Distance Calculator

Herāt, Afghanistan → Balkh, Afghanistan

Distance Result

312 miles

502 km  |  271 nautical miles

Straight-line (great circle) distance

The distance from Herāt to Balkh is about 502 km (312 miles) as the crow flies, or 271 nautical miles.

This is the great-circle distance — the shortest path over the surface of the Earth, computed with the haversine formula from the coordinates of both cities. Road or rail distance is always longer, and the gap widens with every mountain range or coastline in between.

Putting the number to use

  • At a cruising speed near 800 km/h the airborne time is about 0.6 hours; add 30-45 minutes for taxi, climb and descent.
  • Time zone difference changes the arrival time on your ticket far more than the flying time does.
  • For shipping, use road or sea distance instead — great-circle figures understate real routes.

Driving

≈ 5h 35min

Estimated at 90 km/h average. Actual road distance is typically 15-30% longer than the straight line.

Flying

≈ 1h 20min

Estimated at 850 km/h cruising speed plus takeoff and landing time.

Route Map

🗺️
Load interactive map
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Frequently Asked Questions

The straight-line (great circle) distance between Herāt and Balkh is 312 miles (502 kilometers).

A direct flight from Herāt to Balkh takes approximately 1h 20min, based on an average cruising speed of 850 km/h plus takeoff and landing time.

Driving from Herāt to Balkh takes approximately 5h 35min, assuming an average speed of 90 km/h. Actual time depends on the route and traffic.