Commute Cost Calculator
Estimate the daily, weekly, monthly and annual cost of driving to work, including petrol, diesel, EV charging, parking and tolls.
Calculate your commute cost
Enter your one-way distance, commute pattern and car type. The results update instantly as you change the numbers.
How to use the commute cost calculator
Start with your one-way commute distance. The calculator doubles this to estimate a normal return commute day, then multiplies it by your commute days per week and working weeks per year.
Choose petrol, diesel or electric. Petrol and diesel use MPG and fuel price per litre. Electric cars use miles per kWh and electricity price per kWh. Add parking, tolls or congestion charges if they apply to a normal commute day.
What the result means
The annual figure estimates what your normal work commute costs over a year. It includes fuel or charging plus the daily extras you enter, such as parking and tolls. It does not include insurance, servicing, tyres, repairs, car finance or depreciation.
The monthly average spreads the annual cost over 12 months. That is useful for budgeting because your actual payments may be uneven: fuel is paid as you use it, while parking or season tickets may be paid daily, weekly or monthly.
The fuel or charging-only result helps you compare vehicles. A car with better fuel economy can reduce the direct commute cost even when the route is identical.
Compare car costs and cover
Your commute cost is only one part of running a car. Insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, depreciation and finance can change the real annual cost dramatically.
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Commute cost formula
The calculator estimates a return commute day first, then scales it up to weekly, monthly and annual costs.
Daily miles = one-way distance × 2
Weekly miles = daily miles × commute days per week
Annual miles = weekly miles × working weeks per year
Petrol/diesel daily cost = (daily miles ÷ MPG × 4.54609) × fuel price per litre
EV daily cost = (daily miles ÷ miles per kWh) × electricity price per kWh
Daily total = daily energy cost + parking + tolls
Weekly total = daily total × commute days per week
Annual total = weekly total × working weeks per year
Monthly average = annual total ÷ 12For petrol and diesel, the calculator uses 4.54609 litres per UK gallon. This matters because UK MPG is based on UK gallons, while fuel is sold in litres.
What to include in commute cost
- Fuel or charging: the direct petrol, diesel or electricity cost for the return journey.
- Parking: daily car park, station parking or workplace parking costs.
- Tolls and charges: toll roads, bridges, congestion charges or clean air zone charges.
- Wear and tear: tyres, servicing and maintenance are not included in the calculator but still matter.
- Depreciation: extra commute miles can reduce resale value over time.
For a quick comparison, the annual commute cost is useful. For a complete ownership view, combine it with depreciation, insurance, maintenance and finance costs.
Commuting and business mileage
Normal home-to-work commuting is not usually treated as business mileage. That means this calculator is mainly for personal budgeting, not a tax claim.
If you drive for work outside your normal commute, use the mileage reimbursement calculator to estimate the approved mileage amount, employer payment and possible tax relief. The related approved mileage allowance payment term explains the HMRC language in plain English.
Commute cost calculator FAQs
How do I calculate the cost of commuting by car?
Work out your return commute miles, multiply by your commute days and working weeks, then apply your fuel or charging cost. Add parking, tolls and congestion charges for the full daily total.
What should I include in commute cost?
Include petrol, diesel or electricity, plus parking, tolls and daily road charges. For the full cost of running a car, also consider servicing, tyres, insurance, finance and depreciation.
Can I use this for an electric car commute?
Yes. Select electric, enter your miles per kWh and electricity price per kWh, and the calculator estimates daily, weekly, monthly and annual charging cost.
Can I claim commuting mileage from HMRC?
Ordinary commuting between home and a permanent workplace is not normally claimable business mileage. Work trips outside your normal commute may be different.
Why does the calculator use working weeks per year?
Most people do not commute every week of the year. Annual leave, bank holidays, sickness and remote working all reduce the number of commute weeks.
Key terms used in this calculator
These glossary pages explain the terms behind commute and car running cost calculations.