The time it takes to walk a certain number of miles depends primarily on walking speed, which varies by individual factors such as age, fitness level, and terrain. Here is a detailed overview:
Average Walking Speed and Time per Mile
- Most healthy adults walk at an average speed of about 3 miles per hour (mph) , which translates to roughly 20 minutes per mile
- Walking speeds can range from about 2.5 mph to 4 mph depending on fitness and age. For example, younger adults tend to walk faster (around 3 to 3.2 mph), while older adults walk slower (around 2.1 to 2.7 mph)
- A brisk walking pace is generally considered around 3 to 4 mph , or about 15 to 20 minutes per mile , which is beneficial for health
How Long to Walk Multiple Miles
Using the average speeds, approximate walking times for multiple miles are:
Distance (miles)| Time at 2.5 mph (slow)| Time at 3 mph (average)| Time at 4
mph (brisk)
---|---|---|---
1| 24 minutes| 20 minutes| 15 minutes
5| 2 hours| 1 hour 40 minutes| 1 hour 15 minutes
10| 4 hours| 3 hours 20 minutes| 2 hours 30 minutes
20| 8 hours| 6 hours 40 minutes| 5 hours
For example, walking 5 miles typically takes about 1 hour 40 minutes at an average pace of 3 mph
Factors Affecting Walking Time
- Age: Older adults tend to walk slower, increasing the time per mile
- Fitness level: More fit individuals walk faster and cover miles quicker
- Terrain and conditions: Hills, rough surfaces, and weather can slow walking speed.
- Purpose and company: Walking for leisure is slower than walking for exercise or commuting
Summary
- To estimate how long it takes to walk a given number of miles, divide the distance by your walking speed.
- For most adults, walking 1 mile takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Therefore, walking 5 miles typically takes between 1 hour 15 minutes (brisk pace) and 2 hours (slow pace).
This provides a practical guideline to plan your walking time based on your pace and distance goals
