Driving vs. Flying: Which Is Cheaper for Summer Travel?

Comparing the costs of driving and flying for a long-distance summer trip.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting a sweeping, streamlined landscape with towering architectural forms in shades of blue, gray, and white, conveying the grand scale and romance of travel without any literal depictions.As summer travel season approaches, consumers weigh the costs and convenience of driving versus flying for long-distance trips.Fargo Today

With gas prices high, many travelers are wondering whether it's more affordable to drive or fly for their summer vacations. This article examines the costs of driving from Fargo, North Dakota to Orlando, Florida versus flying the same route, factoring in gas, hotels, and food expenses for the drive.

Why it matters

As inflation impacts budgets, consumers are looking to save money wherever possible on summer travel. Understanding the relative costs of driving versus flying can help travelers make the best decision for their vacation plans and budget.

The details

The analysis finds that for a trip from Fargo to Orlando, which is roughly 1,800 miles, the total driving costs come out to $518, including $214 in gas, $184 for two hotel stays, and $120 for food. In comparison, the cheapest round-trip flight from Fargo to Orlando is about $430. So in this case, flying is the more affordable option, both in terms of total costs and travel time (a few hours versus 3 days of driving).

  • The analysis is based on current gas, hotel, and flight prices as of April 2026.

The players

Hector International Airport

The airport serving the Fargo, North Dakota metropolitan area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

For long-distance summer travel, consumers should carefully compare the total costs of driving versus flying to determine the most budget-friendly option. While driving can be cheaper when splitting costs with a group, flying often ends up being the more affordable choice, especially when factoring in the time saved.