- A Turo survey reveals that car-less Brits will spend an average of £114 on Christmas travel.
- Half (50%) of respondents say travel costs have reduced their ability to buy gifts, with 61% of train travellers most affected.
- Londoners face the highest costs, averaging £151.
- Car-sharing options on Turo are available from £29 per day, with delivery to your door.*
The cost of travelling home for Christmas is leaving millions of Brits with less money to spend on presents, according to a survey commissioned by Turo. Conducted by Censuswide, the study surveyed 2,000 Brits without a car, exploring their holiday travel plans.**
Findings show that car-less Brits expect to spend an average of £114 on Christmas travel, with Londoners facing the highest costs at £151. Residents in Northern Ireland (£144) and Scotland (£143) also report higher-than-average travel expenses, while those in the North East expect to spend the least at £77.
These costs come as rail fares in England rose by 4.9% in 2024, with another 4.6% increase scheduled for March.***
Transport Costs Impact Christmas Gift Budgets
Half of those surveyed said the high cost of travel this Christmas has forced them to cut back on presents. For train travellers, this figure rises to 61%.
Londoners, who face the most expensive travel costs, are particularly affected, with 59% saying they are unable to spend as much on gifts as they would like.
Young people aged 18-24 are the hardest hit, with 66% stating travel costs are reducing their ability to give presents, compared to just 28% of those aged 55 and older.
For some, the expense of travelling home means missing out on family celebrations altogether. Nearly one in five (18%) said they won’t see their parents this Christmas due to travel costs, including 25% of 25-34 year-olds.
Budget Travel Tips from Turo
Turo’s Director, Rory Brimmer, shared practical advice to help alleviate travel costs during the festive season:
“It’s a real shame that the high cost of getting home for Christmas is stopping so many people from buying the gifts they feel their friends and family deserve. But with the average trip home costing £114 for those without a car – or £151 for Londoners – that’s the reality. While not owning a car makes perfect sense for millions of city dwellers year-round, during the holidays it is a real pain.”
- Rent through Turo.
“Car sharing offers a flexible and affordable alternative to train travel – with cars available from £29 a day on Turo*. Get a car delivered to your door or find a car right in your neighbourhood too, meaning you can save on any public transport costs to the railway station, and you can bring far more luggage more comfortably. That means bigger presents for your nieces and nephews.” - Book travel early.
“If you are taking the train or flying to your destination, make sure to book as early as possible to avoid any surge pricing and get the widest possible range of options. Advance singles are generally far cheaper than flexible train tickets. Consider whether you can actually travel to your Christmas destination a little bit earlier and work remotely there – prices could be a lot cheaper than they are on Christmas Eve.” - Carpool when possible.
“Chances are someone you know or who lives near you is driving near enough to your destination. Ask around your friend group to see if you can split petrol costs with anyone going near to your destination, and if that fails try your local street or neighbourhood WhatsApp or Facebook group. Make sure if you do this that you know the person driving enough to trust them.” - Opt for coach travel.
“Coaches are generally the most affordable option for travelling around the UK, but are also quite slow. If time is on your side and you don’t mind the longer journey, the coach can be an essential tool – even if it is just for one leg of your journey.”
