How Long to Fly Around the World

January 14, 2025 · 7 min read

How Long to Fly Around the World

Our readers and clients often ask us this question: how long to fly around the world? Considering said question has several answers , we decided it would be a good opportunity to put this subject to rest once and for all with our own data, expert’s input, and all the statistics you may need to shine on your next dinner party when and if the topic comes about.

As one of the world’s leading private jet charter companies, we pride ourselves in inviting our readers to learn more about what we do every day, but also much of the trivia that makes up for urban myths . In this article, we’ll share a few details on how several jets could achieve a flight around the world. From best-case scenarios to realistic ones, you’ll have all the data you need to answer this one question you likely did yourself at some point. So let’s fasten that seatbelt, and embark on a flight that will cross continents and oceans, supported on hard evidence.

In the best-case scenario, flying around the world could be achieved in just over 24 hours using cutting-edge supersonic or hypersonic aircraft currently in development. Such advanced jets, capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,000 km/h or 3,700 mph) , could dramatically reduce travel time. Hypersonic technology could make circumnavigation feasible with only a few short refueling stops or even non-stop, depending on fuel efficiency and advancements in in-flight refueling systems. Companies like Boom Supersonic and Hermeus are actively pursuing these breakthroughs, suggesting a near future where global travel becomes far more appealing.

For passenger flights, a best-case scenario would assume perfect logistics, ideal weather, and pre-cleared international airspace permissions. Chartering a private jet optimized for speed and endurance, like a Gulfstream G700 or Bombardier Global 8000 , could accomplish the journey in about 40–45 hours , accounting for quick refueling stops. These jets are designed for long-range travel with luxurious amenities, ensuring maximum comfort during this hypothetical adventure.

In an even more futuristic best-case scenario, space tourism can redefine circumnavigation altogether. Suborbital flights, such as those proposed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, could circle the Earth in less than 2 hours by reaching low Earth orbit. This approach eliminates atmospheric drag, enabling speeds exceeding 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph) . While this technology is still being refined, it hints at a future where circling the planet could be as routine and fast as a domestic flight today, completely transforming the concept of global connectivity.

In a realistic scenario, we need to go back to our previous statement, where a private jet would typically take about 40–50 hours to fly around the world. The most efficient private jets can fly up to 13,890 km (7,500 nautical miles) non-stop, making them ideal for minimizing refueling stops. They also cruise at speeds of around 900–950 km/h (560–590 mph) , convering large distances efficiently while making the stay on board extremely comfortable.

A private jet circumnavigation would require 3–5 refueling stops , strategically planned at airports with fast refueling services and minimal ground delays. Think of Formula 1 style pitstops and fresh crew for the following leg, rather than a traditional layover. Popular routes often pass through hubs like Los Angeles , Dubai , Singapore, and Tokyo , where refueling and crew changes can be completed in under an hour. Factoring in refueling, customs clearance, and any unforeseen delays, the entire journey could realistically be completed in 2–3 days with carefully scheduled flights and rest breaks for crew and passengers.

For most travelers, chartering a private jet for such a journey also provides flexibility to adjust routes and stopovers as needed. The convenience of bypassing commercial airport queues, strict schedules, and layovers makes this option attractive for business executives or adventurers seeking efficiency and comfort. However, the cost is substantial, typically exceeding $100,000–200,000 , depending on the aircraft and services provided during the trip. While it may not match the speeds of experimental supersonic travel, private jets currently offer the fastest and most practical solution for circumnavigating the globe.

The dream of flying around the world has fascinated explorers and aviators for over a century. The first successful aerial circumnavigation was achieved in 1924 by the Douglas World Cruisers , a fleet of four aircraft operated by the U.S. Army Air Service. The journey took 175 days and included 74 stops , showcasing both the promise and challenges of global air travel.

Later milestones included Howard Hughes’ 1938 flight , which took just 3 days, 19 hours, and 14 minutes, setting a new standard for speed. By 1986, the Voyager aircraft, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, unrefueled flight around the world in 9 days, 3 minutes. These early feats laid the groundwork for modern aviation and highlighted human determination and technological progress.

The record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by an aircraft is held by the Concorde , which completed the journey in 31 hours and 27 minutes in 1995 . Departing from and returning to New York, the Concorde utilized its Mach 2.04 speed (over 2,180 km/h) to achieve this remarkable milestone, proving the potential for supersonic travel.

In 1996, a Cessna Citation X , a business jet, set a new record for light aircraft, flying around the world in 52 hours and 31 minutes. More recently, advancements in private jets, such as the Gulfstream G650ER, have made ultra-fast circumnavigations more accessible, reducing travel times to 40–50 hours with minimal stops.

Experimental projects are pushing the boundaries further. Hypersonic aircraft and suborbital technologies could soon shatter these records , promising global travel in mere hours. Meanwhile, modern luxury jets continue to allow for both speed and comfort, offering practical solutions for those seeking efficiency and elegance in long-distance journeys.

Flying around the world is about far more than speed – it’s also an opportunity to experience some of the planet’s most appealing destinations. Popular layovers include Dubai , famous for its futuristic skyline and luxurious hotels, and Tokyo , where tradition meets cutting-edge technology. Travelers often include Paris and London for its cultural charm, Sydney for its iconic harbor, and Rio de Janeiro for its vibrant beaches and festivals.

Nature enthusiasts may prefer stops like Cape Town , with its stunning coastal landscapes, or Reykjavik , known for the Northern Lights. For history buffs, ancient cities such as Istanbul and Cairo offer rich cultural experiences. Strategic stops can transform the journey into an unforgettable adventure, blending exploration with the thrill of global travel. After all, you can see some of the world’s wonders without having to dedicate a full trip to see, let’s say, the Pyramids, or the Opera House.

Whether the focus is speed, luxury, or exploration, circumnavigating the globe provides unique opportunities to experience the world’s diversity in a single go . From metropolises to natural wonders, the possibilities for discovery are as vast as the skies themselves, and we’re here to help you make it all come true.

Nowadays, you won’t need anywhere near 80 days to fly around the world such as Jules Verne envisioned. This majestic adventure can be achieved in the same time frame as any other holiday break , and adjusted to your requirements. You’d also be joining a very exclusive number of individuals who aimed to take at least one complete trip around the globe.

Our team is equipped with all the means to make such a dream come true, and we invite you to contact us at any time for a free quote. Whether you’re looking to cross continents and oceans from above , or simply find the best deal for your next business trip, we’re confident you’ll find it right here.