Flying or driving to a destination in December: Which will cost less?

The flying or driving question matters when December travel costs start eating into holiday budgets. Airfares rise as festive-season demand increases, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Driving brings fuel, tolls, meals and possible accommodation into the calculation. However, those costs can spread across several passengers in one car.

The cheapest option therefore depends on distance, passenger numbers and destination.

FLYING OR DRIVING: WHICH COSTS LESS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

For long domestic journeys, flying can compete surprisingly well with driving.
South African Airways currently lists December return fares from Johannesburg to Cape Town from R3 973.

The December fare provides a useful benchmark, although prices can change quickly.

Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town covers roughly 1 400km each way. A car using seven litres per 100km needs about 196 litres for the return journey. At September’s Gauteng petrol price of R26.92, fuel alone costs about R5 280. 

Tolls, meals and wear add considerably more to that figure. Yet four people sharing those costs could make driving financially attractive.

Flying usually makes more sense for solo travellers or couples facing very long distances.

WHEN DOES FLYING OR DRIVING WIN REGIONALLY?

Regional travel changes the calculation because border costs enter the equation.

South African Airways lists December Johannesburg-Windhoek returns from about R5 328. Driving to Windhoek means covering roughly 1 400km each way from Johannesburg. Fuel alone could approach R10 500 for a typical seven-litre-per-100km car. Namibia also charges Cross Border Charges for foreign-registered vehicles. 

Mozambique can offer a different calculation for motorists. Johannesburg lies about 673km from the Kosi Bay border. South African Airways currently lists Johannesburg-Maputo December returns from about R5 899. A full driving comparison must include fuel, tolls, border charges and insurance.

Mozambique also requires valid vehicle insurance and relevant vehicle documents.

WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING?

Flying or driving becomes less about the ticket price alone for families. Four return airfares can quickly exceed R15 000 on some domestic routes. One family car can spread fuel and toll costs across everyone.

Driving also offers greater freedom once you reach your destination. That matters when beaches, reserves and smaller towns form part of the itinerary.

However, long December drives bring fatigue, traffic and possible overnight stops.

Fuel also remains a major wildcard this year.

September brought a R1.34 increase per litre for petrol, and October and November can bring even more increases. Travellers should take that into account before calculating their final road-trip cost.

For regional journeys, border requirements can also add time and expense. Ultimately, flying or driving depends on distance, passengers and the complete door-to-door cost.

Compare the total journey rather than simply comparing a flight ticket with fuel.