How Long is 10 km? Walking, Running, Cycling, and More

“How long is 10 km?” is something you’ll hear a lot from runners or walkers. The quick answer is that it depends on how you travel.

Walking 10 km takes around two hours
Biking only takes 20 minutes.

To be precise, 10 kilometers is equal to 6.2 miles.

Want to know how long it takes to cover by driving, swimming, and other activities? Then, stay tuned. I’m also sharing the best ways to cover this distance and some proven tips on how to train for a 10K race.

But first, check out how long it takes to cover 10 km:

Activity	Time Taken
Walking	1.5 to 2 hours
Running	50 minutes to 1 hour
Cycling	20 to 30 minutes
Swimming	2 to 4 hours
Driving	10 to 15 minutes

Table of Contents

How long is 10 km? (Everything to Know)

10 kilometers, or 10 km, is the same as 6.2 miles. This is a distance that people often use when they go running, biking, or walking. It’s not too short, but it’s not so long that it feels impossible to finish.

Here are some different measurements for 10 kilometers:

In meters: 10,000 meters
In miles: Approximately 6.21 miles
In feet: Around 32,808.4 feet
In inches: About 393,701 inches
In yards: Approximately 10,936 yards
In nautical miles: Roughly 5.4 nautical miles
In centimeters: 1,000,000 centimeters
In millimeters: 10,000,000 millimeters
In furlongs: About 49.7 furlongs
In light-seconds: About 0.0000334 light-seconds

To give you an idea, imagine walking around your neighborhood for about two hours. That’s roughly how long it takes to cover 10 kilometers.

People often use kilometers when they are measuring longer distances. You might have heard of races like the 10K, where runners have to cover exactly 10 kilometers. It’s a great goal for people who want to get fit and challenge themselves.

Now, let’s see how 10 kilometers compares to other units of measurement, like feet, miles, and meters.

How long is 10 km in feet?

When you measure 10 kilometers in feet, it turns out to be 32,808 feet. That’s a big number, but don’t worry. Let’s break it down. We know that 1 kilometer equals 1,000 meters, and every meter is about 3.28 feet long.

So when we multiply 10,000 meters (for 10 km) by 3.28, we get 32,808 feet.

To help you understand how far that is, think about the average person’s walking step. A normal walking step is about 2.5 feet long. So if you walk 32,808 feet, it would take you around 13,000 steps to cover that distance.

If you have ever used a fitness tracker to count your steps, you can imagine how much walking that is. It’s a long walk, but people do it all the time when they are going for a fitness goal.

How long is 10 km in miles?

In miles, 10 kilometers is equal to 6.2 miles. To figure this out, we can use the fact that 1 kilometer equals about 0.62 miles. So when you multiply 10 kilometers by 0.62, you get 6.2 miles.

This is a great distance for running, especially for people who are getting into longer races. Many beginners aim to run a 10K race, which means they are running 6.2 miles. If you have ever walked or driven 6.2 miles, you’ve covered a good amount of distance.

How long is 10 km in meters?

Since a kilometer is 1,000 meters, 10 kilometers is exactly 10,000 meters. This is an easy conversion because you just multiply the number.

For example, if you run around a standard track at a park or school, each lap is usually 400 meters long. To run 10 kilometers, you would need to run 25 laps around that track.

After getting a sense of how far 10 km is, check out 25 things that are 50 feet tall or long for a fun comparison between shorter and longer distances.

6 Examples of 10 km: Get the Idea

Now that you know how long 10 kilometers is, let’s look at some examples of what 10 km looks like in real life. This will help you get a better idea of the distance.

A 10K Race

One of the most common examples of 10 kilometers is a 10K race. This is a running event where people cover exactly 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles. These races are very popular because they are challenging but not as difficult as a marathon.

Most people can train for 10K in a few months, even if they are beginners.

For many runners, the goal is to finish the race in under an hour, but everyone runs at their own pace. If you’re new to running, 10K is a great distance to aim for.

You start by running shorter distances, like 2 or 3 kilometers, and slowly increase how far you can run until you can finish the full 10 kilometers. When race day comes, it feels amazing to cross the finish line after running such a long distance.

Driving from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

If you’ve ever been to New York City, you might know that driving from the southern end of Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge is about 10 kilometers. It depends on which route you take. This distance takes you through the busy streets of Manhattan, and it’s a popular route for tourists.

Even though it’s not a very long drive, it can take some time because of the traffic in New York. In fact, if the streets are crowded, it might be quicker to walk! On foot, it would take you about 2 hours to cover that distance.

55 City Blocks in New York

Walking 55 city blocks in New York is about the same as walking 10 kilometers. This might seem like a lot of blocks, but for people who live in New York, it’s not unusual to walk long distances every day.

If you walk at a normal pace, it could take about 2 hours to walk 55 blocks.

Tourists often walk this far without even realizing it! For example, you might start your day by walking from Times Square to Central Park and then keep exploring the city. By the end of the day, you’ve covered 10 kilometers just by walking.

Distance Around an Airport Runway

Many large international airports have perimeter roads that are around 10 kilometers long. For example, the road that goes around the entire perimeter of Toronto Pearson International Airport is close to 10 kilometers.

