Flight Time Calculator
Estimate how long a flight takes from the distance and cruise ground speed, plus a fixed allowance for taxi, take-off and descent. Calculates in your browser.
Estimated flight time
-
Show the math
Flight time is the cruise time from distance and ground speed, plus a fixed overhead for taxi, take-off, climb and descent:
time = distance ÷ speed + overhead
Typical jet cruise is around 500 mph (800 km/h). Real schedules pad the time for taxi queues, routing and headwinds, so block time is usually a little longer.
Distance and speed must use the same unit system. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A flight time calculator estimates how long a flight takes from the distance and cruise ground speed, plus a fixed allowance for taxi, take-off, and descent.
How to use it
- Enter the flight distance.
- Enter the cruise speed.
- Keep the units consistent.
- Read the estimated flight time.
How it works
Air time is distance over speed; a fixed overhead covers taxi, climb, and descent. Published block times add padding for queues and headwinds, so they run a little longer.
time = distance ÷ cruise speed + overhead
Understanding your result
The estimate separates air time from block time, and it is the longer block time, which adds taxi, queues, and typical headwinds, that you should use when planning connections or arrival pickups. Treat it as a guide rather than a schedule, because weather and air-traffic delays move the real number more than distance ever does.
Example
2,500 miles at 500 mph is 5 hours air time, about 5.5 hours block time with overhead.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is flight time calculated?
It divides distance by cruise ground speed for the time in the air, then adds a fixed overhead for taxi, take-off, climb and descent.
What cruise speed should I use?
A typical jet cruises around 500 mph (800 km/h). Distance and speed must use the same unit system.
Why is my real flight longer?
Published block times pad for taxi queues, indirect routing and headwinds, so the scheduled time is usually a little longer than the pure estimate.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
Related tools
Layover Calculator
Check whether your connection time is enough by comparing it to the minimum connection time for your flight type, terminal change and bag re-check. Calculates in your browser.
Baggage Weight Calculator
Add up the weight of your packed items and compare it to your airline allowance, flagging any overweight fee. Calculates in your browser.
Flight CO2 Calculator
Estimate the carbon footprint of a flight from distance, cabin class and trip type, with an optional high-altitude multiplier and trees-to-offset figure. Calculates in your browser.
Trip Cost Calculator
Build a full holiday budget from flights, lodging, food, local transport and activities, with per-person and per-day breakdowns. Calculates in your browser.