Distance Between Cities Calculator
Find the exact distance between any two places on Earth — in miles and kilometers, straight-line and by road, with drive and flight time estimates.
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How do I find the distance between two cities?
The straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance is the shortest path between two points, while road distance is typically 20-40% longer because roads curve and detour. For example, New York to Los Angeles is about 2,450 miles (3,944 km) in a straight line, but roughly 2,790 miles (4,490 km) by road. Enter any two places below for both figures plus drive and flight time estimates.
Methodology: Straight-line distances use the haversine great-circle formula applied to each location\u2019s coordinates; road distance applies a terrain-based circuity factor (typically 18\u201340% above straight-line). How we test & calculate.
Calculate Distance Between Any Two Locations
The distance calculator gives you the most complete answer to "how far is it?" of any free tool online. Enter any two places — cities, addresses, airports, or landmarks — and get the straight-line distance, the estimated driving distance, plus how long it would take to drive or fly between them.
Most distance tools only show one number. We show four: straight-line distance (the shortest possible path accounting for Earth's curvature), road distance (what you'll actually drive), drive time, and flight time. That combination answers not just how far, but whether to drive or fly.
Straight-Line vs Driving Distance: What's the Difference?
Straight-line distance — sometimes called great-circle or "as the crow flies" distance — is the shortest possible path between two points on the globe. It's what matters for flights, since aircraft travel in roughly straight lines across the sky.
Driving distance is longer because roads curve around mountains, follow coastlines, connect through towns, and rarely head in a perfectly straight line. The ratio between the two is called road circuity, and it's why a city that's 100 miles away in a straight line might be a 130-mile drive.
When to Drive vs When to Fly
A good rule of thumb: for trips under about 300 miles, driving is usually faster door-to-door once you account for airport time, security, and boarding. Beyond 500 miles, flying almost always wins on time. The 300–500 mile range is where it depends on traffic, airport proximity, and how much you value the flexibility of having your own car.
Use the trip cost calculator to compare the actual cost of driving versus flying, and the driving time calculator for a more detailed drive-time breakdown including suggested stops.
✈️ Flying Instead of Driving?
For longer trips, flying often wins on time. Compare flight prices and routes across hundreds of airlines with Aviasales.
Search Flights on Aviasales →Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We calculate two types of distance. Straight-line (or "as the crow flies") distance uses the haversine formula, which accounts for the curvature of the Earth to find the shortest path between two points. Driving distance is estimated by applying a road circuity factor to the straight-line distance — roads are never perfectly straight, so actual road distance is typically 18–40% longer depending on the terrain and trip length.