We estimate the effects of urban forms on commuting distances within French urban areas using cross-sectional analysis (1999, 2007, and 2014). A stronger concentration of jobs relative to population within urban areas appears to significantly influence commuting distances. However, our estimates suggest relatively weak effects. Average distances between place of residence and place of work would decrease by 10% if jobs and population were equally distributed within urban areas. Our results show that commuting distances depend on many parameters beyond the spatial distribution of jobs within urban areas (density, demographics, and public transport).