What does each visit actually cost?

Visiting costs more than fuel. Parking, food, time away from work and incidentals all attach to every trip, and the total is worth knowing before committing to a regular schedule.

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How this works

The direct cost is fuel: round-trip distance divided by your vehicle's economy, multiplied by the price per gallon. Everything else — parking, food, tolls, a day off work — is the indirect cost, and in practice it is often the larger part.

Distance is usually the lever you can actually move. A closer facility, a video visit, or visiting less often and for longer are the realistic ways to reduce the total.

Enter your own figures. Fuel prices and vehicle economy vary too much for any default to be meaningful, which is why every field is editable.

Where the defaults come from

Every rate in this tool is editable. The starting values are the most common figures we could source, and you should replace them with the actual figures that apply to your jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

Are visits free?

There is normally no charge to visit a jail or prison, but the cost of getting there is yours. Video visits are often the only paid option, and they are usually priced per session.

How often can I visit?

Each facility sets its own schedule, and many limit visits to one or two per week or month. Some require advance booking and a background check, so confirm before travelling.

Is a video visit cheaper?

Usually, yes, once travel is counted. A video session may cost a fee but removes the fuel and the lost day, which is normally the larger expense.

Can I claim travel costs back?

Generally no. Travel to visit someone in custody is a personal expense, though some victim-compensation and assistance programmes cover related costs in specific circumstances.

Why does the tool not include lost wages?

Because it varies too much to default. If a visit costs you a day's pay, add that figure to the incidentals field to see the real total.

Last reviewed and updated: