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Car & Travel Calculator

Drive Time Calculator

Estimate how long a journey will take from distance, average speed, break time and expected traffic delays.

Distance ÷ speed Breaks included Traffic delay option

Calculate your drive time

Enter the journey distance, expected average speed, breaks and traffic delay. The calculator converts the result into hours and minutes.

miles
Use the one-way or total route distance.
mph
This is the average over the whole route, not the speed limit.
mins
Add rest stops, fuel stops or charging stops.
mins
Add a simple delay allowance for traffic or roadworks.
Total journey time
—

Your estimated journey time will appear here.

Driving time only —
Breaks and delays —
Distance —
Average speed used —
Minutes per mile —
Useful next step Estimate fuel cost
Planning estimate: This calculator does not use live traffic data. Use a realistic average speed for your route, especially for urban journeys.

How the drive time calculator works

The calculator divides journey distance by average speed to estimate moving time. It then adds your break time and traffic delay to show the total journey time.

For example, a 120-mile journey at 60mph takes 2 hours of driving. If you add a 15-minute break and a 20-minute delay, the total journey time becomes 2 hours 35 minutes.

driving hours = distance ÷ average speed driving minutes = driving hours × 60 total minutes = driving minutes + break time + traffic delay

Choosing a realistic average speed

Average speed is usually lower than the fastest road speed limit on the route. Junctions, traffic lights, slower vehicles, roundabouts, stops, diversions and congestion all pull the average down.

A motorway-heavy route might average 55–65mph in good conditions. A mixed A-road route may be closer to 35–50mph. Urban driving can be much lower, especially during rush hour.

Urban driving Often slower because of traffic lights, parking, junctions and short stop-start sections.
A-roads and mixed routes Use a moderate average if the route includes towns, single-carriageway roads and roundabouts.
Motorway-heavy trips Average speed can still be lower than 70mph once traffic, services and junctions are included.

Drive time examples

120 miles at 60mph Driving time is 2 hours. Add breaks and delays separately for the full journey time.
150 miles at 50mph Driving time is 3 hours. With a 20-minute break and 10-minute delay, total time is 3 hours 30 minutes.
35 miles at 28mph Driving time is about 1 hour 15 minutes. Add 15 minutes of traffic and the total is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Turn drive time into journey cost

Time is only one part of a journey. Fuel, charging, parking and regular commuting can be a bigger cost over a month or year.

If you know the distance, use the Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate petrol, diesel or EV cost. If this is your work route, the Commute Cost Calculator can turn the same journey into weekly, monthly and annual costs.

Drive time and fuel use are different calculations

Drive time uses distance and speed. Journey cost uses distance, fuel price and fuel economy. A route can be quick but expensive if it is longer, congested or uses more fuel at higher speeds.

That is why it can help to compare drive time with cost per mile before deciding whether a route is actually better.

FAQs

How do I calculate drive time?

Divide distance by average speed to get hours, then convert the result into hours and minutes. Add breaks and delays to estimate the full journey time.

Why should I use average speed instead of the speed limit?

The speed limit is the legal maximum for a road section. Average speed reflects the whole journey, including slower sections, turns, traffic and stops.

Does this calculator use live traffic?

No. It uses the delay value you enter. For real-time routing, compare the estimate with a live maps app before you travel.

Can I use this for commute planning?

Yes. Use the distance and average speed from a normal working day. Then use the commute calculator to estimate the cost of that regular journey.

Related calculators

Fuel Cost Calculator Estimate petrol, diesel or EV cost for the same journey distance. Commute Cost Calculator Turn a regular drive into daily, weekly, monthly and annual costs. MPG Calculator Work out your miles per gallon from distance driven and fuel used.

Useful glossary terms

These related terms help connect journey time with the wider cost of driving.

MPG Fuel economy Pence per mile

Planning a journey? Check the cost too

A faster journey is not always the cheapest one. Compare the time estimate with fuel, EV charging and commute costs before you decide.

Calculate fuel cost Explore Car & Travel tools

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