Traveling around the world is a dream for many, conjuring images of exotic destinations, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable adventures. But one of the most common questions aspiring globetrotters ask is: How long would it take to go around the world? The answer depends on several factors, including your mode of transportation, travel style, budget, and how many stops you plan to make. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to circumnavigate the globe, the time each method takes, and practical considerations to help you plan your journey.
Factors That Influence Travel Time
Before diving into specific timelines, it’s important to understand the variables that affect how long it takes to travel around the world. These factors shape your itinerary and determine whether your journey takes weeks, months, or even years.
Mode of Transportation
Your choice of transportation is the biggest determinant of travel time. Flying is the fastest way to circle the globe, while traveling by land or sea extends the journey significantly. Each mode offers unique experiences but comes with trade-offs in terms of speed, cost, and flexibility.
Number of Stops
Are you aiming to visit every continent, major cities, or just a few key destinations? The more stops you include, the longer your trip will take. A whirlwind tour hitting only major hubs will be quicker than an in-depth exploration of multiple countries.
Travel Style
Your travel style plays a huge role. Are you a backpacker staying in hostels, a luxury traveler seeking comfort, or a digital nomad working remotely? Budget travelers may need to slow down to save money, while those with more resources can move faster with premium transport options.
Logistics and Planning
Visas, border crossings, and seasonal weather can impact your timeline. Some countries require advance visa applications, and certain routes may be inaccessible during monsoons or winter months. Proper planning can minimize delays, but spontaneity often adds time.
Traveling Around the World by Air
Flying is the fastest way to travel around the world, making it ideal for those with limited time. A round-the-world (RTW) flight ticket, offered by airline alliances like Star Alliance or Oneworld, allows you to visit multiple destinations across continents with a single fare.
How Long Does It Take?
Technically, you could circumnavigate the globe in as little as 36 to 48 hours if you took non-stop flights with minimal layovers, covering the Earth’s circumference of approximately 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles). However, this assumes no stops for sightseeing, which isn’t realistic for most travelers.
A more practical RTW trip with stops in 5–10 major cities (e.g., London, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, and Cape Town) typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on layovers and time spent at each destination. For example:
- Shortest Possible Trip: A speed-run RTW trip, stopping briefly in 3–4 cities, could take 10–14 days, including flight time and minimal sightseeing (1–2 days per stop).
- Standard RTW Itinerary: A well-paced trip with 6–8 stops, spending 3–4 days in each destination, takes about 3–4 weeks.
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a sample 3-week RTW itinerary by air:
- Day 1–3: Start in New York City, USA.
- Day 4–6: Fly to London, UK.
- Day 7–9: Fly to Dubai, UAE.
- Day 10–12: Fly to Bangkok, Thailand.
- Day 13–15: Fly to Sydney, Australia.
- Day 16–18: Fly to Auckland, New Zealand.
- Day 19–21: Fly to Los Angeles, USA, and return to New York.
Total flight time is approximately 40–50 hours, with the rest spent exploring or resting.
Pros and Cons of Flying
Pros:
- Fastest way to cover long distances.
- RTW tickets can be cost-effective (starting at $3,000–$5,000).
- Access to major cities and tourist hubs.
Cons:
- Limited cultural immersion due to short stops.
- Jet lag and fatigue from long flights.
- Higher carbon footprint compared to other methods.
Traveling Around the World by Land
For those seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit, traveling by land—using trains, buses, or cars—offers a slower but richer experience. This method is popular among backpackers and adventurers who want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
How Long Does It Take?
Traveling around the world by land can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your route, stops, and pace. The journey involves crossing continents via trains, buses, or self-driven vehicles, which is time-intensive but rewarding.
- Trans-Siberian Railway: A popular route for land-based travelers is the Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok. This alone takes about 7 days non-stop, but most travelers spend 2–3 weeks with stops in cities like Irkutsk and Ulan Bator.
- Overland Routes: Crossing Eurasia (e.g., Europe to Asia via the Silk Road) or the Americas (e.g., Alaska to Patagonia) can take 6–12 months per continent, depending on stops and border logistics.
Sample Itinerary
A 12-month overland journey might look like this:
- Months 1–3: Start in London, travel through Europe by train (Paris, Berlin, Prague), then take the Trans-Siberian Railway to China.
- Months 4–6: Explore Southeast Asia by bus and train (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia).
- Months 7–9: Travel through South Asia (India, Nepal) and the Middle East (Turkey, Iran).
- Months 10–12: Cross to South America (e.g., Peru, Bolivia, Argentina) and finish in North America (Mexico, USA).
Pros and Cons of Land Travel
Pros:
- Deep cultural immersion and flexibility to explore smaller towns.
- Lower costs for budget travelers (e.g., hostels, local transport).
- Environmentally friendlier than flying.
Cons:
- Time-consuming, requiring months or years.
