Flight Time Calculator
How long is your flight? Get flight duration, local arrival time, time difference and jet lag for any route. Or check the real flight time from your ticket.
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What is a flight time calculator?
A flight time calculator tells you how long a flight takes and what time you will land. It looks at the distance between airports, the speed of the plane and the wind. Then it changes the arrival time into local time at your destination.
That last part matters. A flight can leave in the evening and land the next morning, even if it only takes seven hours. Time zones make the clock jump.
This tool does the math for you. It also works as a flight calculator for distance, time difference and jet lag, all in one place.
Local arrival time
See the time and date you land, in local time.
Time zones built in
Summer time and winter time are handled for you.
Connections
Add stops and layovers for the full trip time.
Ticket check
Enter your ticket times to see the real flight time.
How to use the flight time calculator
Four steps. It takes less than a minute.
- Pick your airportsType a code like JFK or a city like London. Add a connection if you change planes.
- Choose a modeEstimate a flight from its route, or check the times printed on your ticket.
- Set the timeEnter your departure time in local time. Pick the aircraft if it is not a normal airliner.
- CalculateSee flight duration, local arrival time, time difference and a jet lag tip.
How flight duration is estimated
Every estimate starts with the distance between airports. Then we use a typical speed and add time on the ground.
The flight time formula
Flight time = Distance ÷ (Speed ± Wind) + 30 min
Total trip = All flights + Layovers
Flying east usually gets a push from the jet stream. Flying west usually fights it. That is why the same route can be an hour faster one way.
| Aircraft | Average speed used | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Jet airliner | 500 mph (805 km/h) | Most domestic and long haul flights |
| Private jet | 480 mph (772 km/h) | Business and charter trips |
| Regional jet | 440 mph (708 km/h) | Short routes between smaller cities |
| Turboprop | 300 mph (483 km/h) | Island hops and short regional flights |
Flight time, block time and travel time
Airlines and travelers use different words for time. Knowing the difference helps you plan better.
Air time
The time from take off to landing. This is the time the plane is actually flying.
Block time
From the moment the plane leaves the gate until it parks at the next gate. This is what your ticket shows.
Travel time
Your whole trip. It adds layovers, airport security, boarding and the ride to and from the airport.
How long is the flight? Popular routes both ways
Estimated flight times for a jet airliner. Notice how flights going east are often faster. Click a route to open it in the calculator.
| Route | Miles | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,442 | 6h 59m | 7h 57m | |
| 2,470 | 5h 06m | 5h 52m | |
| 1,741 | 4h 17m | 3h 45m | |
| 3,625 | 7h 19m | 8h 20m | |
| 3,416 | 7h 43m | 6h 50m | |
| 5,148 | 11h 32m | 10h 10m | |
| 6,836 | 13h 26m | 14h 51m | |
| 738 | 2h 06m | 1h 52m | |
| 404 | 1h 17m | 1h 20m |
How arrival time works across time zones
This is where most people get it wrong. Never add the flight time straight to your departure time. Follow these steps instead.
Start in local time
Take your departure time in the city you leave from.
Change to UTC
Turn it into world time (UTC) using the time zone of that city.
Add the flight
Add the flight time and any layovers to the UTC time.
Back to local
Turn the result into local time at your destination. Check the date too.
Short, medium and long haul flights
Airlines group flights by how long they take. The group tells you a lot about seats, meals and how tired you will feel.
Short haul
City hops and nearby countries. Snacks only on most airlines.
Medium haul
Coast to coast in the US, or across Europe. A meal is often for sale.
Long haul
Across an ocean. Meals, movies and a chance to sleep.
Ultra long haul
The longest routes in the world. Plan your sleep and move often.
Tips to beat jet lag
Jet lag gets worse with each time zone you cross. Flying east is usually harder than flying west. These habits help.
Shift early
Move your bedtime by an hour a day for a few days before you fly.
Set your watch
Change to destination time as soon as you board. Eat and sleep to that clock.
Drink water
Cabin air is dry. Drink often and go easy on alcohol and coffee.
Get daylight
Go outside on arrival. Morning light helps after flying east.
Nap short
If you must nap, keep it under 30 minutes so you sleep at night.
Arrive early
Crossing five or more zones? Land a day before important plans.
Flight time with connections and layovers
Many long trips have a stop. Your total travel time is every flight plus every layover. A short layover saves time but can be risky if your first flight is late.
Add each connection in the order you fly and pick the layover length. The calculator adds it all up and shows the local time you finally land.
| New York (JFK) to Karachi (KHI) | Time |
|---|---|
| Flight JFK to DXB | 13h 26m |
| Layover in Dubai | 2h 00m |
| Flight DXB to KHI | 1h 52m |
| Total travel time | 17h 18m |
A flight calculator for distance too
Every result shows the flight distance in miles. It is measured along the great circle route, which is the shortest path over the round earth.
Want more detail on distance, like kilometers, nautical miles or the frequent flyer miles you could earn? Use our air miles calculator. It shares the same airport list.
| You want to know | Best tool |
|---|---|
| How long is the flight | Flight time calculator |
| What time will I land | Flight time calculator |
| How far is the flight | Air miles calculator |
| How many reward miles | Air miles calculator |
| How far by road | Distance calculator |
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about flight duration, time zones and arrival times.
How do I calculate flight time?
Divide the distance by the plane's speed, adjust for wind, and add about 30 minutes for take off and landing. The calculator does all of this for you.
How do I work out my arrival time in local time?
Change your departure time to UTC, add the flight time, then change it to the time zone where you land. Enter your route and the tool shows it.
Why is my flight shorter going east?
Strong winds high up, called the jet stream, mostly blow from west to east. Planes flying east get a push. Planes flying west fly into it.
Can I check how long my booked flight really is?
Yes. Use "Check my ticket times". Enter the local departure and arrival times from your ticket and the tool shows the true time.
Does it handle daylight saving time?
Yes, for the built in airports. Summer and winter time are applied for the date you enter.
Can I add a layover?
Yes. Add a connection and pick the layover length. It is added to your total travel time.
How accurate is the estimate?
Most results land within 30 minutes of real schedules. Weather, air traffic and the exact route can change your actual time.
Why does the arrival look earlier than the departure?
When you fly west across many time zones, or cross the date line, the local clock can go back. The plane still flew for hours. Only the local time changed.
What is the longest flight in the world?
The longest nonstop routes take more than 18 hours, such as Singapore to New York. Type any route into the tool to see how it compares.
Is the flight time calculator free?
Yes. It is free with no sign up. Use it as often as you like.
Counting your miles?
See flight distance and estimate the frequent flyer miles you could earn.