Drive Time Calculator
Plan your next road trip with realistic timelines that include driving time, rest stops, and delays.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the total route distance
Use navigation apps or maps to measure planned mileage including detours.
Estimate your average speed
Base this on real conditions—mountain roads or city traffic often average 35–45 mph.
Add break and delay time
Include meal stops, refueling, scenic detours, or expected construction delays.
Optional: set a departure time
Choose a start time to see estimated arrival, useful for hotel check-ins or appointments.
Formula
Driving Time = Distance ÷ Average Speed
Total Time = Driving Time + Breaks + Delays
Example with 250 miles, 65 mph, 30 min breaks, 15 min delays:
Driving time = 250 ÷ 65 = 3.85 h (3 h 51 min)
Total time = 3.85 h + 0.75 h = 4.60 hours (4 h 36 min)
Departing at 08:30 arrives ≈ 13:06 local time.
About the Drive Time Calculator
Road trips rarely go exactly as map apps predict. Our drive time calculator adds the human factors—meal breaks, scenic stops, traffic—to help you set realistic expectations and avoid late arrivals.
When to Use This Calculator
- Vacations: Plan road trip itineraries with buffer time for attractions.
- Business travel: Ensure on-time arrivals for meetings and delivery windows.
- Moving plans: Coordinate long-haul moves with overnight stops.
- Event travel: Estimate departure times for weddings, concerts, or sports events.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Realistic planning: Accounts for drivers needing rest and fuel.
- ✅ Flexible inputs: Use partial hours, metric conversions, and optional start times.
- ✅ Instant arrival estimate: See when you'll get there in local time.
- ✅ Device-friendly: Works on desktop and mobile for planning on the go.
Common Applications
Fleet management: Estimate driver schedules and rest requirements.
Family trips: Plan stops for kids and pets without stress.
RV travel: Balance slower speeds and campground check-in times.
Tips for Best Results
- Check traffic apps the day of travel to update delay estimates.
- Set a lower average speed for mountain passes, urban routes, or adverse weather.
- For very long trips, break the journey into daily segments and average speeds separately.
- Include contingency time for fueling, charging, or charging station queues if driving EVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I estimate average speed?
Start with the speed limit, then reduce for congestion, construction, or mountainous terrain. Many drivers use 70–80% of the posted limit as a practical average.
Can I plan overnight stops?
Yes. Break your total distance into daily segments and run the calculator for each day. Adjust break time to include meals and hotel check-ins.
Does this account for fuel economy or cost?
This tool focuses on time. Pair it with our fuel cost calculator to estimate gas expenses for the same trip.
What if I leave after midnight?
Enter departure time in 24-hour format (e.g. 00:30). Arrival times wrap past midnight automatically, and we display them in 12-hour format for readability.