Commute Cost Calculator

Commute cost calculator for driving, public transport, and rideshare

This commute cost calculator helps you estimate what it really costs to travel to and from work (or any regular destination). Many people know their fuel price or their bus fare, but they do not convert it into a weekly and monthly cost. That is where your budget quietly leaks. This tool turns a few simple inputs into totals you can actually use for planning.

You start with two facts that most people can estimate: your one-way distance and how many one-way trips you take per week. From there you pick a commute type. If you drive, the calculator estimates fuel used based on your efficiency and fuel price, then adds optional parking and tolls. If you use public transport, it calculates your weekly spend based on the fare, and it can compare pay-as-you-go to a weekly pass if you enter one. If you use rideshare or taxis, it uses a cost-per-trip and applies optional surge and tip percentages.

The results are shown as daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly costs, plus at least one extra insight depending on the commute type. For example, you will also see your cost per kilometre or mile, and for driving you will see estimated fuel usage. This makes it easier to compare options. A small difference per trip can become a meaningful amount over a month, and a very large amount over a year.

Assumptions and how to use this calculator

• One-way trips per week: This calculator treats your weekly travel as a number of one-way trips. A typical 5-day office schedule is 10 one-way trips (to work and back).
• Monthly estimate: Monthly costs use an average month length of 4.33 weeks (52 weeks divided by 12 months).
• Driving costs included: Driving mode includes fuel, plus optional tolls and parking. It does not include maintenance, tyres, insurance, depreciation, or finance costs.
• Fuel unit conversions: If you use miles and MPG, the calculator converts to metric internally for consistent fuel use estimates. Fuel price units (litre, US gallon, UK gallon) are converted to an equivalent per-litre price.
• Transit passes: If you enter a weekly pass cost, the calculator uses the cheaper of pay-as-you-go fare and the weekly pass total and shows the difference.

Common questions

Should I enter my round trip distance instead of one-way distance?

No. Enter your one-way distance and your one-way trips per week. The calculator multiplies them correctly. If you only know round trip distance, divide it by two and use that as your one-way distance.

What if I do not know my fuel efficiency?

You can still get a useful estimate. Use a rough value that matches your vehicle type, then refine it later. Your actual cost will vary based on traffic, speed, tyre pressure, and driving style, so treat early results as a budget estimate, not an invoice.

Does this include car maintenance and depreciation?

No. This calculator focuses on direct, easy-to-measure commuting costs: fuel, tolls, and parking. If you want a true full cost of driving, you would add maintenance, tyres, insurance, depreciation, and financing on top.

How does the calculator estimate a daily cost?

Daily cost is derived from weekly cost divided by your estimated commuting days. The calculator assumes two one-way trips per commuting day. If your weekly trip count is unusual (for example, shift work or partial weeks), the daily figure is still useful as an average.

When is a weekly public transport pass worth it?

A pass is worth it when the pass cost is lower than paying per trip for the same week. Enter both the per-trip fare and the weekly pass cost to see which is cheaper and how much you save weekly, monthly, and yearly.