NHS Excess Mileage Calculator 2026

Calculation Breakdown
New One-Way Distance -
Non-Claimable (Normal Commute) -
Eligible Excess Miles (Each Way) -
Total Eligible Annual Excess Miles -
Total Business Miles Submitted -
Miles paid at Higher Tier (Up to 3,500) -
Miles paid at Lower Tier -
Rate Used -
Daily Payout Equivalent £0.00
Weekly Payout Equivalent £0.00
Estimated Annual Reimbursement £0.00

Guide

NHS trainees and staff may be able to claim excess mileage reimbursement if they travel more than 17 miles each way to work.

How NHS Excess Mileage Works

Currently this calculater defaults to 56p for less than 3,500 miles and 21p for distances traveled over that.

From 1 June 2026, the standard rate will increase to 0.59p (<3,500), and the drop-down rate will increase to 0.36p (>3500 miles).

From 1 July 2026, the dropdown rate will increase from 3,500 miles to 4,500 miles per annum.

From 1 April 2027, the mileage counter reset will change from 1 July to 1 April

Reserve Mileage Rate

NHS mileage rates are subject to change. Currently, this calculator defaults to 56p per mile for the first 3,500 miles, and 21p per mile for any mileage exceeding that threshold. Rates will automatically update at midnight on the date any official changes take effect.

Important Notes
  • Some single-site trainees may not qualify.
  • London TFL travel may follow different reimbursement rules.
  • Bicycle journeys may use different reimbursement rates.
  • NHS organisations may apply local policies.
  • If you travel to the same hospital, clinic, or office regularly for a posting lasting longer than 24 months, it is your permanent base, and not eligible.
  • The tax system treats the cost of getting to your main place of work as a personal expense, not a business expense.
  • Your NHS Trust will not pay expenses for this travel, and HMRC will not grant tax relief on it.

NHS Excess Mileage Explained

NHS excess mileage reimbursement is designed to help trainees and staff who travel further distances to temporary or rotational placements.

1. 17 Mile Rule

Only mileage beyond the first 17 miles each way is usually claimable.

2. Rotational Training

Rotational trainees are more commonly eligible for excess mileage reimbursement.

3. Reserve Mileage Rate

Claims are typically calculated using the NHS reserve mileage rate.

4. Public Transport

Some NHS trusts allow equivalent excess mileage calculations for public transport journeys.

5. Bicycle Travel

Bicycle reimbursement may use different mileage rates than car travel.

6. Local Policies

Individual NHS trusts and deaneries may apply additional guidance or restrictions.

7. Who will be affected?

The changes happening from June 1, 2026, will apply to staff employed on the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service. Where local partnerships of employers and trade unions have agreed alternative arrangements to the provisions in Section 17 of the NHS TCS Handbook, it is not the intention that these new arrangements replace any local agreement. However, local partnerships are encouraged to review their existing local agreements in light of these changes.