What is considered a bad commute?

Asked by: Prof. Bulah Fadel II  |  Last update: September 18, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (66 votes)

The average U.S. commute to work of 26.1 minutes each way looks like a quick trip around the block compared to the travel times posted by extreme commuters. The U.S. Census Bureau defines extreme commuters as workers who travel 90 minutes or more each way to work.

How bad is a 90 minute commute?

The survey found that adults who commute more than 90 minutes one way to work had an average health index score of just 63.9. Those who commuted 10 minutes or less to work had an average score of 69.2. A long commute is even worse for you if you don't particularly like your job.

Is 20 minutes a bad commute?

And even though many of us pass the time with a little help from our devices, sometimes it's good to consider the impact that our commutes can have on our well being. Studies show that adding 20 minutes to a round trip commute has the same negative effect as a 19% drop in salary.

Is an hour commute that bad?

According to Scientific American's exploration of the subject, every additional minute you spend commuting leads to a greater chance of suffering from health problems. One study even found that commuting can be linked to higher rates of obesity.

What is considered a reasonable commute?

A reasonable commute is considered to be less than 50 miles from your employer.

It's not you. Commuting is bad for your health.

19 related questions found

How long is too long a commute?

The U.S. Census Bureau defines extreme commuters as workers who travel 90 minutes or more each way to work.

Is 45 minutes a normal commute?

The average American is traveling 26 minutes to their jobs—the longest commute time since the Census started tracking it in 1980, up 20 percent. Commutes longer than 45 minutes are up 12 percent in that time span, and 90-minute one-way commutes are 64 percent more common than in 1990.

Is 30 minutes a bad commute?

A new Swedish study has found people working more than 40 hours per week who commute more than 30 minutes each way to work have a 25 percent greater risk of being inactive, and are 16 percent more likely to experience sleep problems, reports Reuters.

How long is an acceptable commute to work?

It is generally acceptable to commute to work by car from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, especially in big cities. What is a good distance to commute to work?

Is it worth it to commute 1 hour to work?

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the commute is worth it. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it could very well be worth it. But if this is just another job that you could easily get anywhere else, it might not be.

Is a 45 minute commute too long?

Despite how you might feel about rush hour traffic or packed tram carriages, you enjoy what an international study has determined as the commuter “inflection point” of roughly 45 minutes. Commutes of longer than that eventually become unbearable, the research suggests.

Does a shorter commute make you happier?

Studies show that longer commutes lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased risk of mental health issues, while shorter commutes have the opposite effect.

What is the longest commute for a job?

The winner, from Mariposa, California, drove a 372-mile (599 km) round trip (about 7 hours) to and from work in San Jose each day.

What is the longest commute to work?

In a new survey conducted by LLC.org, data shows that New York City takes the title for having the longest commute in the U.S., clocking in at 79.6 minutes roundtrip.

Is a longer commute worth it?

Long commutes have negative health effects, such as high blood pressure, lower back pain, obesity, and even shorter life spans. But given the choice between a higher salary or a shorter commute, people overwhelmingly choose the job with a higher salary.

How far is too far to travel to work?

How Far is too Far to Drive to Work? Similarly, when considering how far is too far to drive to work it will depend on the road conditions and your own tolerances for travel. As a rule of thumb however, you should think carefully about how you'd feel driving more than 45 minutes each way every working day.

What is the average commute time for employees?

The average one-way commute time in the US is 27.6 minutes; consequently, a round-trip into the office “costs” employees an hour of other activities they value, according to Gartner.

How do you survive a long commute to work?

Tips to Help You Survive Your Long Commute
  1. Leave 15 minutes earlier. ...
  2. Be strategic. ...
  3. Take control of your environment. ...
  4. Pack snacks. ...
  5. Leave your car at home (if you can) ...
  6. Minimize screen-staring. ...
  7. Keep a regular schedule.

Is it worth commuting 40 minutes to work?

It all depends. Lots of people drive a lot longer than that to get to work. If it's a good job with decent pay and prospects, it's probably worth it. If it's a fairly OK job but the 40 minutes' drive consists largely of sitting in heavy traffic just to travel a few miles, then it's not so clear-cut.

Is a long commute bad for your health?

Long periods of sitting have a proven negative effect on your heart and overall health, and longer commutes mean more sedentary time. Hold yourself accountable to taking at least 5,000 steps a day, if not 10,000—nearly everyone carries or wears a device that is capable of counting steps.

How can you save money if you have a long commute to work?

Five Ways to Cut Your Commuting Costs
  1. Improve Your Gas Mileage. ...
  2. Take Advantage of Discounts from Your Employer. ...
  3. Look for Other Transit Discounts. ...
  4. Share a Ride. ...
  5. Cut Your Car Insurance Costs. ...
  6. Articles in This Feature:

Is 2 hours too long a commute?

Generally speaking, it is best for people to try and keep their commute as short as possible in order to maximize productivity during the day. However, if an individual has a long commute that they cannot avoid due to living far away from work or other factors, then they should aim for no more than two hours each way.

How long is the best commute?

This is consistent with other studies that show most people do not want a commute time of shorter than 15 minutes. I agree that around 15 minutes would be ideal. But how you commute seems to matter just as much as the length of time. The research clearly shows that people are happiest walking to work.

How far is a 30 minute commute?

If you drive on a combination of suburban and highway roads, your average speed for the duration of the commute will be about 40 miles per hour—which means you can go approximately 20 miles in 30 minutes of driving.