Revealed: Gloucester has one of the UK’s most expensive commuter routes

The analysis, conducted by employee recognition, rewards, and benefits platform, Rippl, investigated common commuter routes train fares and fuel prices across the UK, revealing that the Gloucester to Bristol route is the 12th most expensive of anywhere else in the country. The average day-return train puts commuters back £12, and the average cost of fuel is £26 per day.

Commuters who travel into the office five days per week can expect to lose out on 44 days of pay per year. Those who benefit from hybrid working are slightly better off, working 26 days per year to cover the cost of commuting three times a week.

When it comes to type of travel, those commuting by car are worse off than those relying on trains. The research shows that the average yearly commute by train sets Gloucester commuters back on average £5,588, whilst the cost of commuting five days a week by car averages £6,502.

The most expensive route analysed in the UK was Birmingham to London, which costs an eyewatering £75 per day on average. Oxford to London came in second, costing £56, and Brighton to London took third place, setting commuters back an average of £49 per day.

Chris Brown, CEO at Rippl, comments: “Our research paints a stark picture of the financial burden commuting costs are placing on employees, especially as the cost of travel continues to increase.

“While living outside of London can save on living costs, the average commuter paying £54 on their daily commute just to get to and from the office is a significant blow to household finances. More needs to be done to tackle this.

“While pay rises are welcome, this isn’t always feasible for businesses. However, there are other ways that employers can meaningfully support their staff with the rising cost of working. By offering employee benefits that help offset commuting costs, such as more flexible working policies, travel allowances, public transport season ticket contributions or wider lifestyle discounts, employers can help ease the financial strain for employees.”

The UK’s most expensive commuter routes (total (£)):

1. Birmingham to London

2. Oxford to London

3. Brighton to London

4. Canterbury to London

5. Cambridge to London

The UK’s most expensive commuter routes (as a proportion of average salary):

1. Birmingham to London

2. Worcester to Bristol

3. Oxford to London

4. Liverpool to Manchester

5. Worcester to Birmingham

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