When someone says, “It’s about 50 miles away,” what does that actually feel like? Whether you’re planning a road trip, comparing commute times, or just trying to visualize the distance, 50 miles can seem abstract until you relate it to everyday scenarios.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how long 50 miles is using 10 common, real-world comparisons that put this distance into perspective. Whether you’re traveling by foot, car, plane, or bike, understanding 50 miles can help you plan better and appreciate the scale of distance in different contexts.
What Does 50 Miles Look Like?
Fifty miles is equivalent to:
- 80.47 kilometers
- 264,000 feet
- 880 football fields (including end zones)
At a constant speed of 60 mph, it takes approximately 50 minutes to drive 50 miles without stopping. But travel time varies widely depending on the mode of transportation.
Here are How Long Is 50 Miles? 10 Common Comparisons
1. Driving Distance: A Short Road Trip
If you’re driving at an average speed of 50–60 mph:
- Time to travel: 50–60 minutes
- Example route: Driving from downtown Los Angeles to Irvine, CA
Perfect for: A day trip or a weekend getaway. Many people commute these distances in suburban areas.
2. Walking Distance: A Two-Day Trek
The average walking speed is 3–4 mph.
- Time to walk 50 miles: 12.5 to 16.5 hours
- Real-world scenario: Walking from Manhattan to Stamford, Connecticut
Fun fact: Ultra-marathon hikers might complete this distance in a single day.
3. Cycling: A Half-Day Ride for Enthusiasts
Average cycling speed: 12–16 mph
- Time to bike 50 miles: 3 to 4 hours
- Example: Popular in long-distance charity rides or amateur cycling events.
Tip: Make sure to hydrate and plan breaks.
4. Air Travel: Practically a Hop
Small aircraft cruising speed: 120–200 mph
- Time to fly 50 miles: 15–25 minutes (plus takeoff/landing)
- Example route: Short flights between nearby regional airports
Use case: Quick air taxi or regional shuttle flights.
5. Train Journey: A Brief Ride
Typical regional trains run at 50–70 mph.
- Time to travel 50 miles: 45–60 minutes
- Example: London to Brighton or New Jersey to Philadelphia
Note: Travel time may include stops, which vary based on the number of stations.
6. Running: A Marathon and Then Some
Average long-distance running pace: 6–10 mph
- Time to run 50 miles: 5 to 8 hours
- Example: Equivalent to nearly two marathons (26.2 miles each)
Fun fact: 50-mile ultramarathons are popular among endurance athletes.
7. From One City to the Next
Examples of 50-mile distances between cities:
- San Francisco to Santa Cruz, CA
- New York City to Princeton, NJ
- Chicago to Joliet, IL
Usefulness: Helps estimate commute times or travel logistics between metro areas.
8. Football Fields: A Staggering Lineup
- One football field (with end zones): 120 yards = 360 feet
- 50 miles = 264,000 feet
- 264,000 ÷ 360 = 733.3 football fields
Great for visualization: Imagine nearly 733 football fields laid end-to-end!
9. Steps Taken: Fitness Tracking Scale
- Average stride: 2.5 feet
- 264,000 feet / 2.5 = 105,600 steps
- Equivalent to: 42 days of hitting 10,000 steps/day
Useful for: Fitness goals and pedometer comparisons.
10. Flights of Stairs: Vertical vs. Horizontal
Let’s make an unusual comparison:
- Average flight of stairs: 10 feet
- 50 miles = 264,000 feet
- 264,000 ÷ 10 = 26,400 flights of stairs
Perspective: If climbing instead of walking, 50 miles is like hiking up the Empire State Building over 200 times.
Conclusion
So, how long is 50 miles? As we’ve seen, it can mean very different things depending on how you travel or visualize it. From a brisk one-hour drive to a multi-day walk or a massive lineup of football fields, 50 miles is a versatile unit of distance that takes on new meaning in each context.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, planning a trip, or just trying to understand your GPS directions, these comparisons offer clarity and practical insight.