Distance Calculator - How Far is City A from City B

Distance Calculator between two points

Starting Point

Destination

Travel Mode

Distance Units

How Our Distance Calculator Works

1. Enter Locations

Input your starting point and destination. Use the location button to automatically fill in your current location.

2. Choose Options

Select your preferred travel mode and distance units. Our calculator supports driving, walking, bicycling, and public transit.

3. Get Results

View detailed results including travel distance, estimated time, and a visual map of the route between your locations.

Understanding Distance Calculation Methods

Straight Line Distance (As the Crow Flies)

Straight line distance, also known as Euclidean distance or "as the crow flies," measures the shortest possible path between two points. This calculation uses the Haversine formula to account for Earth's spherical shape:

The Haversine Formula:

a = sin²(Δφ/2) + cos φ1 · cos φ2 · sin²(Δλ/2)
c = 2 · atan2(√a, √(1−a))
d = R · c

Where φ is latitude, λ is longitude, R is Earth's radius (6,371 km)

Road Distance (Actual Travel Distance)

Road distance calculates the actual distance you would travel using available transportation networks. This is typically longer than the straight line distance because it accounts for:

Real road networks and their layouts
Physical barriers (mountains, rivers, etc.)
One-way streets and traffic restrictions
Highway systems and available paths

Travel Time Estimation

Our calculator also provides estimated travel time based on:

The selected mode of transportation
Average travel speeds for each segment
Traffic conditions (when data is available)
Rest stops and delays (for longer routes)

Features and Benefits

Accurate Calculations

Our calculator uses Google Maps data to provide highly accurate distance and time calculations between any two points on Earth.

Multiple Travel Modes

Calculate distances for different travel modes including driving, walking, bicycling, and public transit to suit your specific needs.

Current Location Detection

Automatically detect and use your current location to quickly calculate distances from your present position to any destination.

Visual Route Mapping

View the exact route on an interactive map, giving you a clear visual representation of the journey between your selected points.

Time Estimation

Get estimated travel times based on real-world conditions, helping you plan your journey more effectively.

Detailed Route Information

Access step-by-step directions and detailed route information to navigate confidently between your locations.

Practical Applications

Travel Planning

Plan your trips by calculating exact distances and travel times between destinations. Estimate fuel costs, plan rest stops, and optimize your route for efficiency.

Business Logistics

Optimize delivery routes, estimate shipping costs, and plan transportation logistics based on accurate distance calculations between multiple locations.

Real Estate Research

Evaluate properties based on their distance to important locations like schools, workplaces, shopping centers, or public transportation hubs.

Fitness Tracking

Plan running, walking, or cycling routes by calculating the exact distance for your workout. Create varied routes that meet your specific distance goals.

Educational Purposes

Use accurate distance measurements for educational projects, geography lessons, science experiments, or to learn about different locations around the world.

Event Planning

Coordinate events by calculating distances between venues, accommodations, and transportation hubs to ensure convenient arrangements for all participants.

Understanding Different Types of Distances

Straight Line Distance vs. Travel Distance

Straight Line (Euclidean) Distance

The shortest path between two points, calculated as if drawing a straight line on a map, regardless of terrain or obstacles.

Calculated using the Haversine formula
Accounts for Earth's curved surface
Always shorter than travel distance
Also known as "as the crow flies"

Travel (Route) Distance

The actual distance covered when traveling between two points using roads or paths, accounting for all real-world constraints.

Follows actual transportation networks
Accounts for one-way streets, barriers, etc.
Varies by mode of transportation
More relevant for practical planning

Geographic Distance Measures

Great Circle Distance

The shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, following a path along the surface. For Earth calculations, this accounts for the planet's approximately spherical shape.

Manhattan Distance

Named after the grid layout of Manhattan, this measures distance by summing the absolute differences of Cartesian coordinates. It represents movement along a grid-like path (north/south and east/west).

Geodesic Distance

The most precise measurement, accounting for Earth's exact ellipsoidal shape rather than treating it as a perfect sphere. Used in high-precision applications like GPS and surveying.

Distance in Different Contexts

Travel Time Distance

Sometimes, distance is more meaningfully expressed in terms of time rather than physical length. A location might be "30 minutes away" rather than "20 miles away," which can be more useful for planning.

Economic Distance

The cost of traveling between points, which may not directly correlate with physical distance due to factors like toll roads, fuel efficiency at different speeds, or varying public transit fares.

Perceived Distance

How far apart locations feel based on psychological factors. A route with scenic views or through a safe neighborhood might feel "shorter" than its actual distance would suggest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the distance calculation?

Our calculator uses Google Maps data to provide highly accurate distance measurements. The road distance calculations reflect real-world routes and are constantly updated with the latest mapping data.

Can I use this tool for international travel?

Yes! Our distance calculator works worldwide and can calculate distances between any two accessible points on Earth, whether they're in the same city or on different continents.

Why are there different distance results for different travel modes?

Different travel modes follow different routes. For example, walking paths may take shortcuts not accessible by car, while driving routes must follow roads and one-way restrictions. This naturally results in varying distances.

How is the travel time calculated?

Travel time is estimated based on the selected mode of transportation and typical speeds for each route segment. For driving, it considers speed limits, but cannot account for real-time traffic conditions or personal driving habits.

What's the difference between straight-line distance and travel distance?

Straight-line distance (as the crow flies) measures the shortest possible path between two points, ignoring all obstacles. Travel distance calculates the actual route you would need to take using available roads or paths.

Can I save or share my distance calculations?

Once you've calculated a route, the URL will update to reflect your search. You can bookmark this URL or share it with others to show them the same route calculation.

Distance Calculator Between Cities - How Far is City A from City B