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If you have another person in your car, you can easily do 14 hours, by switching off every 2-3.

When I'm on a long road trip, time is of the essence. I don't want to spend more time at gas stations then I have to.



Well, OK, but don't you always come out ahead flying on anything longer than 200 or so miles? (hmm a coincidental number?) I mean even Amtrak is faster than driving, if its direct and no transfers.


Flying takes 2 hours minimum, to pad for security delays, and have time before boarding.

There's also getting yourself to the airport. They tend to be far on the outskirts of town (This also involves paying an arm and a leg if you opt to park.)

If you need a rental car on the other end, you can also look forward to 30 minutes for shuttling, waiting in line, paperwork...

Combined with the cost (Especially for multiple passengers), and the largely unpleasant experience of flying, and I will happily drive 300 miles from Vancouver to Portland, over taking a plane. 400 is probably my limit.

If all the driving you're doing is in the city, yes, an electric car is a great option. They are not a great option for a longer road trip. (Also, fuel economy/effective range goes down quite a bit when you are going above 60 MPH - and most cars are traveling at 75 MPH on an interstate. Gas cars will spend only a little more time at a gas station, but doing the same in an electric will cost you a lot of time.)


Amtrak is OK if you have +/- 48 hours flexibility on arrival times to account for random breakdowns and accidents. I tried them once, never again.




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