Distance and flight time from New York to Zurich
The great-circle distance between New York and Zurich is 6,315 km (3,924 mi, 3,410 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 7h 57m and 17h 51m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a heavy jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 8h 23m.
- Light jet: 12h 28m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 10h 25m (with one fuel stop)
- Super midsize jet: 9h 54m (with one fuel stop)
- Heavy jet: 8h 23m (nonstop)
- Ultra long range jet: 7h 57m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the New York – Zurich route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 8 empty legs from New York to Zurich. The most frequent aircraft were Global Express and Global 5000. Most flights operate from Teterboro Airport (KTEB) to Zurich Airport (LSZH).
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 New York to Zurich?
The great-circle distance is 6,315 km (3,924 mi) or 3,410 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from New York to Zurich?
By private jet about 8h 23m in a heavy jet and 7h 57m in the fastest jet (an ultra-long-range jet). A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 8h 39m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly New York – Zurich nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 2 fuel stops and about 12h 28m in total. Nonstop flights start with a heavy jet (8h 23m).
How much is a private jet from New York to Zurich?
A one-way charter in a heavy jet costs roughly €95,900 to €186,400 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs are often much cheaper.