Whether you’re heading into work daily or just a few times a week, commuting costs can quickly add up.
Employees in the UK are currently spending an average of £2,500 a year on commuting, according to research by Bionic.
But with a few savvy strategies, you can cut expenses and even make your journey more enjoyable.
From pedal power and cheaper petrol to fare splits and first-class carriages, check out our money-saving travel hacks.
Make your train travel flexible
Hybrid working has changed the way we commute and daily peak travel tickets can feel like a steep price to pay. While traditional season tickets may no longer offer the best value, Flexi Season Tickets could be the answer for part-time commuters.
These allow travel between two named stations on any eight days within a 28-day period, without needing to specify travel dates in advance. This could prove ideal for those heading into the office twice a week.
Don’t forget, if your train is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation. Citizen’s Advice says you’re legally entitled to compensation of 50 per cent of your ticket price if you get to your destination more than 30 minutes and a full refund if you arrive more than one hour late.
Split your fare for bigger savings
Did you know that buying multiple tickets for different segments of your journey can be cheaper than purchasing one ticket for the entire trip?
This hack, known as fare splitting or split ticketing, doesn’t require you to change trains – you’ll just need to ensure the train stops at all the stations for which you’ve bought tickets.
Check splitmyfare.co.uk, splityourticket.co.uk or thetrainline.com for assistance on this one. It’s completely legitimate under National Rail’s Conditions of Travel.
Of course, it’s not just split ticketing that can save you money – if you book in advance you can also snare big savings, even on peak-time travel.
Pedal your way to savings
If your commute is relatively short, cycling will be a cost-effective and healthy alternative. Not only will you save on petrol and parking but you’ll also boost your fitness levels.
Before splashing out on a new bike, check whether your employer is part of the government’s Cycle To Work scheme. This tax-efficient initiative allows you to purchase a bike and safety gear through a salary-sacrifice arrangement.
Research by Cyclescheme found that, with a commute of five miles each way, you could save more than £3,000 a year by swapping your car for a bike.
Travel in comfort with this Thameslink hack
Struggling to find a seat on your morning train? If you’re travelling on Thameslink, here’s a little-known tip: the rear first-class carriage is always declassified, meaning anyone can sit there – at any time of day.
Because the rear end of the train changes depending on direction, this carriage often goes unnoticed, giving you a better chance of finding a seat without paying extra.
Pay less at the pumps
Fuel prices can feel like daylight robbery – especially when you’re filling up at the same station out of habit. But here’s a simple switch that could save you an average of £200 on petrol and diesel a year: download the PetrolPrices app.
This clever little tool compares fuel costs at stations near you, so you can find the cheapest option before you even leave the house. Genius.
Get help from your company
If you’re clocking in at the office regularly, don’t overlook one of the most underrated workplace perks: the season ticket loan. Many employers – especially larger firms and public sector organisations – offer interest-free loans to help staff cover the upfront cost of your annual commute.
Why does this matter? Because buying a yearly pass is almost always cheaper than paying monthly or weekly – and let’s be honest, dropping hundreds (or even thousands) in one go isn’t always doable.
That’s where the loan comes in: your employer fronts the cost, and you pay it back in manageable monthly chunks straight from your salary.
And if you’re hybrid working? Some employers offer flexi-season ticket loans or allow you to combine this loan with other travel schemes.
Earn rewards while you commute
If you’re spending money getting to work, why not earn something back? Using a reward credit card is a smart way to pocket perks such as cashback, air miles or retail vouchers – without changing your routine.
Whether you’re topping up your Oyster card, buying a rail season ticket or paying for petrol, putting those costs on a cashback or travel rewards card can add up.
But remember, always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could cancel out your rewards.
Claim an Oyster Card refund
Transport for London has revealed that there is more than £517million sitting in unused Oyster cards. If you’ve got one gathering dust, you could be entitled to a refund for both the deposit and any remaining pay-as-you-go credit.
If your remaining credit is £10 or less, you can get a refund for the credit, and (where applicable) the deposit, from a Tube station ticket machine.
Alternatively you can sign in to your Oyster account and use the self-serve option to receive the money directly to your bank account.