Car vs Public Transport Calculator
Wondering whether driving is really cheaper than the train or bus? Enter your car's running costs and your public transport alternative, season ticket plus the odd taxi, and see which one costs less per year and over 5 years.
Estimate only. This is an estimate based on the figures you enter, real fuel prices, insurance quotes, depreciation and fares vary. Not financial advice.
Enter your car and public transport costs
Fill in both sides and we'll compare the annual and 5-year cost of driving vs public transport.
What this calculator includes
The car side adds up fuel (from your annual mileage, mpg and fuel price), insurance, Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), servicing/MOT and a yearly depreciation budget, the full cost of keeping a car on the road, not just what you spend at the pump. The public transport side adds your season ticket or travelcard to an occasional taxi or rideshare budget, since most people who go car-free still need a lift now and then. Comparing the two totals, per year and over 5 years, shows which option actually leaves more money in your pocket, not just which one feels cheaper day to day.
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