by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:50 PM ET, Tue August 18, 2026
Cross-country road trips were a formative part of my childhood. Each summer my mother would pack up our truck, and we would head from our home in upstate New York across the United States to explore the country’s national parks.
They were long road trips, but we broke up the journey by camping and stopping at all manner of interesting and colorful places along the way.
So I'd personally be hard-pressed to put a limit on how many hours I’d be willing to drive for a road trip. But not all Americans share my opinion.
The analysts from Upgraded Points, a platform that helps travelers maximize travel points and frequent flier miles, recently surveyed travelers in all 50 states about where they draw the line: Meaning when they would rather fly than drive.
Respondents shared everything from the number of hours and miles that they feel is simply “too far,” to what makes a drive feel “long,” and which factors push them toward flying versus driving.
The results, it seems, reveal major differences of opinion across the country, from residents in some states willing to drive nearly 13 hours to those ready to fly after just over 6 hours.
States least willing to drive long distances for road trips
There’s no denying Americans love road trips. The Upgraded Points survey found that for long personal trips, 55% of Americans typically drive, while 20% typically fly.
But just how long Americans are willing to drive for a road trip varies. On average, Americans across the country said 9 hours and 39 minutes is the line in the sand: the maximum they’re willing to drive before flying becomes the preferable option.
However, the point at which travelers were ready to trade the highway for the runway varied by more than 6 hours across states.
Topping the list of states where residents are least willing to drive long distances is California, where residents said they would only drive a little over 6 hours (6 hours and 24 minutes, to be exact) for a road trip. Anything longer than that, flying becomes a more appealing option.
Following close behind, Massachusetts residents said their maximum drive time for a road trip is 6 hours and 55 minutes. Rhode Island (7 hours 16 minutes), Texas (also 7 hours 16 minutes) and Illinois (7 hours 38 minutes) round out the top five states where residents are least willing to drive long distances for a road trip.
It makes perfect sense that two New England states made the top 5 least willing to drive long distances. With major airports and neighboring states often within reach, travelers in that part of the country have fewer reasons to commit to an all-day drive than many of their open-country counterparts.
California and Texas stand out for a different reason, according to the report’s authors. “Despite [the state’s] size and long stretches of highway, residents in both states reached their flying threshold sooner than the average American,” explains the report.
Both states are home to large metro areas where residents have likely gotten used to the convenience of living near major airport hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Family posing for selfie next to car packed for road trip. (Photo Credit: Monkey Business / Adobe Stock)
States most willing to drive long distances for road trips
On the other end of the spectrum, Idaho’s residents are seemingly the most willing to embark upon a lengthy road trip. Survey participants said they’d drive as long as 12 hours and 55 minutes before considering a flight a better option.
Montana, where residents would drive up to 12 hours and 42 minutes, follows close behind. Rounding out the top five are Kentucky (12 hours, 40 minutes), Missouri (12 hours, 37 minutes) and Maine (12 hours, 35 minutes).
“Idaho and Montana reflect a broader willingness to drive in states where cities, airports, and destinations often sit farther apart,” explains the report.
Residents may view a long stretch on the road as a standard part of getting from one place to another rather than an automatic reason to book a flight, the report adds. Kentucky and Missouri showed similar patience, with both states willing to drive more than 12.5 hours.
The New England state of Maine, meanwhile, broke from the broader Northeastern pattern. While Massachusetts and Rhode Island ranked among the states quickest to choose a flight, Maine residents were willing to drive nearly twice as long as their fellow New Englanders.
“Overall, where you call home can really shape how travelers define ‘too far,’” the report concludes.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
