What is the safest way for a 12 yr old boy to travel?

He is going from Virginia to Indiana and he's never traveled before but he really wants to. He's going with my friend who's moving to VA and helping her unpack. He'll be spending the week with her and family. The only problem is getting him back home. Bus tickets are insane and take 20 plus hours. Not an option. Flights are too expensive and trains won't let kids travel over 8 hours. So do I meet her halfway or what?