Flight Time & Distance Calculator

Flight time is estimated by dividing the straight-line distance by an average cruising speed of 850 kilometers per hour, then adding a 45-minute buffer for taxi, climb, and descent. Actual flight duration varies with wind conditions, routing, aircraft type, and air traffic.

Prevailing winds significantly affect flight duration. Eastbound flights across the Atlantic are typically faster due to tailwinds from the jet stream. Westbound return flights can take an hour longer. Airlines also adjust routes for weather and air traffic.

When flying east, you lose hours and arrive later in local time; flying west, you gain hours. Our calculator shows the time-zone shift alongside flight duration so you can plan your first day accordingly. Factor in jet lag recovery time for trips crossing more than three time zones.

Most commercial jets cruise at 830 to 900 kilometers per hour (about 520 to 560 miles per hour). The Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 cruise slightly faster at around 900 km/h. Our calculator uses 850 km/h as a standard average.