The commuting index

Whether it’s cruising through coastal views or cutting through vibrant cityscapes, where you live can make all the difference in how your commute feels, making your daily drive something to look forward to rather than dread.

Using U.S. Census data, we identified the average commute time by city – among other factors – for over 550 locations to determine the places with the most efficient, most affordable, and most scenic commutes. No matter where you drive, having a reliable, flexible option like a SIXT+ car subscription can make all the difference on your daily commute.

1. Kenova, West Virginia

Kenova tops the list of cities with the most efficient commute. With an average commute time of just 6 minutes, Kenovians rarely face any traffic while going to and coming home from work each day. In addition to a short commute time, Kenova boasts a perfect commuter rating, signaling that residents are quite content with their daily commutes. Gas across West Virginia also averages at $3.10 a gallon on average – lower than the national average – and with just one toll road in the entire state, getting to and from work is affordable as well. However, while the commutes are quick, Kenova offers residents the chance to lead a laid-back lifestyle away from big cities.

2. Rutland, Vermont

Moving up north to New England, Rutland ranks second in our ranking. With an average commute time of 14 minutes and a perfect commuter rating, it’s a breeze for Rutland’s workforce to get to their jobs each day. With gas costs coming in at $3.15 a gallon on average, and just three toll roads across the state, Rutlanders typically aren’t breaking the bank commuting. Rutland’s short commute time can be attributed to the city’s compact layout, low congestion, and a wide variety of local employers helping to keep most jobs close to home.

3. Ocean City, Maryland

Showing up on our list once again, ranks as the third city with the most efficient commute. While typically a summer vacation destination, Ocean City locals spend an average of 19 minutes commuting daily – not bad for a place that experiences major seasonal traffic! Despite its popularity as a vacation spot, this seaside escape has a perfect commuter rating, showing that locals enjoy a smooth daily drive. Across Maryland, gas costs about $3.27 a gallon on average, and with 8 toll roads in the state, commuting is a bit more expensive for Marylanders. However, Ocean City’s commute time can be credited to its calm off-season, small-town feel, and strong local economy that bolsters job growth.

4. Malta, Montana

Out west, the small town of Malta ranks fourth with an average commute time of 9 minutes. Though the city has a shorter commute time, the commuter rating is just average, perhaps due to the fact that in some areas, there’s nothing but wide open land surrounding you. Across Montana, gas prices are $3.18 a gallon on average, and there are no toll roads, helping Montanans benefit from low-cost, no-hassle drives that keep their commutes easy.

5. Pleasant View, Utah

Rounding out the top five cities is Pleasant View, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. This city has the longest commute time compared to the top four cities, but considering its proximity to Ogden and Salt Lake City, residents are spending a minimal amount of time commuting. Pleasant View also boasts a perfect commuter rating, showing that locals are happy with their daily commutes. Though gas prices across Utah are higher than the national average, coming in at $3.28 a gallon on average, there’s just one toll road in the state, helping to keep overall commuting costs in check.

6. Glasgow, Montana

In northeastern Montana, the small town of Glasgow ranks sixth with an average commute time of 9 minutes. Though the commute time is brief, the commuter rating remains average, more than likely influenced by the rural landscape and vast open spaces surrounding the area. Throughout Big Sky Country, gas prices are $3.18 per gallon on average, and with no toll roads, residents enjoy efficient drives that keep their daily commutes stress-free.

7. White City, Utah

Ranking once again is White City, landing as the seventh city with the most affordable commute. Despite the longer drive compared to some other cities – an average of 23 minutes – the city boasts a perfect commuter rating, reflecting smooth traffic flow. Gas prices average $3.28 per gallon, and while there’s one toll road, residents still benefit from affordable and manageable commutes.

8. Newark, Delaware

Once again, Newark ranks eighth for most efficient commute, alongside most scenic and most affordable. With an average commute time of 20 minutes and a perfect commuter rating, residents have access to well-managed traffic and reliable road infrastructure. Delaware’s gas prices come in at $3.14 per gallon, and though there are three toll roads statewide, drivers benefit from efficient routes that keep their daily drives smooth.

9. Burlington, Vermont

Further North, Burlington ranks ninth for the most efficient commute. An average commute time of 20 minutes and a perfect commuter rating showcase smooth traffic patterns. Gas prices across the state average at $3.14 per gallon, and while there are three toll roads across the state, residents don’t need to stress about spending tons of time commuting each day.

10. Seldovia, Alaska

Tucked away on Alaska’s southern coast, Seldovia ranks as the tenth city with the most efficient commute, with residents spending just an average of four minutes driving to work. Despite the short commute time, the city has a poor commuter rating, likely due to limited road infrastructure and reliance on other modes of transportation to go beyond the town. Across Alaska, gas prices average $3.53 per gallon, making it one of the more expensive places to get around. With such a short commute time, residents don’t need to worry about breaking the bank regularly.

11. South Burlington, Vermont

In northwestern Vermont, South Burlington ranks as the eleventh most efficient city for commuting. Residents spend an average of 19 minutes commuting, and a perfect commuter rating, thanks to minimal congestion. Though there are three toll roads and gas prices average $3.15 per gallon across the Green Mountain state, residents still benefit from smooth drives that make commuting a breeze.

12. Simpsonville, South Carolina

In northwestern South Carolina, Simpsonville ranks as the state with the twelfth most efficient commute. With an average commute time of 23 minutes, the drive time is one of the higher ones on the list, but the city boasts a perfect commuter rating. With gas prices averaging at $2.88 per gallon and only one toll road throughout the state, driving around Simpsonville is budget-friendly and relatively hassle-free.

13. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Known more for its beaches rather than rush hour, Rehoboth Beach ranks thirteenth on the list of most efficient commutes. Despite being a popular summer destination, with an average 21 minute commute time and a perfect commuter rating, local traffic flows smoothly on and off peak season. Gas prices average at $3.14 per gallon, and with three toll roads in the state, residents can still enjoy an efficient commute to work.

14. Adak, Alaska

Located among Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands, Adak ranks as the fourteenth city with the most efficient commute. This Alaskan city has one of the shortest commute times, coming in at just five minutes, but has a less-than-average commuter rating – likely due to challenging weather conditions and limited road infrastructure. With gas prices averaging at $3.53 per gallon and one toll road in the entire state, commuting in Adak is less about traffic and more about navigating the rugged landscape.

15. Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh ranks as the fifteenth city with the most efficient commute. Despite its growing metro area, the city has a perfect commuter rating and a relatively short commute time for a major metro, with residents spending 23 minutes on average commuting. With gas prices averaging $2.99 per gallon and two toll roads throughout the state, Raleigh commuters are able to balance affordability with efficiency.

Whether you’re seeking a more efficient route, an affordable drive, or a scenic ride, where you live can impact your daily commute. For some, a shorter commute means a chance to ease into the day. For others, affordability helps stretch the monthly budget a bit further. For those lucky enough to pass by rivers, mountains, or the sea – the commute itself becomes something to admire. From the peaceful roads of Kenova to the postcard-worthy drives through Clearwater, an ideal commute is more than just possible, it’s happening every day for residents in cities across the nation.

METHODOLOGY

Using U.S. Census data, we identified 559 U.S. cities’ average commute times to find the cities with the fastest, shortest, and most scenic commutes by analyzing the number of state parks in close proximity, the number of public parks, the number of Instagram hashtags, and commuter satisfaction in each city. We also analyzed average gas and toll prices at a state level to determine our ranking of the U.S. cities with the best commutes. Data is accurate as of April 11, 2025.