Ever wondered how long it would take to walk across America, cycle around the whole world or drive the length of the Great Wall of China? Pick a journey (or type your own distance), choose how you travel and how many hours a day, and get the answer in days, steps and pairs of shoes worn out. Switch tabs for the classic “how long to count to a million” question.
How long would it take to walk across America?
New York to Los Angeles is about 2,790 miles (4,490 km) by road. At a steady 5 km/h (3.1 mph) walking 8 hours a day, that’s about 112 days, a little under 4 months with no rest days. Most real coast-to-coast walkers take 5–6 months, because of rest days, weather and detours.
How long to walk around the world?
The Earth’s circumference at the equator is 40,075 km (24,901 miles). Walking non-stop at 5 km/h would take about 334 days. At a realistic 8 hours a day it’s about 2.7 years. People who have actually walked around the world, like Jean Béliveau, took more than 10 years.
Speeds used
| Mode | Average speed | Typical hours per day |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 5 km/h (3.1 mph) | 8 |
| Running | 10 km/h (6.2 mph) | 3 |
| Cycling | 20 km/h (12.4 mph) | 6 |
| Horseback | 10 km/h | 6 |
| Driving | 90 km/h (56 mph) | 10 |
| High-speed train | 250 km/h | 24 |
| Airliner | 900 km/h (560 mph) | 24 |
How long does it take to count to a million?
At one number per second, counting to a million takes 11.6 days non-stop. But nobody can say “seven hundred seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-seven” in one second. Counting syllable by syllable, a million takes about 6 weeks non-stop, or roughly 4 months at 8 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
How long would it take to walk across the USA?
About 112 days of walking 8 hours a day at 5 km/h for the 4,490 km from New York to Los Angeles. With rest days, most people take 5–6 months.
How many steps is it to walk around the world?
At an average step of 76 cm, the 40,075 km equator is about 52.6 million steps.
How long would it take to drive around the world?
Driving 40,075 km at 90 km/h is about 445 hours, or 45 days at 10 hours a day, if a road went all the way around.
How long does it take to count to 1 million?
11.6 days at one number per second, non-stop. Saying every number out loud realistically takes about 6 weeks non-stop, or around 4 months at 8 hours a day.
Related tools
Distances are approximate and based on common routes. Please don’t attempt long journeys without proper planning and safety support.