I'm just over 200 miles from base. When possible I fly (two easily accessible airports), but if due to flight schedules or loads things aren't looking good I'll drive. I do try to avoid driving during the winter, as a forecast for 'light snow' can turn into 'whiteout on a road that won't be salted for hours' fairly quickly as I get closer to base. Cost-wise, I figure that driving is cheaper than getting a hotel on both ends of a commute in base. Otherwise, the drive just saves me time and sanity, not money. That being said, it's an excellent option knowing that you can always get to work.