Boat Travel Time Calculator
Planning a trip on the water requires knowing how long your journey will take. Our boat travel time calculator helps you determine the duration of any voyage by combining distance and speed into accurate time estimates. Whether you’re crossing the Gulf of Mexico, navigating through the Panama Canal, or cruising from Cape Coral to the Florida Keys, this tool delivers the answer you need for effective planning.
How to Calculate Boat Travel Time
Set Your Route
Click the map or search 770+ ports to select departure and destination
Choose Your Speed
Select a vessel preset or enter custom speed in knots
Get Your Result
See travel time in hours and days instantly — updates as you adjust
The calculation is straightforward: divide the distance by your vessel’s speed. If your route covers 120 nautical miles and your boat travels at 20 knots, the result is 6 hours. This speed distance time calculator performs the math automatically — get an idea of your travel duration before you leave the dock.
Pro Tip: Distance on water is measured in nautical miles, and speed in knots. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour — the standard unit across all maritime navigation.
Vessel Speed Presets
Different vessel types travel at different speeds. Our tool includes presets to help you calculate time more accurately:
| Vessel Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing Yacht | 6 knots | Long passages, fuel-efficient cruising |
| Motor Yacht | 12 knots | Typical recreational boat speed |
| Cargo Ship | 14 knots | Commercial vessels optimizing fuel cost |
| Ferry | 20 knots | Fast passenger transport between island destinations |
You can also enter a custom speed if you know your boat’s specific cruise rate. This mode gives you direct control over the calculation for more accurate results.
Key Features
Instant Time Calculation
See hours and days automatically as you plot your route on the map
Multiple Vessel Modes
Presets for sail, motor, cargo, and ferry — or enter custom speed
Port to Port Database
Search 770+ harbors worldwide for accurate route planning
Multi-Stop Routes
Add waypoints for complex voyages — total time updates automatically
Factors That Affect Travel Time
Keep in mind that actual time can vary based on several conditions:
- Weather and sea state — headwinds and rough water slow progress significantly
- Currents — favorable currents speed your journey, opposing currents add hours
- Canal and lock transit — procedures through Panama Canal or other waterways add time
- Fuel stops — long trips may require refueling at intermediate ports
Use the estimate from this calculator as a baseline for trip planning. Experienced captains typically add 10-20% to calculated times for delays and navigation around obstacles not shown on the map.
Popular Routes & Estimated Times
| Route | Distance | Motor Yacht (12kt) | Ferry (20kt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami → Key West | 130 nmi | 10.8 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Cape Coral → Tampa | 85 nmi | 7.1 hours | 4.3 hours |
| Los Angeles → San Diego | 95 nmi | 7.9 hours | 4.8 hours |
| New York → Boston | 200 nmi | 16.7 hours | 10 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate boat travel time manually?
Divide the distance in nautical miles by your speed in knots. For example: 240 nautical miles ÷ 12 knots = 20 hours of travel time. Our calculator does this automatically.
What speed should I use for trip planning?
Use your vessel’s cruising speed, not maximum speed. Most recreational boats cruise efficiently at 10-15 knots. Sailing yachts average 5-7 knots depending on conditions.
Does weather affect the calculation?
This tool calculates time based on distance and speed only. Real-world conditions like wind, waves, and currents can increase travel time by 20% or more. Always check the forecast.
Can I calculate time for multi-stop trips?
Yes! Add multiple waypoints on the map and the calculator shows total distance and time for your entire route, updating as you add or remove stops.
How accurate is this boat travel time calculator?
Very accurate for planning purposes. We use the Haversine formula for great-circle distance and include smart routing through major canals and straits. Add buffer time for real-world conditions.
What’s the difference between knots and mph?
One knot equals 1.151 mph. Knots are the standard unit for maritime and aviation speed because they relate directly to nautical miles and navigation charts.
This calculator provides estimates for trip planning. Always verify with official charts and check weather conditions before departure.