November 15, 2026, 6:52 am | Read time: 7 minutes

Rail Transport Is Not Kind to Commuters

Imagine–this requires a bit of imagination–you’re standing on the platform, the train arrives on time, you board, and there are no further incidents during the journey, and you arrive at your destination on time. In this case, more people might be willing to tolerate commuting. However, the current reality on the rails is quite different.

Frustration over train delays and cancellations is one thing. Those who must travel by train frequently for work may become more sensitive to complications. Especially since travel time can significantly increase, costing you time you would spend at either location–likely including work time you have to make up or complete during your commute. For this issue: Good luck with the Wi-Fi on the rails.

Commuting Harms Health–Especially by Car

But commuting doesn’t always mean train rides. On the contrary, as reported by “ZDF heute,” according to the Federal Statistical Office, significantly more people commute by car (65 percent compared to 16 percent using public transportation, as of 2025). And according to the “Mobility in the Workplace” report by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) on the health effects of commuting, long car rides particularly affect those involved.

For the study commissioned by TK, the Institute for Occupational Health Consulting (IFBG) evaluated 79 scientific studies on occupational mobility. It was impressively shown that with longer commuting times and greater distances, psychological and physical stress also increase. Additionally, according to the evaluated studies, quality of life and social relationships suffer from long commutes.

The analysis is already a few years old, but the burden has not decreased recently. Commutes are getting longer in many places, partly due to construction on the rail network. Rising rents in big cities are also driving many families to the suburbs, increasing commuter flows. The Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning delves into this in a publication.

Recent studies also show that long commuting times are associated with higher stress levels and health complaints. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, last year, employees with long commutes had 11 percent more sick days due to mental illness than those with shorter commutes.

Commuters Often Withdraw Socially

You might also know the feeling of being exhausted after a hectic workday that started and ended with a crowded train or bus ride, needing peace in the evening.

For professional commuters, whether by public transport or car, this is even more pronounced. A British study found that people with long commutes maintain social contacts less frequently. They also described themselves as generally less satisfied with their interpersonal relationships. This effect was particularly pronounced among women.

Speaking of relationships. Many people commute for their partnership. This can be primarily emotionally taxing, as the relatively rare opportunities to be together lead to missing each other. Additionally, depending on how often you visit each other or meet halfway, the described side effects of commuting can also occur. Traveling is traveling.

Expert Explains Why Commuting Is Psychologically Stressful

TRAVELBOOK spoke with travel psychologist Christina Miro about the topic. She explains that commuting can be particularly mentally taxing because, in addition to the actual work and other daily obligations, the commute places additional demands on our attention and stress regulation. “We have to observe traffic, make decisions, react to changes, and simultaneously meet time commitments,” the expert explains. It becomes especially stressful when you feel unable to meet these demands. The body may respond with a stress reaction.

The Biggest Stress Factors in Commuting

According to Miro, time pressure, unpredictability, and the feeling of losing control are key psychological stress factors in commuting. “For example, if we’re stuck in traffic or our train is canceled, we often can’t change the situation but still need to arrive on time,” she explains. “The combination of high demands and limited influence can be particularly stressful.”

Having to commute regularly for work or personal reasons usually means limited flexibility in shaping your commute. This can cause additional stress. However, those who can decide when and how they travel may find commuting less burdensome because they have more control over the situation.

More on the topic

Including a Recipe for the Perfect Vacation Happiness How and Why Travel Makes You Happy

Specific Anxiety Disorder What Travelers Can Do About Hodophobia

Tips to Better Cope with Commuting

“It’s helpful to consider which aspects of commuting we can actually influence,” says Miro. This includes, for example, planning enough time buffers to avoid immediate pressure in case of delays. Flexible working hours or the option to work from home on certain days can also reduce the burden. While such changes aren’t always possible, they can help where personal flexibility or employer support allows.

Those who commute for personal reasons–such as for a relationship–might discuss with their partner how to make the situation more pleasant for both. One partner may find the regular travel more burdensome than the other, who might be more willing to hop on the train.

Try to Get Something Out of the Commute

Some people like to use their commute to organize their thoughts and mentally transition from work to personal mode. For them, commuting can be a helpful transition phase. Those who see travel time as lost time might try to learn from them.

According to the psychologist, even small changes in how you handle your commute can lead to improvements. Try using the seemingly lost time on public transport for reading, listening to music, or other enjoyable activities. Similarly, consciously planned rest periods can help you unwind after a stressful workday.

“Whether we experience this phase of life as a burden or an opportunity for reorientation also depends on the significance we assign to it and how we shape it,” Miro summarizes. It may be worthwhile to question your perspective and perhaps even adjust your attitude a bit.