How Far is 50 Miles? 7 Fun Examples and 14 Comparisons

A lot of people daily ask me, how far is 50 miles? It sounds like a simple question, but when you try to imagine it, it’s harder to picture.

• Is it a short drive?
• A long walk?
• Or somewhere in between?

Fifty miles is a distance that can feel short or long, depending on how you think about it. It’s the same as 40 Kentucky Derby races, 176,000 steps, or 5 trips across Brooklyn Bridge.

In this article, we’ll break down 50 miles into relatable examples. From hiking trails to famous landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll discover just how far it really is.

How Far is 50 Miles? (All the Details)

Fifty miles is a pretty decent distance. It’s about the length of driving across a medium-sized city or between small towns. For example, if you’re in New York City, 50 miles could take you to places like Princeton, New Jersey.

To picture it, think about 50 football fields lined up end to end—that’s about one mile. Now imagine doing that 50 times. It’s also the same as walking for hours or riding a bike for a full day.

How Far is 50 Miles from Me in Minutes?

How long it takes to go 50 miles depends on what kind of transportation you’re using. If you’re driving a car on a highway, it might take less than an hour. For example, if the speed limit is 60 mph, you can cover 50 miles in about 50 minutes. But in busy traffic or slower roads, it could take longer.

If you’re riding a bike, it could take you a lot longer—several hours! Most cyclists average around 10 to 15 mph, so biking 50 miles could take three to five hours. It’s a great way to explore nature, though.

Walking is another story. Walking 50 miles would take a very long time. Most people walk about three miles per hour, so it could take nearly 17 hours. You’d probably need to break it up into smaller parts because walking all that in one day would be tough.

Remember: Knowing your speed helps you figure out how long it’ll take.

How Many Minutes is a 50-Mile Drive?

When you’re driving, the time it takes to cover 50 miles depends a lot on your speed. On a highway, if you’re driving 50 mph, it’s easy to figure out—it will take 60 minutes. Traffic, stoplights, and road conditions can make a big difference, though.

In city traffic, you might drive much slower, around 25 mph. That means 50 miles could take two hours. So, where you’re driving makes a big difference too—freeways are much quicker than city streets.

If you’re taking country roads with lots of twists and turns, your average speed will drop. You might drive at 40 mph, which makes the trip take an hour and 15 minutes. Always check your route beforehand so you know what to expect. Also, tools like Google Maps can give you a good estimate based on traffic.

How Long Does it Take to Drive 50 Miles at 60 mph?

Let’s say you drive faster at 60 mph. In this case, you will cover 50 miles in about 50 minutes. Sixty miles per hour means you cover one mile per minute. So, for 50 miles, it will take you exactly 50 minutes.

Driving at this speed usually happens on highways or freeways where there aren’t many stops. You’ll probably feel like time flies, especially if you’ve got music playing.

But what if you hit some traffic? If you have to slow down to, say, 30 mph for part of the trip, it will take longer. Even small changes in speed can add a few extra minutes. That’s why it’s good to plan for a little extra time (just in case).

Driving at a steady 60 mph also means your car uses fuel efficiently, so it’s not just quick—it’s economical too. Remember, though, this estimate doesn’t include any stops for gas, food, or restroom breaks.

How Long Does it Take to Drive 50 Miles at 40 mph?

Driving at 40 mph is slower than highway speed, so it’ll take you longer to cover 50 miles. At 40 mph, you cover about 40 miles in one hour. For 50 miles, you’ll need an extra 25 minutes, making the trip one hour and 15 minutes long.

You might drive at this speed on smaller roads, where speed limits are lower. Plus, the government recommends 40 mph speed in areas with a lot of curves or hills. This speed is also common for scenic drives. Imagine winding roads through mountains or forests. You might not mind the extra time because you get to enjoy the view. 

However, remember that driving slower can still feel tiring over long distances, so take breaks if needed.

How Far is 50 Miles Walking?

Walking 50 miles is a huge challenge. Most people walk at a speed of about three miles per hour. If you keep that pace the whole time, it would take over 16 hours to walk 50 miles. That’s almost an entire day of walking non-stop!

Of course, no one walks that far in one go unless they’re part of a big event or a race. Most people would break it into smaller parts, maybe walking a few miles each day. For example, if you walk five miles a day, it would take 10 days to finish 50 miles.

50 Miles From My Location Google Maps

Google Maps makes figuring out how far 50 miles is really easy. Just type your starting point and look for a destination about 50 miles away. It will show you:

• The exact route
• The estimated travel time
• Even the traffic conditions.

For example, if you’re in Los Angeles, 50 miles might take you to places like Laguna Beach or part way to San Diego.

