Distance Calculator
San, Mali → Timbuktu, Mali
Distance Result
271 miles
437 km | 236 nautical miles
Straight-line (great circle) distance
The distance from San to Timbuktu is about 437 km (271 miles) as the crow flies, or 236 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 0.5 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
≈ 4h 51min
Estimated at 90 km/h average. Actual road distance is typically 15-30% longer than the straight line.
Flying
≈ 1h 16min
Estimated at 850 km/h cruising speed plus takeoff and landing time.
Route Map
Distances from San to Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
The straight-line (great circle) distance between San and Timbuktu is 271 miles (437 kilometers).
A direct flight from San to Timbuktu takes approximately 1h 16min, based on an average cruising speed of 850 km/h plus takeoff and landing time.
Driving from San to Timbuktu takes approximately 4h 51min, assuming an average speed of 90 km/h. Actual time depends on the route and traffic.