Abstract The value given by commuters to the variability of travel times is empirically analysed using stated preference data from Barcelona (Spain). Respondents are asked to choose between alternatives that differ in terms of cost, average travel time, variability of travel times and departure time. Different specifications of a scheduling choice model are used to measure the influence of various socioeconomic characteristics. Our results show that travel time variability is valued on average 2.4 times more than travel time savings. Heterogeneity among commuters in terms of restrictions about the starting work time is shown to have significant effects on the value of travel time variability.