By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Work out how long a ride will take from the distance and your average speed. The result is shown as a running clock, along with the pace per kilometre or per mile so you can see the rate you need to hold. Average speed usually falls below cruising speed because of stops, climbs, and junctions, so plan with a realistic figure.
Work out ride time from distance and average speed.
time (hours) = distance ÷ average speed, then time (seconds) = time (hours) × 3600
Time equals distance divided by speed, so doubling the distance doubles the time and doubling the speed halves it. Use an average speed you actually hold, not your best cruising speed, for a realistic plan.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| distance | How far you plan to ride, in kilometres or miles. |
| speed | The average speed you expect to hold, in km/h or mph to match the unit. |
Riding 40 km at an average of 25 km/h takes 40 ÷ 25 = 1.6 hours, or 1:36:00. The pace is 2 minutes and 24 seconds per kilometre.
Ride time is distance divided by average speed, so a sixty kilometre ride at thirty kilometres per hour takes two hours. The arithmetic is exact for the numbers entered, but the average speed you use decides how realistic the answer really is.
Average speed over a real route includes the effect of climbs, descents, corners, traffic, and stops, and it is usually much lower than the speed you hold on a fast flat section. Using a pace you honestly sustain over similar terrain gives a more useful estimate than using your best moment on the ride.
Cyclists usually distinguish moving time, the time the wheels are actually turning, from elapsed time, the total clock time including stops at lights or cafes. The simple division gives moving time when the speed figure excludes stops, so for a total journey estimate you must add the time you expect to spend stationary.
Elevation is the biggest hidden cost on a hilly route, because climbing slows the average far more than the matching descent speeds it up. For a hilly ride, enter a speed lower than your flat cruising pace, or break the route into segments and add the times, to keep the estimate honest.
Continue with the FTP Calculator, Gear Inches Calculator, or the Power to Weight Calculator — or browse more cycling tools and all sports calculators.
No. Use a realistic average that accounts for stops, hills, and slower sections. Cruising speed usually overstates the average over a whole ride.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
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Content updated: September 2026