This is the maximum length your commute should be before it makes you miserable

This is the maximum length your commute should be before it makes you miserable | Lifestyle Reporter Published October 27, 2026 11:53am Updated October 27, 2026 11:53am It’s not exactly the most pleasant start to the day (Picture: Getty Images) We’ve all been there, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a delayed train or crawling past brake lights on the motorway, watching the minutes tick away while fantasising about being back in bed. For most of us, getting to the office is just an unfortunate necessity. And with office attendance at its highest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic, chances are, you’re making that journey numerous times a week. But at what point does a morning journey stop being a mild annoyance and officially start draining the joy out of your day? Well, according to new findings from banking app Chase, which surveyed 2000 British customers who commute at least twice a week, the sweet spot for a zen-inducing journey is 29 minutes. Why the car wins the commute Those hitting this half-hour mark report feeling the most relaxed, typically cruising in their own car (41%) while tuned into their favourite playlist or album (43%). Unfortunately, if you live in London, chances are you’re battling public transport, and with that, pesky double baggers and premature loaders along the way. Though driving is not cheap – the latest figures show it costs an average of 174.1p per litre for unleaded, and 199.2p per litre for diesel – online commuter calculators suggest getting behind the wheel is almost always cheaper than public transport for longer journeys. Driving is more relaxing, especially when accompanied by music (Picture: Getty Images) 45 minutes is the breaking point By contrast, Chase reports that if your commute stretches out to 45 minutes, you’re far more likely to arrive at the office feeling ‘very stressed.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Latest London news Almost a quarter of frazzled travellers (24%) brave the London Underground, and 37% of them use music to cope. Just remember to keep your headphones on, as bare beaters will now face a £1000 fine for blasting music. The tube, especially for over half an hour, can leave commuters stressed (Picture: Jack Taylor/Getty Images) How to relax on the commute Turns out, the most relaxed commuters aren’t just leaving it to luck. Their secret weapons include mapping out the quickest route (27%), sticking to their preferred transport mode (22%), and beating the rush by leaving home early (21%). You may lose a bit of sleep, but avoiding being rammed in a packed carriage or stuck in traffic can make it all worth it. A cheeky pre-work coffee stop also helps, with 12% crediting a caffeine break for keeping the morning mood upbeat. Our Top Shopping Picks See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in Ultimately, while a good soundtrack helps, it turns out that keeping your journey short is what really keeps the workday dread at bay. How long is your daily commute? Sign up to The Getaway Expert, your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's travel editor, Alice Murphy. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Cyclists ignore pedestrianisation of Oxford Street – could they face penalty? Arrow MORE: Pedestrianised Oxford Street ‘will be like New York’s Times Square’ says mayor Arrow MORE: A frightfully good trip to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.