National Travel Survey

About the survey

The National Travel Survey is a household survey of personal travel by residents of England travelling within Great Britain. The data collected via interviews and a 7-day travel diary is used by the Government to develop its transport policy and make sure transport plans meet England’s travel needs. 

The National Travel Survey (NTS) 2023 was the first year since 2019 to operate with face-to-face data collection for the full survey year.

Findings

The latest National Travel Survey report was published in August 2024 by the Department for Transport. This report covers the full survey year 2023.

How often people travel

People living in England made 915 trips on average in 2023. Average trips made by people living in England have increased by 6% in 2023 compared to 2022 (862 trips on average). Trip rates remain lower than in 2019 with a decrease of 4% compared to 2023 (953 trips on average). 

How far people travel

The average distance travelled in 2023 was 5,974, a 11% increase compared to 2022 (5,373 miles on average) but a decrease of 8% compared to 2019 (6,500 miles on average). The longest distance travelled was for commuting with 1,055 miles per person in 2023, an increase of 5% compared to 2022.

Time people spent travelling

On average, in 2023 people spent 353 hours travelling, a 9% increase compared to 2022 (324 hours on average) but a 5% decrease compared to 2019 (370 hours on average).

How people travel

In 2023, average trips increased for both car drivers and passengers to 363 trips per person and 185 trips per person respectively, however, these remained below pre-pandemic levels. Car driving was the most frequent mode to begin a trip, with 39% of trips. Females made more car trips than males. However, males made longer car journeys than females. 

Why people travel

The most common trip purpose in 2023 was shopping with 169 trips per person. This was an increase of 12% compared to 2022 (151 trips per person), but is a 7% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (181 trips per person). Commuting was the second most common trip purpose in 2023 with 117 trips per person. This remained similar to 2022 (119 trips per person), and a decrease of 16% compared to 2019 (140 trips per person). Average trips for business, personal business and day trips increased during 2023 compared to 2022. 

Methodology

• In 2023 we selected a sample of 21,758 household addresses in England. This sample is specifically chosen to represent the wider population.
• Everyone living in England has an equal chance of being asked to take part in the survey.
• We ask everyone living in these households if they will be interviewed and keep a travel diary for one week.
• We find out what types of transport they use, why they make the trips they do and how they go to work, school and to the shops. The information gathered is then used to help create a national picture of how people travel.
• The 2023 data was mainly collected using the traditional NTS methodology: face to face (F2F) interviewing with doorstep recruitment. However, where interviewers encountered respondents with COVID-19 or respondents who were shielding or otherwise unable to take part face-to-face due to COVID-19, a phone back-up (PB) alternative was available. 

Click on the links below to read the mid-year findings and technical note.