# Ticket Optimizer (Single vs Pass)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/everyday-life/ticket-optimizer/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The ticket optimizer finds the cheapest way to pay for public transport during a stay or a month – single tickets, day passes, weekly passes or a mix – from the number of trips and the fares.

## Inputs

- Trips per day
- Number of days
- Single ticket
- Day pass
- 7-day pass

## Results

- Single tickets only
- Day passes only
- Weekly passes + days
- Cheapest option
- Best choice
- Saving versus singles

## Formula

```
Singles = trips per day × days × fare
Day passes = days × day-pass price
Weekly + extra = full weeks × weekly price + cheapest way to cover the remaining days
Cheapest = minimum of all options
```

## Explanation

Cities sell single tickets, day passes, weekly and monthly passes, and the best choice depends on how many rides you take. A day pass usually pays off from about three rides a day; a weekly pass from four or five days of regular travel.

### How to use the Ticket Optimizer

- **Trips per day**
- **Number of days**
- **Single ticket**
- **Day pass**
- **7-day pass**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter how many trips you make per day, for how many days, and the prices of a single ticket, a day pass and a 7-day pass.

### Tips

- Use your own measured figures – fuel economy, speed and prices vary a lot with driving style, traffic, load and season.
- Pick the unit in each field's menu (miles or kilometres, mpg or L/100 km); the calculator converts everything for you.
- Fill up to the brim twice and divide the distance by the fuel added to measure real fuel economy.
- For vehicle modifications, treat results as a starting point and confirm with the parts maker or a professional mechanic.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing US and imperial (UK) gallons – a UK gallon is about 20% bigger.
- Using the advertised fuel economy instead of real-world figures.
- Forgetting tolls, parking and wear and tear when comparing driving with public transport.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTrips per dayA numberNumber of daysA numberSingle ticketAmount in your currencyDay passAmount in your currency7-day passAmount in your currency

### What each result means

- **Single tickets only** = [Trips per day]×[Number of days]×[Single ticket]
- **Day passes only** = [Number of days]×min([Day pass], [Trips per day]×[Single ticket])
- **Weekly passes + days** = floor([Number of days]÷7)×[7-day pass] + min([7-day pass], mod([Number of days], 7)×min([Day pass], [Trips per day]×[Single ticket]))
- **Cheapest option** = min([Single tickets only], [Day passes only], [Weekly passes + days])
- **Saving versus singles** = [Single tickets only] - [Cheapest option]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Trips per day** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Trips per dayCheapest option1.5422.2548.93513.75514.551651

## Worked example

Inputs — Trips per day: 3; Number of days: 10; Single ticket: $2.8; Day pass: $7; 7-day pass: $30.

Results — Single tickets only = $84.00; Day passes only = $70.00; Weekly passes + days = $51.00; **Cheapest option = $51.00**; Best choice = Weekly passes (plus day passes or singles); Saving versus singles = $33.00.

## FAQ

**When is a day pass worth it?**
When the number of trips × the single fare exceeds the pass price – often from three rides a day.

**Is a weekly pass worth it for 5 days?**
Often yes, if you ride twice or more a day; the calculator compares all combinations.

**Does this include transfers?**
Enter your fares as you actually pay them, including any free transfer rules.

**What formula does the Ticket Optimizer use?**
Singles = trips per day × days × fare.