How Far is 50 Miles? (7 Examples)

To get a better idea of how far 50 miles is, you can look at some examples. I’ve got seven for you:

Driving from New York City to Princeton, New Jersey

Driving 50 miles from New York City to Princeton, New Jersey, is quick and simple. It takes about an hour if the traffic is light. Most of the route is on the New Jersey Turnpike, which is a major highway. The signs are clear, and the roads are easy to follow.

However, if you drive during rush hour, it can take longer. Traffic near New York City can be heavy, so leaving early in the morning is better.

Driving from Los Angeles to San Bernardino, California

The drive from Los Angeles to San Bernardino is also about 50 miles. It usually takes an hour if traffic isn’t bad. You’ll take Interstate 10 most of the way. This highway is wide and well-maintained, making the trip smooth.

Traffic is something to watch out for, especially in Los Angeles. If you leave during rush hour, the drive could take closer to 90 minutes. But outside of peak times, it’s a fast and straightforward trip.

This 50-mile distance shows how far you can travel in Southern California. It’s not a long trip, but the difference between LA and San Bernardino makes it feel like a nice escape.

Dallas to Fort Worth, Texas

Dallas and Fort Worth are 50 miles apart. The drive between them is common for locals. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Most people take Interstate 30 or Interstate 20, which are major highways.

The drive starts in Dallas, with its tall buildings and busy streets. As you head toward Fort Worth, the urban landscape slowly changes. You’ll see more open spaces and neighborhoods with a quieter feel.

The Distance from Walt Disney World to Kennedy Space Center in Florida

The trip from Walt Disney World to Kennedy Space Center is about 50 miles. It takes around an hour by car if you use FL-528, which is a major highway. The road is easy to follow, and the drive is smooth.

Once you leave the Disney World area, the surroundings start to change. The busy theme parks and hotels turn into quieter suburbs. As you get closer to Kennedy Space Center, you’ll see more open landscapes and wetlands.

From Niagara Falls, New York, to Rochester, New York

The distance between Niagara Falls and Rochester is about 50 miles. It’s a simple drive that takes around an hour on Interstate 90. As you leave Niagara Falls, the scenery changes from city streets to more rural areas.

In my opinion, this short trip is perfect for a day of exploring. You can start at the Falls in the morning and reach Rochester by lunchtime.

The Length of Lake Tahoe from North to South is Around 50 Miles

Lake Tahoe is about 50 miles long from its northern to southern ends. Driving along the lake takes around 1.5 to 2 hours because the roads are winding. The views along the way are breathtaking, with clear blue water and tall mountains.

Driving the full length of the lake is a great way to experience its beauty. You can stop at viewpoints, take photos, or explore local attractions along the way.

The Approximate Distance Between Central London and Cambridge in the UK

Traveling 50 miles from London to Cambridge is a common trip. By car, it takes about 1.5 hours. Many people also take the train, which is faster and more convenient for some.

The journey starts in London’s busy streets. As you leave the city, the surroundings become quieter. You’ll pass through small villages and open fields.

If 50 miles seems like a long distance, you might also enjoy reading this guide on how far 10 miles is. You will also learn easy examples there.

How far is 50 Miles? 14 Comparisons

Fifty miles is a versatile distance that can be imagined in various ways. Here are 14 simple comparisons to help you understand how far 50 miles really is.

• 40X The Kentucky Derby Race
• The Distance of a Long Ultra Marathon
• 250 Laps Around an American Football Field
• 400 Round Trips Along a 100-Meter Dash
• 176,000 Steps by an Average Person
• 10 Takeoff and Landing Runs of a Commercial Plane
• 10X The Length of the Tour de France’s Longest Climb
• 8 Round Trips Along the Las Vegas Strip
• 25X The National Mall
• A One-Way Trip on The Hogwarts Express Scenic Route
• Hiking 2X The Appalachian Trail’s Shortest Section
• 5 Round Trips Across Brooklyn Bridge
• 5X The Length of Loch Ness in Scotland
• 2X A Typical Cycling Century’s Half-Course

40X The Kentucky Derby Race

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world and you may have seen one on TV. Each race is 1.25 miles long. Covering 50 miles would be like running this race 40 times in a row. That’s a lot of laps for any horse, let alone a person.

When you think about the effort it takes for a horse to run 1.25 miles at full speed, it’s impressive. Now multiply that by 40. It shows how much distance 50 miles is.

The Distance of a Long Ultra Marathon

Ultra marathons are some of the toughest races. Many of them are exactly 50 miles long, making this comparison straightforward. For runners, it’s a massive challenge that takes hours or even a full day to complete.

Running 50 miles isn’t just about physical fitness. It also requires mental toughness. Runners spend weeks or months training their bodies to handle the strain. They also learn how to pace themselves, refuel, and stay hydrated throughout the race.

250 Laps Around an American Football Field

An American football field is 100 yards long, which equals about 0.056 miles. To cover 50 miles, you would need to run or walk 250 laps around the field.

