Distance Between Two Cities & Locations
Find the distance between cities, calculate driving distance, and get accurate measurements in miles and kilometers
Calculate distance instantly with our free mileage calculator
Use our distance calculator to find the distance between two cities or any locations worldwide. Whether you need to calculate driving distance for a road trip or find the straight-line distance between two points, our tool provides accurate results instantly.
Understanding distance is essential for travel planning. Calculate miles and kilometers between locations to estimate fuel costs, plan routes, and make informed travel decisions. For detailed fuel efficiency calculations, use our mileage calculator to determine gas mileage and reimbursement costs.
Our distance calculator helps you find the distance between any points on the map, including cities, addresses, landmarks, and coordinates. Once you know the distance, you can calculate fuel mileage to budget your trip expenses accurately.
Distance Calculator
Related Travel Tools
Distance is just one part of trip planning. Use these related tools to get complete travel information and plan smarter journeys.
Mileage Calculator
Calculate gas mileage, fuel efficiency, and mileage reimbursement based on distance traveled.
Halfway Point Calculator
Find the perfect meeting point between two locations for convenient meetups.
Driving Time Calculator
Calculate how long it takes to drive between locations with realistic time estimates.
Cost of Driving
Calculate fuel costs and total driving expenses based on distance and vehicle efficiency.
Find Stopping Points
Plan rest stops and overnight stays along your route for comfortable travel.
Find Nearest Airport
Locate the closest airport to any location for convenient flight planning.
Time Difference
Check time zone differences between locations to avoid scheduling issues.
What "Distance Between Two Places" Means
When you calculate the distance between two places, you're measuring how far apart they are. But there are different ways to measure distance, and each serves a different purpose.
Straight-Line Distance
Also called "as the crow flies" or great-circle distance. This is the shortest possible distance between two points on Earth's surface. It's what you'd measure if you could fly directly from one place to another without following roads.
Driving Distance
The actual distance you'd travel by car following roads and highways. This is always longer than straight-line distance because roads curve, wind around obstacles, and don't go in perfectly straight lines.
Important: Distance ≠ Travel Time
Distance tells you how far apart two places are, but it doesn't tell you how long it takes to get there. A 100-mile drive through mountains takes much longer than 100 miles on a flat highway. For travel time estimates, use our Driving Time Calculator or Flying Time Calculator.
Real-World Examples
Notice how driving distance is always longer than straight-line distance. The difference varies based on terrain, road networks, and geographic obstacles like mountains or bodies of water.
Understanding Different Distance Types
When you need to find the distance between two locations, it's important to understand which type of measurement you need.
Each distance type serves a different purpose in travel planning.
Fly Distance
Also called straight-line distance or "as the crow flies," this measures the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Fly distance is calculated using the great-circle formula, which accounts for Earth's curvature.
- • Estimating flight routes
- • Comparing geographic locations
- • Quick distance references
- • Understanding true separation
Driving Distance
The actual route distance you'll travel by car, following roads, highways, and streets.
This mileage calculation accounts for road networks, curves, and geographic obstacles.
- • Road trip planning
- • Fuel cost estimates
- • Realistic travel planning
- • Route comparisons
Additional Distance Measurements
Nautical Miles
Used in maritime and aviation contexts. One nautical mile equals 1.15078 statute miles or 1.852 kilometers.
Nautical miles are based on Earth's circumference and are essential for navigation on water and in the air.
Miles vs Kilometers
The United States primarily uses miles, while most other countries use kilometers.
Mileage Calculator
A mileage calculator helps you determine total distance for expense reports, reimbursement, or trip planning.
Use our tool to calculate miles between two locations for accurate record-keeping and cost estimation.
Which Distance Type Should You Use?
For flight planning: Use fly distance to estimate air travel routes and frequent flyer miles.
For road trips: Use driving distance to calculate fuel costs and plan realistic travel times.
For general reference: Straight-line distance gives you a quick sense of how far apart locations are.
For maritime/aviation: Use nautical miles for professional navigation and flight planning.
How to Use the Distance Calculator
Our distance calculator is designed to be simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to calculate the distance between any two locations:
Enter Your Starting Location
Type the name of your starting city, address, or landmark in the "From Location" field. As you type, suggestions will appear. Select the correct location from the dropdown to ensure accuracy.
Enter Your Destination
Type your destination in the "To Location" field. Again, select from the dropdown suggestions to ensure the calculator uses the correct location.
View Your Distance Results
Click "Calculate Distance" to see your results. The calculator will show you the straight-line distance and, depending on your selection, may also show driving distance, estimated flight time, or other relevant information.
