PCS Travel Days Calculator
Calculate your authorized PCS travel days, proceed time, per diem estimates, and plan your military move timeline. Enter your distance and travel mode to get started. Everything runs in your browser — no data is stored or sent to any server.
How PCS Travel Days Calculator Works
When you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, the military authorizes a specific number of travel days based on the distance between your old and new duty station and your mode of travel. For privately owned vehicle (POV) travel, you are authorized one travel day for every 350 miles of the official distance. Air travel typically receives one travel day regardless of distance. In both cases, you receive one additional proceed day for personal business.
OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) moves receive additional travel days to account for the complexity of international relocation. This typically adds one to two extra days depending on your destination and whether you need to clear customs, process vehicles, or handle passport and visa requirements.
Travel Day Formulas
POV/Driving: Travel Days = ceil(Distance / 350 miles) + 1 proceed day
Air Travel: 1 travel day + 1 proceed day = 2 total days
OCONUS Addition: +1 to +2 extra travel days
Per Diem (2026 CONUS): $157/day
Understanding Per Diem During PCS
Service members receive per diem for each authorized travel day during a PCS move. The 2026 CONUS per diem rate is $157 per day, which covers lodging and meals. Dependents also receive a per diem allowance, though at a reduced rate. The actual per diem you receive may vary based on your specific orders, the number of dependents traveling with you, and whether you are traveling in CONUS or OCONUS areas.
Per diem is designed to offset the cost of travel, including hotels, meals, and incidental expenses. Keep all receipts during your PCS move, as some expenses may be reimbursable beyond the standard per diem allowance. Your transportation office can provide specific guidance on what additional expenses qualify for reimbursement.
PCS Move Planning Checklist
A successful PCS move requires careful planning that starts well before your report date. Begin by scheduling your household goods pickup at least six weeks before your planned move date. Contact your new installation housing office to arrange temporary or permanent housing. Update your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information and transfer medical records. Notify your current and receiving units of your travel timeline. Use this calculator to determine your authorized travel window so you can plan stops, lodging, and arrival at your new duty station with plenty of time to spare.
OCONUS vs. CONUS Moves
OCONUS moves are significantly more complex than CONUS relocations. They involve shipping vehicles overseas, potential storage of household goods, passport and visa processing, and overseas screening requirements. The additional travel days authorized for OCONUS moves reflect this added complexity. Service members should work closely with their transportation management office (TMO) to ensure all requirements are met well in advance of their report date. Common OCONUS destinations include Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and the United Kingdom, each with unique entry requirements and processing timelines.