In many situations, transport is an unavoidable expense. You may not be able to work remotely, for example, or not live near a supermarket, GP or other essential amenities. Travel is crucial to how most people socialise and enjoy leisure time too – but with the rising cost of living, you could have to go the extra mile to protect your budget.

Petrol and diesel prices hit record highs in March of this year, while rail fares rose by up to 3.8% in the same month. With used car prices also booming due to a variety of factors, you might need to assess your finances to keep getting from A to B.

Thankfully, there are still savings to be had whether you need to travel for work or leisure. Below, read some of the best ways to save money on transport in 2022.

Walk or cycle instead

Okay, let’s get the obvious one out of the way. If you rely on cars, buses or taxis for short journeys, could you feasibly walk or cycle instead?

Walking costs nothing more than the shoes on your feet, while cycling doesn’t have to be much more expensive if you can take advantage of the Cycle to Work scheme.

You don’t have to rely on your legs every time of course, but even swapping a few journeys a week could shave serious money off your transport costs.

Book travel in advance

It still pays to book ahead if you know you’ll need to catch a train on a certain date. Advance tickets are limited in number, but you can set up alerts to find out when they’re released – which is usually around 12 weeks before the journey date. They work out significantly cheaper than anytime tickets, though they’re usually non-refundable.

When it comes to booking flights, you’re usually best to book around two to three months in advance for popular routes in peak season. Last-minute bargains do pop up, though, providing you’ve got a flexible schedule. 

Use your car wisely

If you do have a car, there are plenty of ways to keep it running without driving your spending through the roof.

Regular servicing and maintenance are crucial for avoiding larger repair bills later down the line. It’s usually worth getting a new car insurance quote each year too, as providers change their prices all the time.

Other tips include getting good breakdown cover, comparing petrol stations, car sharing with friends and colleagues, and using apps to find cheap parking.

Take advantage of discounts

If train or bus are your only options, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible for discounts. There are lots of different railcards available and whether you’re a student, senior or disabled, signing up will typically reduce your travel costs by a third.

Buses, meanwhile, usually work out cheaper than trains, especially if you’re travelling long-distance and are happy for your journey to take longer.

Could you take any of these tips on board and become a savvier traveller?