Road Trip vs Flying: Which One’s Better for Your Next Adventure?

When it comes to planning a trip, one of the first questions we always ask is: should we drive or fly? And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ve done both – a lot – and for us, more often than not, the road wins.

So if you’re stuck between booking a flight or prepping your vehicle, wondering if it’s really cheaper to drive or fly, or trying to decide what kind of trip is actually going to suit your travel style better – we’ve got you covered.

We’re breaking down the true costs of road trip vs flying (including the sneaky expenses no one talks about), comparing comfort, convenience, and flexibility, and sharing why – more often than not – we think road trips come out on top.

Let’s compare flying to driving properly, shall we?

Cost: Is It Cheaper to Fly or Drive?

One of the biggest deciding factors for most people is cost.

We get it – budget matters. But what most people forget is that flying isn’t just about the plane ticket, and road tripping isn’t just about fuel.

The real comparison comes when you add everything up.

Driving (in a campervan)

Fuel is your main expense, and yes, that adds up, but it’s not the only one.

You’ve also got to factor in toll roads (which can be surprisingly expensive depending on the country), general wear and tear on your vehicle, and any paid campsites you need to book.

That said, if you’re free camping (and know how to do it responsibly), your accommodation costs drop significantly.

You’re also cooking your own meals most of the time, so you’re not spending a fortune on restaurants, and you’re carrying everything with you – no need to pay extra for bags or equipment.

Flying

Flights can seem cheap at first, especially with budget airlines. But once you start adding on baggage fees, seat selections, airport transfers, and insurance, the price creeps up quickly.

Unless you’re staying in a city centre, you’ll likely need to rent a car when you land – which means more money on daily hire fees, fuel, tolls, and insurance.

And don’t forget accommodation. If you’re not travelling in a van, you’ll need to book somewhere to sleep.

Add in public transport, food (which often ends up being takeaway or overpriced hotel options), and you’re suddenly well over the “cheap flight” you found last week.

Time also has value.

Airport wait times, security queues, delays, and baggage claims can eat up hours of your day. And if you’re travelling with a pet or special gear, flying gets even more complicated – and expensive.

When we add up everything, we’ve almost always found that road trips are cheaper overall, especially if you already own a van or car and are willing, or able, to slow down a little.

Flexibility & Freedom: The Road Trip Advantage

There’s a reason we fell in love with road trips. It’s not remotely about the cost – it’s the freedom.

When you’re driving, you’re not stuck to a fixed itinerary or a rigid timeline.

You can choose when to set off, take the scenic route, stop when something catches your eye, or change your plans on the fly.

You don’t need to worry about check-in windows, baggage rules, or missing a connection because your first flight was delayed.

You can also take more stuff without worrying about weight limits or fees. Bikes, hiking boots, your dog’s bed, the weird little kitchen gadget you’re convinced you’ll use every day – it all fits.

You’re in your own space, with your own things, and you get to decide the pace.

Flying, by comparison, is all about precision.

You’re tied to departure times. You can’t pull over when you need a break. You can’t adjust your route because you heard about a beautiful lake two hours away.

And while planes are faster, the experience is rarely more relaxing – especially if you’re someone who needs space, quiet, or control.

Travelling with Pets: One Clear Winner

This one’s easy. If you’re travelling with a pet, especially a dog, driving wins every time.

Flying with pets isn’t just expensive, it’s stressful.

You’ve got paperwork to deal with, airline restrictions to figure out, crate requirements to meet, and in many cases, your pet ends up in the cargo hold – alone, scared, and without you there if something goes wrong.

Some airlines don’t allow pets at all. Some only allow them in-cabin if they’re small enough to fit under the seat, and even then, you’re dealing with strict rules about movement and access.

On a road trip? None of that matters.

Your dog gets their bed, their blanket, their routine.

You stop when they need a break. They can sit up front and watch the world go by or nap in the back while you drive.

You don’t need to pay a premium to include them, and they’re not stuck in a tiny crate under fluorescent lighting for six hours wondering where you went.

We’ll never fly with Lilly unless it’s absolutely essential for a big move – not just a short holiday. Road tripping with a dog just makes it easier for everyone.

Comfort and Experience: Plane Seat vs Van Seat

Some people will argue that flying is more comfortable: you’re in a seat, you don’t have to concentrate, and in a few hours, you’re somewhere totally new.

And yes, for long-haul trips across continents, it absolutely makes sense.

But when you’re comparing experiences, the plane rarely wins.

When you’re driving, you can stop wherever you want. Stretch your legs, find a quiet picnic spot, make a cuppa with an actual view.

You’re not stuck in a narrow seat, trying not to elbow the person next to you, or watching a little plane icon crawl across a screen while your knees go numb.

In the van, you’ve got space. You can recline. You can stop for a nap, cook, stretch, and listen to your own music. You’re in your own environment and that matters, especially if you’re on the road for more than a couple of hours.

More than anything, it’s about presence.

When you fly, you skip the journey. You go from Point A to Point B without really seeing what’s in between.

On a road trip, the journey is part of the story.

The little towns you’d never have found otherwise, the random roadside cafés, the campsite you stayed at just because it felt peaceful.

Those are the things that stay with you… not the airline meal or the duty-free queue.

When Flying Does Make More Sense

We’re not saying never fly. That would be ridiculous.

There are absolutely times when flying is the smarter choice.

If you’re crossing continents, have limited time, or your destination is thousands of miles away and you just want to get there, then flying makes sense.

It’s also worth considering if you’re travelling solo with no pets, no gear, and you’ve found a genuinely great flight deal that works for your dates.

Sometimes, simplicity wins.

But for regional travel, especially within the same country or between neighbouring countries, we’ve found road tripping gives us more flexibility, more space, and far more value for money.

So… Road Trip or Fly?

It’s a personal decision but if you ask us, road trips offer a kind of freedom that air travel just can’t compete with.

You’re not bound by timetables or baggage limits. You don’t need to plan months in advance.

You can take your dog, your hiking boots, your weird homemade chilli in a Tupperware box and just go.

You’re in charge of the route, the stops, the soundtrack. You get to say when and where and how you travel.

And honestly? That freedom, that control, that flexibility, it’s hard to beat.