How Far Is 50 Miles, Really? 12 Fun Ways to Imagine the Distance

• Driving Time: Typically 1 to 2 hours
• Distance: Around 50 miles

One of the simplest ways to imagine 50 miles is to think about a short road trip. For most people, 50 miles is a quick drive about an hour or two, depending on traffic and speed limits. This distance could take you across a city, to a nearby town, or to a scenic part of the countryside. For example, if you live in a city like Los Angeles or New York, a 50-mile drive might be enough to get you to a neighboring city or a suburban area.

In some countries or rural areas, 50 miles may even feel like a short distance, while in others, such as densely populated cities with heavy traffic, it could take much longer than anticipated.

2. Walking the Distance (Around 16-17 Hours)

• Walking Speed: Average walking speed is about 3 miles per hour
• Walking Time: Around 16 to 17 hours

If you were to walk 50 miles, it would take quite a bit of time. On average, an adult walks at a pace of about 3 miles per hour. This means it would take you approximately 16 to 17 hours of continuous walking to cover 50 miles. For most people, this would require a few days with regular breaks and sleep, though it’s still possible for determined long-distance walkers.

In the world of extreme endurance events, this kind of distance is tackled by ultra-marathon runners. Walking 50 miles is no small feat, but it gives a real sense of how far 50 miles is when done on foot.

3. Cycling the Distance (3-5 Hours)

• Cycling Speed: Average cycling speed is about 10 to 15 miles per hour
• Cycling Time: 3 to 5 hours

Cycling 50 miles is a much faster option than walking. For the average cyclist, it might take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to cover this distance, depending on the terrain, speed, and fitness level. For recreational cyclists or those with a moderate level of fitness, completing a 50-mile bike ride is achievable, though it still presents a challenge.

For serious cycling enthusiasts or competitive cyclists, a 50-mile ride is more of a warm-up than a major feat. But for the average person, it could be a solid day trip or part of a fitness challenge.

4. A Marathon and a Half (1.5 Marathons

• Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles
• Total Distance: 50 miles equals about 1.5 marathons

A marathon is already a huge accomplishment, and 50 miles is about 1.5 times the distance of a full marathon. This comparison is particularly meaningful for anyone familiar with the physical and mental endurance required to run a marathon. Ultra-marathoners, who regularly run distances greater than a marathon, often tackle distances in the 50-mile range.

For someone not accustomed to long-distance running, the idea of running 50 miles can be daunting. However, imagining it as 1.5 marathons might give you a better perspective on just how far this distance truly is.

5. The Length of 50 Football Fields

• Football Field Length: 100 yards (300 feet)
• Total Distance: 50 miles = 88 football fields

For sports enthusiasts, it’s often helpful to think about distance in terms of familiar sports fields. A standard American football field is 100 yards long (300 feet). So, if you lined up 50 football fields end to end, you’d get approximately 50 miles.

This comparison gives a tangible way to imagine just how long 50 miles is. It’s a considerable distance, but breaking it down into something familiar  like a football field can help put it in perspective.

6. A Straight Line Across a City

• City Size: Many cities are around 10 to 20 miles across
• Distance: 50 miles = 2 to 5 times the width of a city

In larger cities, a 50-mile journey could take you from one side of the city to another or beyond the city’s metropolitan area entirely. For example, in cities like Los Angeles or London, you might find that traveling 50 miles could span from the center of the city to a neighboring district or suburb.

If you live in a smaller town, 50 miles could get you across the entire city or even to a neighboring city, depending on the geography.

7. The Height of 50 Empire State Buildings

• Empire State Building Height: 1,454 feet (including antenna)
• Total Distance: 50 miles = 50 Empire State Buildings stacked vertically

Another fun way to imagine 50 miles is to think about stacking iconic structures like the Empire State Building. The building is 1,454 feet tall, so if you were to stack 50 of these buildings on top of each other, the total height would be about 72,700 feet which is equivalent to 50 miles!

While this comparison is more abstract than others, it gives you a sense of just how tall and how massive 50 miles could look in vertical terms.

8. Half the Length of the Grand Canyon

• Grand Canyon Length: Over 277 miles long
• Total Distance: 50 miles is approximately 1/6th the length of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, and it stretches for over 277 miles across northern Arizona. If you imagine walking from one side of the Grand Canyon, 50 miles would cover a substantial portion of it, but you would still be far from the end.

This comparison shows how monumental the Grand Canyon is and gives a sense of scale, with 50 miles only covering a small fraction of its vast length.

9. The Distance Between Two Iconic Cities

• New York to Philadelphia: 95 miles
• 50 Miles: Just shy of the distance between New York and Philadelphia

In many major cities around the world, 50 miles is enough to take you from one iconic city to another. For example, the distance between New York City and Philadelphia is about 95 miles, so 50 miles would take you about halfway.

Similarly, in the UK, 50 miles would cover the distance between London and cities like Oxford or Cambridge, making it a reasonable day trip or journey between urban hubs.

10. The Reach of a Satellite in Low Earth Orbit

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Satellites in LEO are typically 100-1,200 miles above Earth
• 50 Miles: Roughly 1/2 to 1/3 the altitude of LEO satellites

Although this comparison might seem far-fetched, it’s a fun way to imagine 50 miles in a scientific or technological context. Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where many satellites orbit Earth, is typically between 100 to 1,200 miles above the surface. So, 50 miles is roughly halfway to this region  meaning it’s far enough to get you well beyond most human-made infrastructure but still within the atmosphere.

11. A Typical Bicycle Race Distance

• Professional Bicycle Races: Often between 50 to 100 miles
• Total Distance: 50 miles is common in amateur cycling events

For cycling enthusiasts, 50 miles is a common distance in amateur cycling races or charity rides. Professional races like the Tour de France often feature stages that span much longer distances, but a 50-mile race is a typical challenge for many cyclists.

This makes 50 miles an achievable, yet challenging goal for many cycling amateurs. It’s long enough to push endurance levels, but still feasible for riders with the right preparation.

12. A 50-Mile Trail Run

• Ultra Marathon Distance: 50 miles (often as a trail run)
• Total Distance: A serious endurance challenge

A 50-mile trail run is considered an ultra-marathon distance, and completing one of these races is a significant achievement. Trail running often involves varying terrain, hills, and unpredictable conditions, making the challenge even more intense than simply running a flat course.

For those who participate in ultra-endurance events, a 50-mile run is often a stepping stone toward greater distances, but for many runners, it’s an exhausting and highly rewarding race.

Conclusion

So, how far is 50 miles? It’s a lot further than many people realize. Whether you’re thinking about driving across town, walking across the city, or cycling through the countryside, 50 miles represents a significant distance in our daily lives. From imagining