Drive Time Calculator
Plan your journey by calculating estimated driving time based on distance and speed.
Miles (mph)
Kilometers (km/h)
Estimated Total Trip Time
How to Use the Drive Time Calculator
Calculating your road trip duration is essential for safe travel and effective scheduling. This tool helps you determine how long you will be on the road by combining three critical variables: distance, speed, and rest periods.
- Distance: Enter the total number of miles or kilometers you plan to travel.
- Average Speed: Input your expected cruising speed. Note that highway speeds are usually higher than city driving, so use a realistic average.
- Stop Time: Include the total duration of breaks for fuel, food, or rest.
The Formula for Driving Time
The basic physics formula for travel time is: Time = Distance / Speed.
To get a realistic estimate for a road trip, we use an expanded formula:
Total Time = (Distance / Speed) + (Sum of All Breaks)
Example Calculation
If you are planning a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco (approximately 380 miles):
- Distance: 380 miles
- Average Speed: 65 mph
- Breaks: 1 hour (60 minutes)
- Pure Driving Time: 380 / 65 = 5.84 hours (approx. 5 hours and 50 minutes)
- Total Trip Time: 6 hours and 50 minutes
Factors That Influence Driving Time
While the calculator provides a mathematical estimate, real-world conditions can alter your actual arrival time:
- Traffic Congestion: Rush hour in major cities can easily add 30-60 minutes to your journey.
- Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, or fog require lower speeds for safety, increasing your time on the road.
- Road Construction: Unexpected lane closures and detours are common during summer travel months.
- Vehicle Type: Towing a trailer or driving a heavy RV usually results in lower average speeds compared to a standard passenger car.
Tips for Long Distance Driving
Safety is more important than speed. Experts recommend taking a 15-minute break every two hours of driving to maintain alertness. If you are driving alone, avoid stretches longer than 8 hours per day. For trips exceeding 500 miles, consider an overnight stay to prevent driver fatigue.