In this article
Do I get paid a travel allowance?
Topic
Earnings
Freelance shift
Employed shift
31 Jul 2026
Travel allowance helps cover the cost of getting to and from work. Whether you’re eligible depends on the shift.
Employed shift
For employed shifts, you may get travel reimbursement to help cover commuting costs for a shift. This depends on your sector and the applicable collective labour agreement (CAO).
For example, hospitality and catering shifts usually don’t include travel reimbursement, unless the company decides to offer it.
Here’s how it works
- Fixed amount per kilometer: The rate is set by the CAO. You get a fixed amount per kilometer, no matter how you travel. So even if you travel by bike, you still get the set amount.
- Automatic calculation: The reimbursement is calculated automatically based on the distance from your home to the work location, using the fastest route.
- Distance limits: These depend on the CAO. In some CAOs, for example, the first 10 km are not reimbursed, and the maximum reimbursement is 35 km per one-way trip.
Freelance shift
For freelance shifts, your hourly rate is all-in. This means you cover your own travel costs. Even though there’s no official travel reimbursement, you can, of course, negotiate your rate. If a shift looks good but is a bit further away, you can always suggest a higher rate and explain to the client why.
