The average trip length (one-way) is 9.7 miles according to the 2009 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey. Trip lengths vary by the purpose of the trip. Shopping and family/personal business are the shortest trips, on average. One-way trips to/from work average 12.2 miles.

Trip Length by Purpose, 2009
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Note: A trip is defined as one-way travel from one address to another address. For specific definitions of trip purposes, see pdf page 77 of the Summary of Travel Trends: 2009 National Household Travel Survey.

Supporting Information

Trip Length and Share of Trips by Purpose
Trip PurposeTrip Length
(Miles)
Share of Trips
To/from work12.222.3%
Work-related business17.23.9%
Shopping6.522.8%
Other family/personal business6.821.9%
School/church8.85.0%
Medical/dental9.92.6%
Vacation31.40.7%
Visit friends/relatives15.75.7%
Other social/recreational8.614.9%
Other190.3%
All9.7100.0%

Source:
2009 National Household Travel Survey

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