Drive or Fly: Arcata, CA to Fontana, CA?
Side-by-side comparison of driving versus flying for this route. Costs, time, and trade-offs at a glance.
Could go either way
This distance is a toss-up. Drive if you want flexibility and lower cost, fly if you value time.
Drive
Door to Door
13h 30m
Distance
698 mi
Total Cost
$275
CO2
282 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$95
Hotel (1 night)$110
Meals (2 days)$70
+
No luggage restrictions or TSA lines
+
Stop anywhere along the route
+
Have your own car at the destination
−
Requires 2 days of driving
−
Driver fatigue on longer stretches
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
4h 51m
1h 11m in the air
Air Distance
593 mi
Total Cost
$199
CO2
151 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$144
Rental car (1 day)$55
Nearest Airports
Arcata, CAMurray Field (5 mi)
Fontana, CARiverside Municipal Airport (10 mi)
+
Saves about 8h 39m compared to driving
+
Less physical fatigue
+
Predictable arrival time
−
Airport security and check-in overhead
−
May need a rental car at destination
−
Luggage fees and restrictions
−
Less flexibility for stops along the way
At a Glance
| Drive | Fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door time | 13h 30m | 4h 51m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $275 | $199 |
| Carbon footprint | 282 kg CO2 | 151 kg CO2 |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Luggage | Unlimited | Restricted |
Costs are rough estimates based on US averages. Flight prices vary by airline, date, and booking time.
Decided to drive? See the full trip plan from Arcata, CA to Fontana, CA with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.