Sea distance from New York to Los Angeles
The sea route from New York (United States) to Los Angeles (United States) is about 4,943 nautical miles, which is 9,154 km or 5,688 statute miles. The route transits Panama Canal. That is about 133% longer than the direct great-circle line, because the practical route follows coastlines and shipping lanes.
Voyage time by boat speed
Time underway is distance divided by speed. These are continuous-passage figures with no stops or weather margin.
| Boat and speed | Time underway |
|---|---|
| Sailboat, conservative (5 kn) | 41d 5h |
| Sailboat, average (6 kn) | 34d 8h |
| Displacement trawler (8 kn) | 25d 18h |
| Fast trawler (10 kn) | 20d 14h |
| Planing motor yacht (15 kn) | 13d 18h |
| Fast motor yacht (20 kn) | 10d 7h |
Planning estimate, not navigation
This distance is computed over the open Eurostat shipping-lane network. It is a realistic passage length for planning, but your sailed distance will differ with weather routing, currents, draft, and the exact berths you leave from and arrive at. Always verify against official charts.
Plan this passage properly
Open New York to Los Angeles in the Marine OS route planner: it suggests the sea route, then you drag waypoints, set your speed and fuel burn, and check weather and tides along the way.
Open this route in the plannerFrequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from New York by sea?
About 4,943 nautical miles (9,154 km / 5,688 statute miles) along the practical sea route, which transits Panama Canal. The straight-line distance is shorter, but boats follow coastlines, channels, and traffic lanes.
How long does it take to sail from New York to Los Angeles?
At a typical sailing average of 6 knots it is about 34d 8h underway. A 10-knot trawler needs about 20d 14h, and a 20-knot motor yacht about 10d 7h. Add margin for weather, currents, and stops.
How is this distance calculated?
It is computed over the open Eurostat global shipping-lane network, the same kind of network freight routing tools use. It is a realistic planning estimate, not a navigation product: your sailed distance will vary with weather routing, draft, and the exact harbors you use.
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