Between tuition, textbooks, and meal plans, commuting is just one more expense on a student’s plate—but it doesn’t have to break your budget. Whether you’re getting to class by train, bus, bike, or rideshare, there are plenty of ways to cut commuting costs with student discounts, transit programs, and cashback tools. With the right setup, you can move around campus and the city while keeping your finances intact.

Take Advantage of U-Pass and Student Transit Discounts

Many colleges and universities partner with local transit authorities to offer discounted or even free access to public transportation. The U-Pass program is a common option across the U.S., giving full-time students unlimited rides on local buses and trains throughout the semester. Programs vary by region, so check with your school or transit system for availability.

For example, the Chicago Transit Authority U-Pass offers full access to CTA services, while the Washington Metro U-Pass provides unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus during the academic year.

If your school doesn’t offer a U-Pass, most city transit systems still provide student fares or semester passes. Explore options with your local provider—these are often half the price of regular tickets.

Use Cashback Tools for Rideshare Savings

While public transit is ideal, there are days when you need to get to campus quickly or late at night when buses aren’t running. For those trips, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft can be lifesavers. To save on those rides, purchase rideshare gift cards through Fluz and earn instant cashback.

Using Uber gift cards or Lyft gift cards via Fluz helps you stick to a budget while getting rewarded for every trip. Load them into your rideshare app and use them for occasional commutes, late-night study sessions, or safe rides home from events.

Budget with Prepaid Transit Cards

Prepaid cards help prevent overspending on transportation. Cities like New York offer MetroCards, while others use tap cards or reloadable passes. If your city offers a reloadable option, set a weekly or monthly budget and track your use to stay on course. Many of these systems also support automatic refills, ensuring you never miss a ride because your balance ran low.

Consider Campus Shuttles and Bike Shares

Don’t overlook free or low-cost campus shuttle systems—many universities operate frequent loops between dorms, lecture halls, and nearby neighborhoods. Some even partner with city transit to bridge longer commutes.

If you’re close enough to bike to class, city-sponsored bike shares or discounted student bike programs can be a great way to save. Look into services like Divvy for Students in Chicago or Citi Bike in New York, which offer steep discounts on annual memberships for college students.