This doesn’t mean the runway itself is 10 kilometers long. Runways are much shorter, but if you drove around the whole airport, you would cover about 10 kilometers.

Airports are massive, and driving around one gives you a good sense of how far 10 kilometers is.

Cycling Around Hyde Park, London

If you like to ride a bike, you might know that cycling around the perimeter of Hyde Park in London takes about two laps to cover 10 kilometers. Each lap around the park is about 4.3 kilometers. So, doing two full laps will get you close to 10 kilometers.

Hyde Park is a beautiful park in the center of London, and it’s a popular place for people to walk, run, and cycle. When you ride your bike around the park, you get to see lovely gardens, lakes, and statues. It’s a peaceful place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Covering 10 kilometers here is a great way to stay active.

Walking from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London

In London, if you walk from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, the distance is around five kilometers one way. If you walk there and back, you will have walked close to 10 kilometers.

For tourists, this is a wonderful way to explore the city while getting some exercise. You’ll get to see many of London’s most famous sites in just one walk.

To help visualize 10 km, imagine something massive like a truck that’s 200 feet long—it’s an interesting comparison.

How long is 10 km to walk? (How Much Time)

If you walk at a normal speed, it takes about two hours to walk 10 kilometers. Most people walk at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour. So, if you keep walking without stopping, you will finish in around 2 hours.

However, how long it takes depends on a few things, like:

How fast you walk
The kind of ground you’re walking on
Whether you take any breaks.

Walking speed affects your time

Walking speed is different for everyone. If you walk faster than the average person, you could finish walking 10 kilometers in about 1.5 hours. This means you are walking at about 6 kilometers per hour.

But if you walk slower, it could take you closer to 2.5 hours to finish.

If you want to finish your walk faster, you can practice walking a little faster each day. Over time, your body will get used to walking at a quicker speed.

The type of ground you walk on matters

If you’re walking on a smooth, flat sidewalk, you’ll probably walk faster because it’s easy to keep a steady pace. But if you’re walking on a hiking trail, it will slow you down.

Remember – Uneven ground makes it harder to walk. So, you might need to go slower to keep your balance. Walking up hills also takes more energy, which can make you walk slower.

On the other hand, walking downhill can speed you up a bit because gravity helps you.

If you’re planning to walk 10 kilometers, it’s good to think about where you’ll be walking. If the path is flat, you can expect to finish faster. If it’s bumpy or hilly, you should expect it to take a bit more time.

Your fitness level changes your walking time

People who are used to walking or being active usually walk faster than those who don’t walk as much. If you walk often, your body becomes stronger, and it’s easier to cover long distances like 10 kilometers without getting tired.

On the other hand, if you’re not used to walking long distances, you might need to take breaks, which will add time.

How long does it take to run 10 km?

Running 10 kilometers usually takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour. If you run at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour, it will take you exactly 1 hour to finish. But faster runners might finish in as little as 50 minutes.

One popular query is – How long is a 10K run in minutes? A 10K run usually takes 50 to 70 minutes, depending on your speed.

The slower runners take 1 hour and 15 minutes. The time it takes depends on:

How fast you run
How fit you are

Running speed makes a big difference

The faster you run, the less time it takes to cover 10 kilometers. If you can run at 12 kilometers per hour, you’ll finish the distance in about 50 minutes. But if you run slower, it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to finish.

Training helps you run faster

If you practice running regularly, your running speed improves. This is why experienced runners can finish 10 kilometers faster than people who are new to running.

If you’ve been training for a 10K race, you’re likely to finish closer to the 50-minute mark. But if you’re just starting out, it might take a bit longer.

Running is like any other skill—the more you practice, the better you get. By running regularly and increasing the distance you cover, you’ll notice that your 10-kilometer time improves over time.

How long is 10 km to drive? (Important Question)

Driving 10 kilometers usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The exact time depends on how fast you drive. If you’re driving on a highway, you can finish the 10 kilometers in just 6 minutes.

But if you’re driving on city streets with lower speed limits, it might take 15 minutes. It’s because you have to stop at lights and deal with traffic.

Many people ask, “How long is 10 km in minutes by car?” If you’re driving at 60 kilometers per hour, it will take you about 10 minutes to drive 10 kilometers.

If there’s a lot of traffic, it will take longer to drive 10 kilometers. This is especially true in busy cities, where traffic can be heavy. Moreover, you will have to stop at lights or in traffic jams. In these cases, it can take much longer than usual to drive.

If you’re driving during a time when the roads are clear, you can finish faster. But during rush hours or in busy areas, it’s common for traffic to slow you down.

How long does it take to cycle 10 km?

Cycling 10 kilometers takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you ride at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour, it will take you 30 minutes to finish. If you cycle faster, like 30 kilometers per hour, you can finish in about 20 minutes.

The time it takes depends on:

How fast you pedal
What kind of bike you use
The path you’re cycling on.

Note that riding on flat roads is usually quicker. But if you’re cycling uphill, it can slow you down. It might take longer than 30 minutes to finish 10 kilometers.

How long does it take to swim 10 km?

