How long does taxiing for takeoff take?

The Ground Truth: How Long Does Taxiing Take for an Airplane?

Air travel, while often perceived as a journey through the skies, involves a considerable amount of ground time. Taxiing, the process of maneuvering an aircraft on the tarmac, is a crucial—and often underestimated—part of the overall flight experience. Understanding this ground movement clarifies the broader picture of flight duration.

From the moment a plane begins its terrestrial trek to the runway, until its wheels touch down again, its progress on the ground can vary. However, a reasonable estimate for the average taxi time from gate to runway for takeoff is roughly ten minutes. This time encompasses not only the distance covered but also the intricacies of navigating the airport’s complex network of taxiways, following predetermined routes, and yielding to other aircraft and ground vehicles. Factors such as the size of the aircraft, the airport’s configuration, and the number of other aircraft on the ground all contribute to this time. This is just the initial leg of the journey.

A similar, but shorter, taxiing time applies when returning to the gate after landing. While factors like congestion still play a role, a typical time is approximately five minutes. This post-flight taxiing period is essential for the safe and efficient unloading and loading of passengers and cargo, as well as for the subsequent pre-departure preparation.

So, the next time you’re waiting at the gate, remember that the journey to the air begins, and ends, on the ground. While the thrill of flight is undeniable, the often-unseen process of taxiing plays a critical role in the overall efficiency and timeliness of an air travel experience.