How to use the flight time calculator
- Choose an origin city and a destination city.
- The distance, estimated flight time and range are shown, and the world map below connects the two cities with a neon green line.
- To swap them, press the swap button.
How the flight time calculator works
The great-circle distance, the shortest path along the Earth's surface, is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the two airports using the haversine formula. The line looks curved on the map because the Earth is round, so the real shortest path appears as a curve on a flat map. The distance is then divided by a cruising speed of about 800 km/h and 45 minutes is added for taxiing, climbing and descending to give an estimated time. For example, the distance between Incheon and Narita is about 1,260 km, which comes to about 2 hours 20 minutes. Real flights do not fly straight lines, and prevailing westerly winds change the duration depending on direction. The same route is usually shorter eastbound than westbound. That is why a small range is shown next to the estimate.
Tips
- Use it to get a rough idea of travel time when planning a trip.
- It is a baseline when comparing the total duration of direct and connecting flights.
- Knowing the distance also helps you estimate the miles you might earn.
- Check it together with the time difference before departure to plan what to do after you arrive.
How to read the estimate
The range shown allows for differences caused by wind and routing. On long flights, eastbound trips often fall toward the short end thanks to the westerlies, while westbound trips fall toward the long end. On short flights the share of time spent taking off and landing is larger, so the time feels long for the distance. For exact times, check the schedule published by the airline.
Notes & limitations
This tool gives a distance-based estimate, not actual flight data. Check the airline and booking sites for the real duration, departure and arrival times and any connections. Time for airport transfers, check-in and immigration is not included.
FAQ
Why is it different from the real flight time?
The real time varies with route, wind, aircraft type and airport congestion, so the value here is an estimate.
Does it include airport waiting time?
No. It includes only the takeoff and landing phases, not check-in or immigration time.
My city is not in the list.
About 40 cities with major airports are provided. Please tell us which city you need on the contact page.