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Four years past the peak of remote work, roughly 78% of U.S. workers over 16 years old now commute to their job on a regular basis, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2023, the average commute time was 27 minutes each way, with workers spending an estimated $6,700 per year on travel costs alone. For millions of Americans, commuting is not just a daily routine but a significant time and financial burden.
In this report, FinanceBuzz analyzes trends in how Americans get to work. We cover commute times, costs, and the methods of transportation used. Our data is sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS).
Key insights on commuting in America
- The average U.S. commute in 2023 was 27 minutes. Most workers spent between 15 and 29 minutes getting to work.
- Pittsburg, California, and Tracy, California, had the longest average commute times at 38 minutes. Santa Barbara, also in California, had the shortest at just 13.
- Public transit commuters spent the most time in transit, averaging up to 73 minutes one way.
- Nearly half of commuters in New York City rely on public transit. In Bakersfield, California, 91% of workers drive, the highest rate in the country.
- The busiest time for American commuters is between 7 and 7:30 a.m.
- The average American leaves for work between 7:15 and 7:19 a.m.
Commuting national statistics
Average commute time
According to the U.S. Census, the average commute time in their most recent data release (2023) was 27 minutes. Most workers fall into the range of 15 to 29 minutes for their daily commutes, while 1 in 4 commuters spend less than 15 minutes on the road. Less than 9% of workers see commutes that last longer than an hour on average.
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Commute times by transportation method
Commute times vary depending on the methods people use to get to work. Car commuters average 27 minutes, while those taking long-distance rail spend 73 minutes, nearly three times as long. Subway riders average 47 minutes, and bus riders average 45 minutes. Workers who walk to work average just 13 minutes. Biking, taxis, motorcycles, and other means fall between 21 and 24 minutes.
Commuting statistics by city
The longest commute times show up in California and the Northeast. Workers in two California cities, Pittsburg and Tracy, average 38 minutes each way, adding up to more than eight hours on the road each week. Both are small to mid-sized cities located at the outer edges of larger metro areas. Brockton, Massachusetts, follows at 36 minutes, along with New York City at 35 minutes.
At the other end, Santa Barbara, California, has the shortest commute at 13 minutes. Lawton, Oklahoma, reports 14 minutes, and several mid-sized cities in the Midwest, such as Rochester, Minnesota; Peoria, Illinois; Eugene, Oregon; and Columbia, Missouri, average just 15 minutes.
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Average rate: Where are the longest and shortest commute times found? |
|
| 10 Best | 10 Worst |
| Santa Barbara, CA (13 mins) | Pittsburg, CA (38 mins) |
| Lawton, OK (14 mins) | Tracy, CA (38 mins) |
| Rochester, MN (15 mins) | Brockton, MA (36 mins) |
| Columbia, MO (15 mins) | New York, NY (35 mins) |
| Eugene, OR (15 mins) | Yonkers, NY (33 mins) |
| Peoria, IL (15 mins) | Union City, NJ (33 mins) |
| Lubbock, TX (16 mins) | South Gate, CA (32 mins) |
| Springfield, MO (16 mins) | Richmond, CA (32 mins) |
| Little Rock, AR (16 mins) | Newark, NJ (31 mins) |
| Overland Park, KS (16 mins) | Mount Vernon, NY (31 mins) |
| Source: Census 1-Year ACS (2023) | |
Means of transportation for commuters
Commuting habits vary widely across cities. Driving remains the most common way to get to work, especially in cities like Bakersfield, California, and Bryan, Texas, where nearly 9 out of 10 people commute by car. In contrast, New York City and Jersey City, New Jersey, have the highest rates of commuters who avoid driving altogether and rely on public transit (48% and 42%, respectively).
Cambridge, Massachusetts, has the most residents who walk to work at 21% and also ranks among the top for alternative methods like taxi, motorcycle, bike, and other means. However, Trenton, New Jersey, leads this group with 17%, followed by Davis, California (13%).
When is the best (and worst) time to leave for work to avoid traffic?
Commute times are, at their core, a function of distance and traffic. Though you may choose the distance you live from work, traffic can be variable, and surge depending on what time you leave. To get a sense of the busiest times on the road, we collected Census data on when morning commuters leave for work in the morning.
During the morning commute, 7 to 7:30 a.m. is the busiest time on the road. Nearly 1 in 5 commuters leaves for work within that half hour, the largest of any 30-minute window.
Across the U.S. the average American leaves for work between 7:15 and 7:19 a.m., with percentages of drivers on the road dropping quickly after 8:00 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., 84% of morning commuters have already left work.
How to save money on commuting
Commuting to work brings additional costs that can drain hundreds of dollars each year. Here are some practical ways to reduce those costs.
Keep your vehicle maintained. For instance, keeping tires inflated and getting regular tune-ups can improve gas mileage and lower fuel costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates up to a 3% savings on gas due to proper tire pressure.
Use commuter benefit programs if offered by your employer. Commuter benefits let workers pay for transit or parking with pre-tax dollars. As of 2025, the IRS allows up to $325 per month in pre-tax income to be used for qualified transit or vanpool expenses, saving regular commuters hundreds of dollars per year.
Maximize credit card benefits at the pump. Some cards offer cash back or points for gas purchases, which can add up over time.
Consider alternative methods of transportation. Driving costs an average of 65 cents per mile, while public transit is often far cheaper. Walking or biking short distances can eliminate commuting costs.
Carpool when possible. Carpooling cuts fuel and toll expenses while reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. Many regions also offer high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for carpoolers, which can save time and money.
Ask about hybrid or remote work options. According to Global Workplace Analytics, workers could save between $600 to $6,000 a year in reduced travel, parking, and meal expenses by working from home two to three times a week.
FAQs
What's the average commute time in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Census, the average commute time in 2023 was 27 minutes. Most workers fall between 15 and 29 minutes, while about 1 in 4 spend less than 15 minutes commuting each way.
Which U.S. city has the longest average commute?
Pittsburg and Tracy, California, report the longest average commute times at 38 minutes each way.
How much do Americans spend commuting each year?
On average, workers spend $6,708 per year commuting, though this figure can reach as high as $15,000 in some cities.
What's considered a long commute?
The Census Bureau defines a long commute as lasting 60 minutes or more. Fewer than 9% of working Americans fall into this category.
What are some ways to save money on commuting costs?
Commuters can save by maintaining their vehicles, using pre-tax commuter benefits, and opting for lower-cost travel modes like walking, biking, or carpooling. Negotiating a hybrid work schedule for just twice a week can save over $1,500 annually.
Ask the experts
Car ownership is no longer just about convenience or status. As costs rise and lifestyles shift, more people are reconsidering what it really means to own a vehicle. We asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on how car ownership is evolving and what drivers can expect in the years ahead.
What are some tips for drivers who want to save on their commute?
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Between technological advancements and changes to jobs through remote work and AI, what does the future of commuting look like?
How should job seekers think about a potential commute when looking for their next role?
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Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 1-Year American Community Survey (ACS). Accessed July 17, 2025.
- U.S. Census Bureau's 1-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample (2023). Accessed July 17, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Energy, "Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape." Accessed July 27, 2025.
- Internal Revenue Service, "Publication 15-B (2025), Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits." Accessed July 27, 2025.
- Global Workplace Analytics, "Latest Work-at-Home/Telecommuting/Remote Work Statistics." Accessed July 27, 2025.
Average rate:
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