Plan Your Next Steps
Use the distance information to make informed decisions about your trip. Consider whether you'll drive or fly, estimate costs, and plan your route accordingly.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Always select locations from the dropdown suggestions rather than just typing and submitting
- Be as specific as possible with addresses for the most accurate results
- Use the calculation type tabs to switch between distance, driving distance, and other options
- Remember that distance is just one factor in trip planning - also consider time, cost, and route conditions
Distance Between Two Coordinates
Beyond city names and addresses, you can calculate the distance between two coordinates using latitude and longitude values.
This is especially useful for precise locations, remote areas, or when working with GPS data and mapping applications.
What Are Coordinates?
Coordinates are precise points on the map defined by latitude (north-south position) and longitude (east-west position).
Measures north-south position from the Equator
Measures east-west position from the Prime Meridian
How Distance Between Coordinates Is Calculated
The calculator uses the great-circle distance formula (also called the Haversine formula) to find the distance between two coordinates.
This formula accounts for Earth's spherical shape and calculates the shortest path along the surface between two points.
- Earth's radius (approximately 3,959 miles or 6,371 kilometers)
- The curvature of Earth's surface
- Latitude and longitude differences between the two points
- Trigonometric calculations for spherical geometry
When to Use Coordinate-Based Distance
Navigation & GPS
GPS devices and navigation apps work with coordinates. Calculate distance between two coordinates when working with waypoints, tracking routes, or planning precise paths.
Remote Locations
For places without street addresses—like hiking trailheads, camping spots, or wilderness areas—coordinates provide exact locations for distance calculations.
Surveying & Mapping
Professional surveyors, cartographers, and GIS specialists use coordinates for precise measurements and mapping projects.
Maritime & Aviation
Ships and aircraft navigate using coordinates. Calculate distance between two points for route planning and navigation in open water or airspace.
Example: Distance Between Coordinates
How to Find Coordinates
Google Maps: Right-click any location and select "What's here?" to see coordinates.
GPS Device: Most GPS units display current coordinates on the main screen.
Smartphone: Use compass or maps apps to view your current coordinates.
Our Calculator: Enter any city or address, and we'll show you its coordinates automatically.
Distance Type Comparison
Understanding when to use each distance type helps you plan more effectively. This comparison shows the key differences and best use cases.
| Distance Type | When It's Used | Example Use Case | Typical Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Fly Distance Straight-line |
| Booking a flight from New York to London and estimating frequent flyer miles earned | Shortest distance Base measurement for comparison |
Driving Distance Road route |
| Planning a cross-country road trip and calculating gas expenses for the journey | 15-35% longer than fly distance |
Mileage Estimate Total miles |
| Submitting mileage reimbursement for a business trip between office locations | Same as driving Uses actual road distance |
Nautical Distance Maritime/aviation |
| Calculating sailing distance across the Atlantic Ocean or flight path over water | 15% shorter than statute miles |
Real-World Distance Comparisons
Why Driving Distance Is Always Longer
Roads don't go in straight lines. They curve around mountains, follow valleys, cross rivers at bridges, and navigate through cities.
The difference between fly distance and driving distance varies by terrain. Flat areas with straight highways show smaller differences (10-15%), while mountainous or coastal regions show larger differences (30-40%).
Quick Decision Guide
- Comparing how far apart cities are
- Planning flight routes
- Estimating air miles
- Quick geographic reference
- Planning a road trip
- Calculating fuel costs
- Estimating travel time
- Comparing different routes
Distance vs Travel Time: Understanding the Difference
One of the most common mistakes in trip planning is assuming that distance directly equals travel time. While distance is important, it's only part of the equation. Here's why distance and travel time are different, and when you need to check each one.
Why Distance ≠ Travel Time
Two routes with the same distance can have vastly different travel times. A 200-mile drive on a straight interstate highway might take 3 hours, while 200 miles through winding mountain roads could take 5-6 hours or more.
Distance tells you how far you'll travel. Travel time tells you how long it will take. Both are essential for smart trip planning.
