Drive or Fly: Susanville, CA to Los Angeles, CA?
Side-by-side comparison of driving versus flying for this route. Costs, time, and trade-offs at a glance.
Driving wins
Driving is significantly cheaper and the distance is manageable in one day.
Drive
Door to Door
9h 34m
Distance
556 mi
Total Cost
$111
CO2
225 kg
Cost Breakdown
Fuel$76
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
−
Driver fatigue on longer stretches
−
Wear and tear on vehicle
−
Fuel price fluctuations
Fly
Door to Door
4h 35m
55m in the air
Air Distance
459 mi
Total Cost
$193
CO2
117 kg
Cost Breakdown
Estimated ticket$138
Rental car (1 day)$55
Nearest Airports
Susanville, CASusanville Municipal Airport (5 mi)
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles International Airport (12 mi)
+
Saves about 4h 59m 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 | 9h 34m | 4h 35m |
| Total cost (1 person) | $111 | $193 |
| Carbon footprint | 225 kg CO2 | 117 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 Susanville, CA to Los Angeles, CA with stops, fuel costs, and turn-by-turn directions.