Planner Inputs
Journey Time Graph
Example Data Table
| Journey | Distance (km) | Speed (km/h) | Stops | Transfers | Delay Buffer (%) | Estimated Total (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Intercity | 185 | 92 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 181 |
| Regional Connector | 96 | 68 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 123 |
| Airport Link Express | 42 | 75 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 67 |
Formula Used
Base Run Time: Distance ÷ Average Speed × 60
Station Stop Time: Intermediate Stops × Average Dwell Time
Transfer Time: Transfer Count × (Transfer Walk Time + Layover Safety)
Peak Penalty: (Base Run Time + Station Stop Time) × Peak Demand Percentage
Reliability Buffer: (Base Run + Stops + Transfers + Peak Penalty) × Delay Buffer Percentage
Estimated Travel Time: Base Run + Stops + Transfers + Peak Penalty
Total Planned Time: Estimated Travel + Boarding Buffer + Reliability Buffer
Return Trip Total: Total Planned Time × 2, if enabled.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the journey name and both station names.
- Select the expected departure time.
- Provide distance and realistic average speed.
- Add intermediate stops and average dwell minutes.
- Enter transfer count and walking time.
- Set boarding, layover, and delay safety margins.
- Apply a peak demand penalty if congestion is likely.
- Submit the form to view timings, summary metrics, and chart.
- Use CSV or PDF export for saved planning records.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this journey planner calculate?
It estimates planned train journey time using distance, speed, stops, transfer time, peak penalties, boarding margin, and reliability buffer. It helps you decide when to leave and what total travel time to budget.
2. Is this planner connected to live rail schedules?
No. This version estimates journey timing from your inputs only. It is useful for planning, scenario comparisons, staffing, and punctuality preparation when you want a structured timing model.
3. Why should I include a delay buffer?
A delay buffer protects your schedule from common disruptions. Minor operational delays, crowding, slower boarding, and transfer friction can all increase actual travel time beyond the base estimate.
4. What is the peak demand penalty?
The peak demand penalty adds extra minutes during busy periods. It accounts for congestion, slower passenger movement, platform crowding, and additional waiting that often appears during commuting peaks.
5. How should I choose average speed?
Use a realistic trip average, not the train’s top speed. Consider actual route conditions, stop frequency, track limits, and service pattern. Conservative estimates usually create better planning outcomes.
6. What counts as transfer time?
Transfer time includes walking between platforms, stairs, escalators, ticket gates, orientation delays, and a layover safety margin. This helps reflect real movement inside stations.
7. Can I use this for return trips?
Yes. Enable the return trip option to double the total planned journey time. This is useful for daily commuting, field visits, and round-trip time budgeting.
8. What do CSV and PDF downloads include?
The exports include the main route details and timing outputs. They help document travel assumptions, compare scenarios, and share planning summaries with colleagues or clients.