Factors That Affect Travel Time (But Not Distance)
Driving Factors
- Road type: Highway vs city streets vs mountain roads
- Speed limits: Vary by location and road type
- Traffic: Rush hour, construction, accidents
- Terrain: Mountains, curves, elevation changes
- Weather: Rain, snow, fog slow travel
- Stops: Gas, food, rest breaks
Flying Factors
- Airport time: Check-in, security, boarding (2-3 hours)
- Flight path: Not always direct due to air traffic
- Wind: Headwinds slow flights, tailwinds speed them up
- Layovers: Connecting flights add hours
- Delays: Weather, mechanical, air traffic
- Airport location: Travel time to/from airports
Real-World Comparison: Same Distance, Different Times
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Why Different? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City to Denver | 600 miles | 8-9 hours | Flat interstate, high speeds |
| San Francisco to Yosemite | 170 miles | 4-5 hours | Mountain roads, curves, elevation |
| Boston to New York | 215 miles | 4-6 hours | Heavy traffic, urban congestion |
| Phoenix to Flagstaff | 145 miles | 2.5 hours | Straight highway, minimal traffic |
When to Use Which Tool
- • Comparing how far apart cities are
- • Estimating fuel costs (distance × MPG)
- • Checking if a destination is within your preferred range
- • Planning flight routes or checking air miles
- • Planning when to leave to arrive on time
- • Deciding if you can drive in one day
- • Scheduling rest stops and overnight stays
- • Comparing driving vs flying total time
- • Booking flights and checking schedules
- • Planning international trips with time zones
- • Comparing total travel time (airport + flight + arrival)
- • Deciding between direct and connecting flights
Smart Planning Tip
Always check both distance and travel time when planning trips. Distance helps you estimate costs and compare routes. Travel time helps you plan schedules and decide if a trip is realistic. For the most accurate planning, also check the time difference between locations and calculate your total trip cost.
Common Use Cases for Distance Calculation
The distance calculator serves many purposes beyond simple curiosity. Here are the most common ways travelers, planners, and students use distance calculations to make better decisions.
Planning a Road Trip
Distance is the foundation of road trip planning. Use it to determine if your trip is realistic for the time you have, estimate fuel costs, and decide where to stop overnight.
Comparing Cities
When choosing where to live, work, or visit, distance helps you compare how far cities are from family, airports, or attractions. It's essential for relocation decisions.
Estimating Fuel Costs
Distance is the key factor in calculating fuel costs. Divide distance by your vehicle's MPG, multiply by gas price, and you have your fuel budget.
Academic & General Reference
Students, researchers, and curious minds use distance calculations for geography projects, understanding scale, and general knowledge about how far apart places are.
- • How far is it across the United States?
- • What's the distance between continents?
- • How far apart are major world cities?
Flight Planning & Air Miles
Airlines calculate ticket prices and frequent flyer miles based on distance. Knowing the distance helps you estimate flight costs and understand why some routes cost more.
Meeting Halfway
When meeting someone from another city, distance helps you find a fair meeting point. Calculate the total distance, then find cities at the halfway mark.
Which Use Case Matches Your Needs?
- • How far apart two places are → Use Distance Calculator
- • How long driving takes → Use Driving Time
- • How much gas costs → Use Driving Cost
- • A road trip → Use Driving Calculator
- • A flight → Use Flight Calculator
- • Meeting halfway → Use Halfway Point
Distance Calculation Accuracy & Limitations
Our distance calculator is designed for trip planning and general reference. Understanding how it works and its limitations helps you use it effectively and set realistic expectations.
What Our Calculator Does Well
- Accurate straight-line distance: Uses the great-circle formula to calculate the shortest distance between two points on Earth's surface, accurate to within 0.5%
- Real driving routes: Calculates actual road distance using current road networks and turn-by-turn directions
- Global coverage: Works for any two locations worldwide, from major cities to specific addresses
- Multiple formats: Accepts cities, addresses, landmarks, airports, and coordinates
Understanding Distance Variations
Urban vs Rural Differences
In cities, the difference between straight-line and driving distance can be significant due to one-way streets, bridges, and complex road networks. In rural areas with straight highways, the difference is usually smaller.
Why Routes May Vary
The calculator shows the most common or fastest route, but alternative routes exist. Your actual route might differ based on traffic, road closures, personal preferences, or scenic detours.
Distance is for Planning, Not Exact Routing
Use distance calculations to plan your trip, estimate costs, and make decisions. For turn-by-turn navigation on the day of travel, use GPS navigation apps that account for real-time traffic and road conditions.