- Complex logistics (visas, border crossings, language barriers).
- Physical and mental endurance needed for long journeys.
Traveling Around the World by Sea
Sailing around the world, whether on a cruise ship, cargo vessel, or private yacht, offers a unique perspective. You’ll see ports and islands inaccessible by other means, but this method is slower and often more expensive.
How Long Does It Take?
A round-the-world cruise typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the itinerary and ship. Cargo ship travel, a more budget-friendly option, can take 4 to 8 months, as these vessels follow less predictable schedules. Sailing on a private yacht could take 1 to 2 years, factoring in weather, maintenance, and stops.
- Cruise Ships: Luxury liners like Cunard or Viking offer RTW cruises covering 20–30 ports in 90–180 days.
- Cargo Ships: These slower vessels stop at industrial ports, taking 120–240 days for a full circumnavigation.
- Private Yachts: Solo or small-group sailing depends heavily on weather and navigation skills, often taking 1–2 years for a full loop.
Sample Itinerary
A 4-month cruise itinerary might include:
- Month 1: Depart from Miami, USA, visiting Caribbean ports and crossing the Panama Canal.
- Month 2: Sail to South America (e.g., Peru, Chile), then across the Pacific to French Polynesia.
- Month 3: Visit Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia).
- Month 4: Cross the Indian Ocean to South Africa, then return to the USA via the Atlantic.
Pros and Cons of Sea Travel
Pros:
- Unique experience visiting remote ports and islands.
- All-inclusive cruises simplify logistics (meals, accommodation).
- Relaxed pace with time to enjoy onboard amenities.
Cons:
- Expensive (cruises start at $15,000–$50,000 per person).
- Limited flexibility to explore inland destinations.
- Potential for seasickness and long stretches at sea.
Combining Modes of Transportation
Most round-the-world travelers combine air, land, and sea travel to balance speed, cost, and experience. For example, you might fly between continents, take trains within regions, and use ferries for short sea crossings. A combined approach typically takes 3 to 12 months, depending on your pace and stops.
Example Timeline
- Months 1–2: Fly to Europe, explore by train (2 months).
- Months 3–4: Fly to Asia, travel by bus and train (2 months).
- Months 5–6: Take a cargo ship to Australia, explore by car (2 months).
- Months 7–8: Fly to South America, travel by bus (2 months).
- Months 9–10: Return to North America by air, explore by car or train (2 months).
This approach offers flexibility and variety, allowing you to tailor the trip to your interests.
Practical Considerations for Planning
Budget
Your budget shapes your timeline. Air travel requires a higher upfront cost but takes less time, while land travel is cheaper but slower. A rough estimate:
- Air: $5,000–$10,000 for RTW tickets and accommodation.
- Land: $10,000–$20,000 for 6–12 months (hostels, local transport).
- Sea: $15,000–$50,000 for cruises or cargo ships.
Visas and Documentation
Research visa requirements early. Some countries offer visa-free entry for short stays, while others require applications months in advance. Carry a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and multiple blank pages.
Health and Safety
Get necessary vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, hepatitis) and travel insurance. Research safety conditions for each destination, especially in regions with political instability or natural risks.
Packing and Gear
Pack light but smart. For land travel, a 40–50L backpack is ideal. Include versatile clothing, a first-aid kit, and tech essentials (e.g., universal adapter, power bank). For sea travel, add anti-seasickness medication.
Tips for a Successful Journey
Plan Key Stops, but Stay Flexible
Have a rough itinerary but allow room for spontaneity. Unexpected detours often lead to the best experiences.
Embrace Local Culture
Learn basic phrases in local languages, try regional foods, and respect customs. This enriches your journey and builds connections.
Document Your Adventure
Keep a travel journal, blog, or vlog to capture memories. Share your experiences on platforms like X to inspire others.
Manage Travel Fatigue
Long-term travel can be exhausting. Schedule rest days, prioritize sleep, and listen to your body to avoid burnout.
How Long Should You Take?
Ultimately, the time it takes to travel around the world depends on your goals. If you’re aiming for a quick bucket-list check, 2–4 weeks by air is enough. For a deeper, more immersive experience, 6 months to 2 years by land or sea is ideal. Here’s a quick summary:
- Air: 2–4 weeks for a fast trip, 1–2 months for a relaxed pace.
- Land: 6 months to 2 years, depending on stops and regions.
- Sea: 3–8 months for cruises or cargo ships, 1–2 years for private yachts.
- Combined: 3–12 months for a balanced approach.
Conclusion
Traveling around the world is a life-changing experience, whether you zip through major cities in a month or spend years exploring remote corners. By understanding your options—air, land, sea, or a mix—you can craft a journey that fits your timeline, budget, and dreams. So, how long will it take you to go around the world? That’s up to you—start planning, pack your bags, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!