Travel Time Calculator
Calculate how long a drive takes based on distance and average speed, and see an estimated arrival time if you enter a start time.
How to use the travel time calculator
- Enter the distance you'll be driving in kilometers.
- Enter the expected average speed for the whole trip.
- Optionally enter your start time to see an estimated arrival time.
How the travel time is calculated
Driving 450 km at an average of 80 km/h takes 450 ÷ 80 = 5.625 hours, i.e. 5 hours and 38 minutes. If you enter a start time, the calculator adds the travel time to it to estimate your arrival.
Note that the calculator doesn't account for breaks, traffic, road work, or speed limit changes along the way — the travel time is a pure calculation based on the average speed you enter.
Breaks are not optional on long drives
The calculator works out pure driving time, but on journeys of more than a few hours breaks are a precondition rather than an extra. Fatigue behind the wheel builds gradually and is poorly perceived by the person driving, and reaction time deteriorates long before you feel sleepy. A common recommendation is a break every couple of hours, and those breaks belong in the plan from the outset rather than being taken when you notice you need one.
For long trips you should also allow for time that is not driving at all: fuelling or charging, meals, and in winter time spent clearing snow or scraping ice. Electric cars stand out here in particular, since charging stops both take longer than filling a tank and have to be planned around where the chargers actually are.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator account for breaks?
No, the calculator computes pure driving time based on distance and average speed. If you're planning a long trip, you should add extra time for breaks, food, and any traffic.
How do I calculate arrival time?
Fill in your start time in the "Start time" field, and the calculator automatically adds the travel time and shows an estimated arrival time. If the trip crosses midnight, "(+1 day)" is shown next to the time.
Why is the travel time different from what my navigation app shows?
Navigation apps use real-time data on speed limits, traffic, road work, and terrain, while this calculator uses a simple average speed you enter yourself. That gives a rougher, but quick, estimate.