Factors That Don't Affect Distance (But Matter for Travel)
Distance is a fixed measurement between two points, but these factors affect your actual travel experience:
- Traffic conditions - Same distance, different travel times
- Weather - Doesn't change distance but affects safety and speed
- Road construction - May require detours, adding distance
- Time of day - Rush hour vs off-peak affects time, not distance
- Vehicle type - All vehicles travel the same distance
- Driver preferences - Scenic routes add distance by choice
How to Get the Most Accurate Results
- Select locations from dropdown suggestions
- Use specific addresses when possible
- Double-check city and state names
- Choose the correct calculation type
- Add buffer time for real-world travel
- Typing locations without selecting from dropdown
- Using vague location names
- Assuming distance equals travel time
- Ignoring alternative routes
- Forgetting to account for stops and breaks
Trust and Transparency
Travel and Time's distance calculator uses industry-standard geographic calculations and real-world road data. We update our systems regularly to ensure accuracy. However, roads change, new routes open, and construction happens. Always verify critical travel details closer to your departure date and use GPS navigation for real-time routing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the distance between two cities?
Enter your starting city in the "From" field and your destination in the "To" field. Select locations from the dropdown suggestions as you type, then click Calculate.
You'll see both straight-line distance and driving distance between the two locations, helping you understand the total route distance.
What is the difference between fly distance and driving distance?
Fly distance (straight-line distance) is the shortest possible route between two points on Earth's surface. It's what you'd measure if you could travel in a perfectly straight line.
Driving distance follows actual roads and highways, which curve and wind around obstacles. Driving distance is always longer—typically 15-35% more than fly distance. For example, New York to Los Angeles is 2,445 miles straight-line but 2,789 miles driving.
Can I calculate distance using coordinates?
Yes. Enter latitude and longitude coordinates in the location fields to find the distance between two coordinates.
The calculator uses the great-circle formula to calculate the distance between two points with high accuracy. This is useful for GPS waypoints, remote locations, or precise mapping work.
Does this calculator support miles and kilometers?
Yes. Results are shown in both miles and kilometers automatically.
You can also view distances in nautical miles for maritime and aviation purposes. The mileage calculator provides all common distance units for your convenience.
Why do different distance tools show different results?
Different tools may use different routes, calculation methods, or data sources. Straight-line distance is consistent across all tools.
However, driving distance varies based on the route chosen. Some tools prioritize the fastest route, others the shortest, and some avoid tolls or highways. Our mileage calculator uses current road networks and typically shows the most common or fastest route.
How accurate is the distance calculator?
Our straight-line distance calculations are accurate to within 0.5% using the great-circle formula.
Driving distances use real-world road networks and are updated regularly. However, roads change, construction happens, and alternative routes exist. Use our calculator for planning and budgeting, then verify with GPS navigation closer to your travel date for real-time routing.
Does distance tell me how long the trip takes?
No. Distance tells you how far apart two places are, but travel time depends on many factors including road type, speed limits, traffic, terrain, and weather.
A 200-mile drive on a flat interstate might take 3 hours, while 200 miles through mountains could take 5-6 hours. Use our Driving Time Calculator or Flying Time Calculator to estimate actual travel time.
Can I use this calculator for international distances?
Yes. The distance calculator works for any two locations worldwide.
You can calculate distances between cities, countries, continents, or specific addresses anywhere on Earth. It's useful for international flight planning, comparing global destinations, and understanding geographic scale.
How do I calculate fuel costs using distance?
Use this formula: (Distance ÷ Your Vehicle's MPG) × Gas Price per Gallon = Fuel Cost.
For example, if you're driving 500 miles in a car that gets 25 MPG and gas costs $3.50/gallon: (500 ÷ 25) × $3.50 = $70 in fuel. For automatic calculations, use our Driving Cost Calculator which includes fuel and other expenses.
Why does the calculator show different routes than my GPS?
Our calculator typically shows the fastest or most common route between two locations.
Your GPS may suggest different routes based on real-time traffic, road closures, your preferences (avoid tolls, highways, etc.), or recent road changes. Both are correct—they're just optimized for different purposes. Use our calculator for planning, GPS for real-time navigation.
Can I calculate distance between landmarks or addresses?
Yes. The calculator accepts cities, full addresses, landmarks, airports, and even coordinates.
For best results, select your location from the dropdown suggestions that appear as you type. Examples: "Statue of Liberty, New York", "123 Main Street, Boston, MA", "JFK Airport", or "Grand Canyon National Park".
What other tools should I use with the distance calculator?
Distance is just one piece of trip planning. For complete planning, also use:
- Driving Time Calculator - See how long the drive takes
- Trip Cost Calculator - Estimate total expenses
- Halfway Point Finder - Find meeting points
- Time Difference Calculator - Check time zones
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Use our complete suite of travel tools to calculate distance, time, and costs for smarter trip planning.
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Calculate estimated driving time with traffic considerations
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Cost of Driving
Calculate fuel costs and total expenses for your road trip
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Locate the closest airport to any location for flight planning
Time Zone Calculator
Check time differences between locations worldwide