Question 1

How is the 'time value' calculated in this business travel calculator?

Accepted Answer

Time value is calculated by multiplying your hourly rate by the total travel time for each transport mode. For example, if your time is worth £150/hour and a train journey takes 4.5 hours, the time cost is £675. This represents the opportunity cost of time spent travelling instead of working. The total cost combines the actual travel expense plus this time value, giving a true picture of what each journey costs your business.

Question 2

Are these UK travel costs accurate for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Our 2026 cost data is based on average peak-time fares from National Rail, current fuel costs from the AA, commercial flight prices from major UK carriers, and private jet charter rates from NBAA/EBAA published guidelines. Train fares reflect anytime returns, car costs include fuel at £1.45/litre plus estimated parking, and commercial flights include baggage. Actual costs vary by booking date, time of travel, and availability.

Question 3

When does private jet travel make financial sense for UK business trips?

Accepted Answer

Private jet travel typically becomes cost-effective for UK routes when: (1) you're travelling with 3+ executives whose combined hourly rates exceed £400/hour, (2) the time savings enable an additional meeting or deal closure, (3) schedule flexibility is critical and commercial options are limited, or (4) multiple stops are needed in one day. For a London to Edinburgh day trip with 4 executives at £200/hour each, the private jet option often costs less than commercial when time value is included.

Question 4

Why do commercial flights show such high total time?

Accepted Answer

Commercial flight times include 3 hours of additional airport time: security, boarding, taxi time, and baggage collection. This is based on CAA and airline recommendations for domestic UK flights. Door-to-door, a 1-hour flight actually takes 4+ hours. Private jets reduce this to 30 minutes total (15 minutes each end) because you use FBOs with private security and walk directly to your aircraft.

Question 5

How reliable are UK train times in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Train times are based on scheduled journey lengths from National Rail. However, 2026 data shows LNER, Avanti West Coast, and CrossCountry achieving 85-92% punctuality on key routes. We've used scheduled times, but factor in 15-30 minutes buffer for connections. First class is assumed for business travel, providing workspace and WiFi—making some travel time productive, which this calculator doesn't yet account for.

Question 6

What hourly rate should I use for this calculator?

Accepted Answer

Use your fully-loaded cost to the business, not just salary. For employees, multiply annual salary by 1.3-1.5 (to account for NI, pension, benefits) then divide by 1,800 working hours. A £100,000 salary typically equals £70-80/hour. For business owners and partners, consider your billing rate or the revenue you generate per hour. Senior executives and deal-makers often value their time at £200-500/hour based on the business they can close.

Question 7

Does this calculator include return journeys?

Accepted Answer

The calculator shows one-way journey costs. For return trips, double the figures shown. However, private jet pricing often includes positioning legs, so return private jet costs may be less than double if the aircraft is already in position. For multi-leg trips or same-day returns, private aviation becomes increasingly competitive because you eliminate overnight accommodation and can complete more meetings per day.

Question 8

What about overnight stays and productivity?

Accepted Answer

This calculator focuses on travel time and cost only. For long routes, train travel may be more productive than driving (you can work on the train), partially offsetting the time cost. Commercial flights offer limited productivity due to airport time and short flight duration. Private jets offer full productivity throughout, with meeting tables, WiFi, and privacy. Factor these considerations when comparing options for your specific needs.

Question 9

How do I get a private jet quote for a UK business trip?

Accepted Answer

Contact a charter broker or operator directly with your route, dates, and passenger count. Expect quotes within 24 hours. For regular UK routes, consider jet card programmes or fractional ownership if you fly 25+ hours annually. Empty leg flights offer 25-75% discounts on specific routes. Our private jet SEO clients include operators who specialise in UK business travel—efficient door-to-door service for time-sensitive executives.

Question 10

Why are some routes showing as 'Not Available'?

Accepted Answer

Some transport modes aren't practical for certain routes. For example, there's no direct train to Belfast (it requires a ferry), and short routes like London-Birmingham don't have scheduled commercial flights. Car travel isn't shown for routes requiring ferry crossings. Private jets can serve almost any route with an appropriate airfield, making them the most flexible option for complex itineraries.

UK Business Travel Calculator

Understanding the True Cost of Business Travel

The Time Value Calculation

2026 UK Travel Costs: What's Changed

Rail Travel

Private Aviation

When Each Mode Makes Sense

Train

Car

Commercial Flight

Private Jet

Business Travel Calculator: Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered

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