How many calories does driving a car burn?

Driving a car or light truck (2.0 MET) burns approximately 147 calories per hour for a 70 kg person. This is about twice the resting metabolic rate.

Does riding as a passenger burn calories?

Yes, being a passenger (1.3 MET) burns slightly more than resting (1.0 MET). A 70 kg person burns approximately 96 kcal per hour as a passenger.

How does the distance-based mode work?

Enter your trip distance and average speed. The calculator divides distance by speed to derive the duration, then applies the MET formula. For example, 100 km at 80 km/h = 75 minutes.

Why does motorcycle riding burn more calories than car driving?

Motorcycle riding (2.8 MET) requires active balance, core engagement, and continuous body adjustments, resulting in a higher MET value than passive car driving (2.0 MET).

What is the walking equivalent?

The walking equivalent shows how many minutes of moderate walking (3.5 MET) would burn the same number of calories as your driving session. It provides a useful comparison for personal journaling.

How accurate are driving calorie estimates?

MET-based estimates provide a useful baseline for journaling. Actual expenditure varies with traffic conditions, terrain, vehicle type, and individual factors.

Driving Calories Burned Calculator

Name: Driving Calories Burned Calculator
Author: Manish Kumar

Key Takeaways

The 2024 Compendium lists transportation MET values from 1.3 (passenger) to 2.8 (motorcycle).^[1]
Driving a car (2.0 MET) for 60 minutes estimates approximately 147 kcal for a 70 kg person.^[2]
Motorcycle riding (2.8 MET) has the highest transportation MET value due to balance and body engagement.^[1]
The distance-based mode lets you enter trip distance and average speed to automatically calculate duration.
These are informational estimates for personal journaling. Individual results vary with driving conditions.

Quick Calorie Charts

Estimated kcal for 60 minutes continuous. For informational reference only.

Transportation	MET	55 kg	70 kg	85 kg	100 kg
Passenger (Car/Truck)	1.3	75	96	116	137
Passenger (Bus/Train)	1.3	75	96	116	137
Flying (Airplane/Helicopter)	1.8	104	132	161	189
Driving (Car/Light Truck)	2	116	147	179	210
Driving (Semi-Truck/Bus)	2.5	144	184	223	263
Motorcycle / Motor Scooter	2.8	162	206	250	294

How the Estimate Works

The calculator uses the standard MET formula with transportation MET values from the 2024 Compendium:^[1]

Calories = (MET × 3.5 × Wt_kg × Duration_min) ÷ 200

Time-based mode applies the transportation MET for the entered duration. Distance-based mode derives duration from distance ÷ average speed, then applies the same formula.

The walking equivalent shows how many minutes of walking (3.5 MET) would burn the same number of calories, giving you a comparison baseline for journaling.

Transportation Types Explained

Passenger (Car/Truck)

1.3 MET

Riding as a passenger in a car or truck

Passenger (Bus/Train)

1.3 MET

Riding as a passenger in a bus or train

Flying (Airplane/Helicopter)

1.8 MET

Piloting or operating an aircraft

Driving (Car/Light Truck)

2 MET

Driving an automobile or light truck

Driving (Semi-Truck/Bus)

2.5 MET

Driving a semi-truck, tractor, or bus

Motorcycle / Motor Scooter

2.8 MET

Riding a motorcycle or motor scooter

Driving vs. Other Activities

Driving-related activities have low MET values compared to exercise. For context, here are some comparisons:

Activity	MET
Resting / Sitting	1.0
Passenger in Car	1.3
Driving a Car	2.0
Walking (moderate pace)	3.5
Cycling (moderate)	6.8
Running (6 mph)	9.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

Transportation - Compendium of Physical Activities. Compendium of Physical Activities. PAC Compendium (2024)
2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities. Herrmann et al.. Journal of Sport and Health Science (2024)
Exercise energy expenditure and MET values. PMC. PMC (2019)

Manish Kumar

Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist

NASM-CPTCertified Sports Nutritionist10+ Years Experience500+ Clients Coached

NASM-certified fitness and nutrition coach with over 10 years of hands-on experience helping people build strength, lose fat, and live healthier lives. Specializing in gym-based workouts with a strong focus on lifting technique, biomechanics, and practical exercise science. Through FitLifeRegime, sharing the tools, tips, and insights that have worked for hundreds of clients — helping you start your own fitness journey with confidence and clarity.

Learn more about Manish

NASM Certified

Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine

This tool is for informational and journaling purposes only.

I am NOT a doctor.