Drive or Fly: Boulder, CO to Black Forest, CO?
Side-by-side comparison of driving versus flying for this route. Costs, time, and trade-offs at a glance.
Driving wins
At this distance, driving is almost always faster and cheaper door-to-door.
Drive
Door to Door
1h 51m
Distance
92.7 mi
Total Cost
$48
CO2
37 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$13
Meals (1 day)$35
+
No luggage restrictions or TSA lines
+
Comfortable one-day drive
+
Stop anywhere along the route
+
Have your own car at the destination
+
Likely faster door-to-door than flying
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
3h 49m
9m in the air
Air Distance
76 mi
Total Cost
$123
CO2
19 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$123
Nearest Airports
Boulder, CORocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (11 mi)
Black Forest, COUnited States Air Force Academy Airstrip (7 mi)
+
Less physical fatigue
+
Predictable arrival time
−
Airport security and check-in overhead
−
Luggage fees and restrictions
−
Less flexibility for stops along the way
At a Glance
| Drive | Fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door time | 1h 51m | 3h 49m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $48 | $123 |
| Carbon footprint | 37 kg CO2 | 19 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 Boulder, CO to Black Forest, CO with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.