For perspective, if each lap takes one minute to walk, it would take over four hours to complete all 250 laps. That’s without any breaks. For someone jogging, it might take less time, but it would still be a long effort.

400 Round Trips Along a 100-Meter Dash

A 100-meter dash is a short, high-speed race. To cover 50 miles, you would need to complete 400 round trips of this distance. That’s a huge number of back-and-forth runs for something that feels so short.

Even for the fastest runners, the repeated motion would be exhausting. For walkers, this would be a full day’s journey (if not more).

176,000 Steps by an Average Person

Most people take about 2,000 steps to walk a single mile. To reach 50 miles, you would need to take 176,000 steps. This comparison is easy to understand. Everyone walks, and most people know how far they can go in a day.

If you’re used to counting your steps on a fitness tracker, this number is easy to relate to. For someone who walks 10,000 steps a day, it would take more than 17 days to reach 176,000 steps. However, doing all of these steps in one go would be much harder.

10 Takeoff and Landing Runs of a Commercial Plane

Planes need about 5 miles of runway to take off or land. To cover 50 miles, a plane would need to complete 10 takeoff and landing runs. Keep in mind that the takeoff is one of the most energy-intensive parts of flying. It requires speed, power, and a lot of focus from pilots. 

Repeating this process 10 times shows how big 50 miles really is.

10X The Length of the Tour de France’s Longest Climb

The longest climb in the Tour de France is about 5 miles. Covering 50 miles would mean doing that climb 10 times. Cyclists face a huge challenge during these climbs. They have to deal with steep grades, tough weather, and hours of effort. Doing it 10 times would be exhausting, even for the best athletes.

8 Round Trips Along the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is about 4.2 miles long. To cover 50 miles, you’d need to make 8 full round trips from one end to the other. Walking the Strip once feels long, especially with the crowds and bright lights. Doing it 8 times would take hours, even at a steady pace.

In short, it’s not a distance you’d want to cover all at once.

25X The National Mall

The National Mall in Washington, D.C., stretches about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Walking 50 miles would mean covering the Mall’s length 25 times. For those familiar with this iconic area, that’s a lot of back-and-forth walking.

Walking the Mall once is manageable. Many people do it during sightseeing trips. They enjoy the open spaces, monuments, and museums. But repeating it 25 times would take hours. At a steady pace, each trip might take 30 to 40 minutes.

Completing 25 trips could take over 12 hours, not including breaks.

A One-Way Trip on The Hogwarts Express Scenic Route

The Hogwarts Express-inspired train route in Scotland is about 50 miles long. It’s one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, taking passengers through valleys, mountains, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Traveling 50 miles by train doesn’t feel too long. The ride typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on stops and speed. However, covering this distance by foot or bike would take much longer.

Hiking 2X The Appalachian Trail’s Shortest Section

The shortest section of the Appalachian Trail is about 25 miles. To cover 50 miles, you’d need to hike this distance twice. For hikers, this is a clear and relatable way to understand how far 50 miles is.

Hiking 25 miles takes significant effort. Depending on the trail, it might involve:

• Steep climbs
• Rocky paths
• Uneven ground.

Most hikers would take two or more days to finish 50 miles. It’s not something you can rush.

5 Round Trips Across Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City is about 1.1 miles long. To cover 50 miles, you’d need to walk or bike across it 5 full round trips.

Walking across the bridge once feels like an accomplishment. You get views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the bustling city below. But doing this trip 5 times back and forth would take hours and a lot of energy.

5X The Length of Loch Ness in Scotland

Ever seen Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands? If you have, then it’s really easy to picture 50 miles.  You would need to travel its full length 5 times. If you were walking, covering 50 miles there would take more than two days of steady effort. Biking might take less than a day, but it would still be a tough task. 

Traveling along Loch Ness once already feels like a journey. Whether you’re walking, biking, or driving, the winding roads and stunning views make the trip an experience.

2X A Typical Cycling Century’s Half-Course

A cycling century is a 100-mile ride, and half of that distance is 50 miles. Riding on a bike is a long effort for most people. It requires stamina, proper pacing, and regular breaks to refuel and hydrate. Doing this distance twice would test even experienced riders.

The terrain makes a big difference. Riding on flat roads feels easier while climbing hills is a challenge. If the course includes steep sections, 50 miles becomes even more demanding.

Ever wondered how big 500 feet is? If yes, then don’t miss our fun guide on fascinating things that are 500 feet long.

Conclusion

Understanding 50 miles is simple. In summary:

• 50 miles equals 40 Kentucky Derby races.
• It’s the same as walking 176,000 steps.
• You’d need to cross the Brooklyn Bridge 5 times to hit 50 miles.
• It’s like riding 10 of the Tour de France’s longest climbs.
• Covering the length of Loch Ness 5 times adds up to 50 miles.

No matter how you think about it, 50 miles is an impressive distance.