Question 1

Do I need to create an account or log in?

Accepted Answer

Nope. No account, or login necessary. Just install and use.

Question 2

Are travel times accurate?

Accepted Answer

Apple Maps provides helpful estimates, but they can occasionally be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or unavailable. Leave-by times and alerts rely on this information too, so they may not always be reliable. They're great for a quick glance, but for anything time-sensitive, it's best not to rely on them alone. Please also see our Terms of Use.

Question 3

Does CommuteBar collect my location data?

Accepted Answer

Nope. It stays on your Mac. Apple Maps uses it there to calculate routes; we never see it.

Question 4

Why doesn't CommuteBar appear in the Dock?

Accepted Answer

CommuteBar is a menu bar utility, so it doesn’t appear in the Dock like a regular app. Look for its icon in the menu bar, then open Settings from the popover or by right-clicking the icon.

Question 5

Why don't I see CommuteBar in the menu bar?

Accepted Answer

If CommuteBar is running but you don’t see its menu bar indicator, it may be hidden in the menu bar’s overflow or hidden-items area. Check there and make sure CommuteBar is set to stay visible. If the menu bar is crowded, hiding a few other items can also help. Finally, check System Settings → Menu Bar and make sure CommuteBar is allowed to appear.

Question 6

What permissions does CommuteBar need?

Accepted Answer

CommuteBar uses your location When In Use to calculate routes, with optional Location → Always for background updates and Notifications for leave-time and traffic alerts (off by default). You can change these permissions anytime in System Settings.

Question 7

What are commute windows?

Accepted Answer

For each destination you can set when you need to arrive, how early you want to get there, and which days apply. During those windows CommuteBar shows Leave by, Leave soon, and Leave now as traffic changes. Edit windows in Settings → Schedule (drag blocks across the week) or in the destination editor.

Question 8

What does Auto commute schedule do?

Accepted Answer

When Auto is on (Settings → Schedule), CommuteBar switches the monitored destination when a commute window opens. If two windows overlap, the preferred destination for that weekday wins. You can still switch manually anytime; Auto may switch again at the next window. Off by default.

Question 9

How do notifications work?

Accepted Answer

Notifications are optional and off by default. Turn on Enable in Settings → Notifications, allow macOS alerts, then choose which days to notify and quiet hours. You’ll get leave alerts and traffic updates (for example Leave Soon, Leave Now, Commute Delayed). Turn alerts off for today or fully off anytime from Settings.

Question 10

Can I choose drive, bike, or walk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each destination has its own Travel by mode (Car, Bike, or Walk). For driving you can avoid tolls and/or highways in Settings → Route. When Apple Maps offers a faster alternate, you can switch to it from the popover.

Question 11

Which macOS versions are supported?

Accepted Answer

CommuteBar requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

Question 12

How do I purchase or download CommuteBar?

Accepted Answer

Buy directly on this site or on the Mac App Store. Direct purchases get an emailed DMG download and license key. Lost the email? Use Get the app at /download with your checkout email (all active keys) or a specific license key.

Question 13

Activate before install. Nothing happens?

Accepted Answer

Install CommuteBar from the DMG first, then paste your license key in the app (or click Activate on the thank-you page).

Question 14

How many Macs can I activate?

Accepted Answer

Each Direct license activates on up to three Macs you own or control at the same time. Email support to reset a seat after replacing hardware. Do not resell or share keys publicly. Refunds within seven days via support revoke the license.

Question 15

What does a lifetime license include?

Accepted Answer

A lifetime Direct license is a perpetual right to use CommuteBar builds you receive. Updates are included when we ship them. We intend to maintain the app, but we do not guarantee future updates, new features, or compatibility with future macOS versions.

Question 16

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

For Direct purchases (including gifts), email support@commute.bar within seven days of purchase with your checkout email or order details for an any-reason refund. For gifts, the purchaser requests the refund (include the recipient email). After seven days we do not offer refunds. Refunds and payment disputes revoke the Direct license, including a gifted license. Mac App Store refunds are handled by Apple.

Question 17

How quickly do you reply to support emails?

Accepted Answer

Email support@commute.bar. We aim to reply within two business days (Monday-Friday, EST timezone).

Cut the commute to home

Know when to leave

Try it in the menu bar here

Live ETA in the menu bar

Multiple destinations

Drive, bike, or walk

Schedule commute windows

Get notified when to leave

Your location stays private

Ready to get your time back?

Frequently asked questions