Commute Calculator
Compare your monthly and yearly commuting costs, whether by car or with a Deutschlandticket. Includes an estimate of your tax saving through the commuting allowance. Runs locally in your browser, GDPR-compliant.
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Commute calculator: car or public transport?
The commute calculator compares your monthly commuting costs. It shows whether the car or the Deutschlandticket (or public transport) is cheaper for you. It also estimates your tax saving through the German commuting allowance (Entfernungspauschale).
How it works
Enter your one-way distance to work (in km) and your workdays per month (default: 21). The tool calculates your monthly distance (round trip) and the car costs based on a realistic all-in value (fuel, depreciation, insurance, tax, maintenance, financing). You can add monthly parking costs.
On the public transport side, choose the current ticket, the Deutschlandticket at €63/month (as of: 01/2026) or the job ticket with a 5% discount. The calculator also shows the yearly comparison of car and public transport.
Commuting allowance: your tax saving
Since 01.01.2026 the German commuting allowance is a flat €0.38/km from the first kilometer (Steueränderungsgesetz 2025). Previously it was split, €0.30/km for the first 20 km and €0.38/km from km 21. Enter your estimated tax rate (e.g. 30%) and the calculator shows your yearly and monthly tax saving. Only the one-way distance counts, not the round trip.
Key constants (as of: 01/2026)
The car cost default of €0.35/km is based on the ADAC cost model for a small car. The Deutschlandticket price is €63 since 01.01.2026 (previously €58 in 2025 and €49 in 2023 to 2024). The commuting allowance is €0.38/km since 01.01.2026.
These figures are indicative
Your actual car costs can differ significantly depending on the vehicle, fuel consumption and driving style. The tax saving is an estimate based on your tax rate, not tax advice. The calculator is for broad orientation and is not purchase or mobility advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Deutschlandticket cost in 2026?
Since 01.01.2026 the price is €63 per month (previously €58 in 2025, €49 in 2023 to 2024). The job ticket costs €59.85 with a 5% discount when the employer contributes at least 25%.
How much is the German commuting allowance in 2026?
Since 01.01.2026 it is a flat €0.38/km from the first kilometer. The earlier split, €0.30/km for the first 20 km and €0.38/km from km 21, was abolished.
How does the calculator compute my tax saving?
It multiplies the deductible distance (one-way km x workdays per year) by €0.38/km and your tax rate. The result is a rough estimate and not tax advice.
What does the per-km car cost mean?
The default of €0.35/km is based on the ADAC model for a small car: fuel, depreciation, insurance, tax, maintenance and financing combined.
How many workdays do I use?
The calculator uses 21 workdays per month by default for a 5-day week. You can adjust the value at any time.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Everything computes 100% locally in your browser. No inputs are stored or transmitted.