Flight Distance Calculator
Great-circle distance between any two airports. Estimates flight time, fuel, and CO₂.
How to use the flight distance calculator
Enter two airports or cities to get the great-circle distance and an estimated flight time. Handy for planning routes, comparing itineraries and estimating jet lag.
Good to know
- Great-circle distance is the shortest path over the globe — actual routes vary slightly.
- Flight time estimates assume typical cruising speeds; headwinds and routing add time.
- Long-haul (8+ hours) usually means crossing several time zones — plan for jet lag.
Flight Distance Calculator FAQ
How is flight distance calculated?
Using the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points over the earth's surface.
How accurate are flight time estimates?
They're close, but real flight times vary with routing, winds and air-traffic conditions.
How to use this tool
- 1Enter origin airportType IATA code (e.g. JFK) or city name.
- 2Enter destination airportSame — IATA or city.
- 3Read the metricsDistance in km/mi, flight time, CO₂ emissions per passenger.
Frequently asked questions
How is flight distance calculated?
Great-circle distance — the shortest path on the Earth's surface — using verified airport coordinates from OpenFlights.
How accurate is the duration estimate?
Within ±10% for direct flights. Assumes average cruising speed of 850 km/h plus 30 min for taxi/climb/descent.
Is the CO₂ estimate per passenger?
Yes. Calculated using the DEFRA standard of ~115 g CO₂e per passenger-km for short-haul, 100 g for long-haul.