Swimming 10 kilometers usually takes between 2 and 4 hours. The time depends on:

How fast you swim
Whether you take breaks.

Most swimmers move at about 2 to 3 kilometers per hour. So, if you swim faster, you can finish in around 2 hours. If you swim slower or take rest breaks, it will take closer to 4 hours to complete the distance.

Swimming is slower than running or cycling because water provides resistance. Most people swim at a speed of around 2 to 3 kilometers per hour. At this speed, it will take about 3 to 4 hours to cover the full 10 kilometers.

Faster swimmers, who swim at 4 to 5 kilometers per hour, can finish in about 2 hours. Your swimming speed depends on the following:

How strong you are
How good your technique is
How much do you practice?

And Remember – The more breaks you take, the longer it will take to cover 10 kilometers.

How long is 10 km on a treadmill?

If you walk or run 10 kilometers on a treadmill, the time it takes is about the same as if you were outside.

If you walk at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour, it will take you 2 hours to finish.
If you run at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour, you’ll finish in 1 hour.

The good thing about a treadmill is that you can control your speed, so you can set the pace you want.

Important Point: Running on a treadmill can be easier than running outside because there are no hills or wind to slow you down.

If you’re comparing distances, it’s fun to know that a 2006 Mini Cooper’s length is much shorter than 10 km, but still a good way to measure everyday distances.

How long is 10 km by bike?

Cycling 10 kilometers on a bike takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The exact time depends on how fast you go. If you ride at 20 kilometers per hour, it will take you about 30 minutes. But if you ride faster, at 30 kilometers per hour, you can finish in 20 minutes.

Your time will also depend on the road or trail you’re cycling on.

Flat, smooth roads are easier and quicker.
Riding uphill or on bumpy paths can slow you down.

How far is 10 km from your location?

To find out how far 10 kilometers is from your location, you can use a map or a GPS app. Most apps let you measure distances and show you how far 10 kilometers is. In a city, 10 kilometers might be the distance from your house to a popular park or landmark, like a school or shopping mall.

If you live in a rural area, 10 kilometers could be the distance between your home and the next town.

What is the best way to train for a 10 km race?

The best way to train for a 10-kilometer race is to build up your running distance gradually. Start with shorter runs, like 3 to 5 kilometers. Then, increase the distance each week until you can run 10 kilometers comfortably.

Here are some tips:

Start with shorter distances

It’s important to begin your training with shorter distances. Start by running 3 to 5 kilometers a few times a week. Running shorter distances helps your body get used to running without getting too tired. Each week, you can add a little more distance.

For example, if you start with 3 kilometers, you can increase it to 4 kilometers the next week and so on. Over time, your body will get stronger, and you’ll be able to run the full 10 kilometers.

Include one long run each week

As you get better at running, try to include one longer run each week. This is where you’ll start running distances closer to 10 kilometers. If you can run 5 kilometers comfortably, try adding half a kilometer each week.

Eventually, you’ll be able to run 8 or 9 kilometers. By the time you’re ready for the race, 10 kilometers will feel easier.

Mix in strength training

Strength training helps your muscles get stronger, which makes running easier. Exercises like squats, lunges, and planks build up your legs and core muscles. This is important because running isn’t just about your legs.

Your whole body, including your core, helps you move forward. You don’t need to lift heavy weights. Even simple bodyweight exercises a few times a week can make a big difference.

Try interval training

Interval training is when you run at different speeds during your workout. For example, you can sprint for 30 seconds and then jog slowly for 2 minutes, repeating this pattern for the whole run. This helps you run faster and build stamina.

Interval training can be tough, but it makes your muscles stronger. If you practice running fast in short bursts, your overall running pace will improve.

Rest and recovery are important

It’s important to rest between your runs. Your muscles need time to recover so they can get stronger. Running every day without rest can make you tired and could lead to injuries. Take at least one or two rest days each week to let your body recharge.

On these days, you can do light activities, like stretching or walking, to stay active.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water before, during, and after your runs is super important. When you run, your body loses water through sweat, so you need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you’re running for longer than an hour, you might also need a sports drink to replace the salts. Staying hydrated helps you avoid feeling dizzy or tired during your runs.

Practice on different terrains

Running on different surfaces, like pavement, grass, or trails, helps prepare your body for different conditions on race day. If your 10K race will have hills, practice running up and down hills to get used to the extra effort.

If the race is on flat ground, you can simply focus on the steady pace.

Set a goal pace for race day

As you get closer to race day, it’s a good idea to practice running at your goal pace. For example, if you want to finish the 10K race in 1 hour, you’ll need to run at a speed of 10 km per hour. It is 6 minutes per kilometer.

By practicing at this pace, you’ll be more prepared to keep that speed during the race.

Running too fast at the start of a race can make you tired, so practicing your goal helps you keep a comfortable speed.

Final Words

All in all, 10 kilometers is equal to approximately 6.2 miles. Here’s what to remember:

Walking this distance generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how fast you go.
Running it usually takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Cycling can cover the same ground in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Swimming that length takes longer, around 2 to 4 hours.
Driving typically gets you there in about 10 to 15 minutes.

That’s all.