Train Journey Time Calculator

Work out train journey time instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Train Journey Time Calculator

Journey time is running time plus dwell at each stop plus an acceleration and braking penalty of roughly 90 seconds per additional stop. That penalty is why a semi-fast service with six stops takes far longer than the dwell time alone suggests.

Formula

Train journey time

total = distance / speed + stops x dwell + stops x acceleration penalty

Worked example

With the default values below, Train Journey Time Calculator returns Total journey time of 135. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Route distance: 180 km
Average speed: 95 km/h
Intermediate stops: 6 stops
Dwell time per stop: 2 min

Results

Total journey time: 135 min
Running time: 114 min
Total dwell time: 12 min
Effective speed: 80.19 km/h

Step by step

1Values used
2Train journey time
3Total journey time= 135 min
4Running time= 114 min
5Total dwell time= 12 min
6Effective speed= 80.19 km/h

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceleration penalty?

The time lost decelerating from and accelerating back to line speed. It is typically 60-120 seconds per stop depending on line speed and traction.

Why do some stops cost more?

Higher line speed means more time lost. A stop on a 200 km/h line can cost three minutes against ninety seconds on a 100 km/h line.