of 6 in that SUV, your per-person driving emissions drop significantly. Another factor: once you arrive by plane, if your group then rents a large vehicle, those local driving emissions add up too. From a green perspective, carpooling in a single vehicle is one of the best things you can do spreading one vehicle’s emissions over many people. If ecology is a concern, consider renting a hybrid or EV (electric van options are emerging) or taking trains/buses which often have lower emissions per capita. In summary, a full car/van is usually greener than multiple cars or multiple short-haul plane seats. Plus, you can mitigate impact by planning efficient routes and avoiding needless extra driving.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) or shuttles can make sense in a few cases: (1) Urban trips with great public transit if you’re visiting a city where you don’t need a car except maybe from the airport to your hotel, it might be cheaper to use an airport shuttle and the city’s trains/buses during your stay. (2) One-way downtown rides for example, getting a large group from a hotel to a restaurant and back in the evening. In that case, using a couple of rideshares might be simpler than dealing with parking a big van downtown for the night. (3) If your driver pool is limited say no one wants to be the designated driver after an event, a shuttle bus or a couple of rideshares are safer choices. However, for the core inter-city travel, renting a van is usually more cost-effective and convenient for a group itinerary. One scenario where shuttles shine is events like theme parks or festivals that offer their own group shuttles (sometimes for free or a modest fee). For example, many music festivals have shuttle passes that might be worthwhile if you’re staying at a partnered hotel. Always compare the shuttle ticket price per person versus a rental vehicle split and consider flexibility. A rental van gives you 24/7 freedom; a shuttle has fixed pickup times. You might even do a hybrid: rent a van for the trip and big excursions, but use ride-hail for specific short trips where parking would be a pain.
It’s important to plan this in advance. Identify who in your group is comfortable taking the wheel ideally have at least two qualified drivers per vehicle. Make sure additional drivers are added to the rental agreement if you rented a van (there may be a small fee or it may be free for spouses, etc., depending on the rental company). Rotate drivers every few hours to stay fresh. The co-pilot can help navigate, change music, keep the driver alert and entertained. For very long trips, consider overnight stops instead of driving straight through. While it might save a hotel cost to drive overnight in shifts, safety is paramount drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. If your group has enough members, you might assign “drive teams” (e.g. two people take the morning shift, two take afternoon, etc., while others relax). Planning out fuel stops and restroom breaks also helps aim to coincide driver swaps with those breaks. Pro-tip: Pack some snacks, water, and a first-aid kit in the vehicle. And don’t forget to have an AUX or Bluetooth setup ready a road trip with a group isn’t complete without a collaborative playlist!
It depends on group size and how much stuff you have. In general, bigger is better so you’re not cramped but balance that against cost and driving ease. For 4 5 people, a standard SUV or minivan is usually perfect (seats 7 or 8, giving you room to spread out and lots of cargo space). For 6 8 people, a minivan or a large SUV (like a Chevy Suburban) works; just check that you have enough luggage room. For 9 15 people, you’ll likely need a 12 or 15-passenger van. A 12-passenger van (with a few rows of benches) can actually be more comfortable for, say, 10 people plus luggage, because you can fold down or utilize extra seats for bags. A 15-passenger van will fit the whole group if you truly have 15 but note that luggage space in those can be tight when at max capacity (consider a rooftop cargo box or towing a small trailer if needed or pack really light). If your group is larger than 15, you’re into mini-bus territory (which might mean looking at specialty rentals or splitting into multiple vehicles). One often overlooked option for 8 12 people is renting two smaller cars vs. one big van but then you need two drivers and the group is split. Unless the cost is drastically different, we find one big vehicle keeps the group dynamic more fun and is worth it. Also remember: more drivers can handle a minivan than are comfortable handling a 15-passenger long van. So choose a vehicle size that your available drivers are okay with. At AVR, we offer a range from 7-passenger SUVs and minivans up to 15-passenger transit vans, so you can pick what fits your crew best. (And if you’re nervous about driving a big van, practice in an empty parking lot you’ll get used to it quickly, just mind your clearances and wider turns.)