Season Ticket vs Daily Fares Calculator
The MSE classic, updated for hybrid work: compare an annual, monthly and weekly season ticket against simply paying for daily returns on the days you actually go in, and see the break-even point for your commute pattern.
Estimate only. These are estimates based on the fares you enter, actual ticket prices vary by route, operator and time of travel, and change over time. Always check current fares at nationalrail.co.uk before buying.
Enter your fares and commute pattern
The annual cost of each option, the cheapest for you, and the break-even point appear here as you type.
Why hybrid work changes the maths
Weekly, monthly and annual season tickets are priced assuming you use them every working day, so the more days a week you commute, the better the discount per journey. If you only go into the office 2-3 days a week, paying for a daily return only on the days you travel can beat a season ticket outright, because you're not paying for journeys you don't make. This calculator finds the break-even point: the number of office days per week at which the annual season ticket becomes cheaper than pay-as-you-go, below that, stick with daily fares; above it, the season ticket wins.
Related calculators
- Commute Cost Comparison CalculatorCompare car, train, bus and cycling commute costs side by side, with the annual saving of switching modes, invested.
- Cycle to Work Savings CalculatorWork out your effective bike price under a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme, including the tax + NI saving and end-of-scheme ownership fee.
- Walking & Cycling Savings CalculatorSee the annual saving from swapping short car trips for walking or cycling, plus a calorie bonus and invested-instead projection.
- Insulation & Efficiency Payback CalculatorCompare loft, cavity wall, draught-proofing and a smart thermostat by payback period, and total a combined package.
- Holiday Money Comparison CalculatorCompare a specialist travel card, an online bureau, a high-street bank and the airport bureau for the same holiday money.
- Water Meter Switch CalculatorCompare your unmetered water bill against an estimated metered bill and see if switching would save you money.