Distance and flight time from Houston to Richmond
The great-circle distance between Houston and Richmond is 14,271 km (8,868 mi, 7,706 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 18h 34m and 38h 33m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers an ultra-long-range jet fits: it covers the route with one fuel stop in about 18h 34m.
- Light jet: 28h 04m (with 5 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 25h 08m (with 4 fuel stops)
- Super midsize jet: 21h 18m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Heavy jet: 20h 53m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Ultra long range jet: 18h 34m (with one fuel stop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the Houston – Richmond route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 5 empty legs from Houston to Richmond. The most frequent aircraft were Eurocopter EC155 and EC155. Most flights operate from William P Hobby Airport (KHOU) to Richmond Airport (FARM).
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Houston to Richmond?
The great-circle distance is 14,271 km (8,868 mi) or 7,706 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from Houston to Richmond?
By private jet about 18h 34m in an ultra-long-range jet. A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 18h 43m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly Houston – Richmond nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 5 fuel stops and about 28h 04m in total. Nonstop flights start with an ultra-long-range jet (18h 34m).
How much is a private jet from Houston to Richmond?
A one-way charter in an ultra-long-range jet costs roughly €291,900 to €563,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €154,300.