How much Canadians spend commuting

Canadians spend just below the global average of time spent behind the wheel when commuting, new research has found.

Ranking 10th in the world, Canadian drivers spent eight days and 29 minutes each year driving to and from work, according to the U.K.’s Autotrader.

Across countries surveyed, drivers average 8 days, 5 hours and 53 minutes a year on the commute. South Africa ranks first at more than 10 days, 4 hours and 48 minutes. India follows at 10 days and 1 hour, while Ireland totals 9 days and 14 hours. Americans ranked seventh at seven days, 17 hours and 31 minutes.

AutoTrader calculated annual totals using self‑reported daily drive times, the number of days travelled to work versus working from home, public holidays and statutory leave allowances.

Despite the time commitment, many drivers value the routine. Just over half of global respondents, 53 per cent, say they enjoy their car commute. Enjoyment is highest in South Africa at 72 per cent, followed by the United States at 57 per cent, New Zealand at 55 per cent, Germany at 54 per cent and the Netherlands at 53 per cent. The reasons align with how people use the time: 82 per cent listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks, 47 per cent appreciate time alone and 32 per cent say the act of driving itself is an enjoyable part of the day.

At the same time, 34 per cent find the drive stressful. India reports the most strain, with more than a third saying the trip to work is not relaxing. Greece and Mexico follow at 30 per cent and 29 per cent. In Italy, 26 per cent say stress dominates the commute, with the United Kingdom at 22 per cent.

Congestion is the top complaint, cited by 84 per cent of drivers. Driver behaviour is another sore point, noted by 70 per cent globally, and is highest in the UK and the Netherlands at 76 per cent, followed by France at 74 per cent, Germany at 73 per cent and Canada at 73 per cent.

Vehicle trouble is also common. Half (51 per cent) of motorists experienced car issues in the past year that disrupted their commute.

Many drivers want the time to feel more useful. Almost a third (30 per cent) say the commute leaves them drained, and 65 per cent wish they felt more productive.

Productivity author Emily Austen said commuters should rethink what counts as productive.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about productivity is that it only counts if you’re visibly producing something,” Austen said, adding that matching energy to the task matters. “Planning your playlist for the morning means that you are setting an intention for your mood. You’re reducing decision‑making and any issues for your commute. Reducing decision‑making is productive. Protecting your mood is productive.”

For those who prefer quiet, she suggested using the drive as rare uninterrupted thinking time.

When asked what would improve the daily drive, 65 per cent say a newer or different car would help. In‑car technology is next at 58 per cent, followed by more comfortable seats at 50 per cent and better fuel efficiency at 49 per cent.

“We often think of commuting in terms of time, but how that time feels is also just as important,” said Erin Baker, a car‑selling expert at Autotrader. “Commutes play a huge role in your day‑to‑day experience, whether that’s the stress of sitting in traffic or the simple pleasure of listening to your favourite podcast.”

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