How Long Does It Take to Walk 1 km?
It takes approximately 12 minutes and 30 seconds to walk 1 km (0.62 miles) at an average walking pace of 4.8 km/h (3.0 mph). At a brisk pace of 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph), you'll finish in about 10 minutes 43 seconds. At a leisurely 3.2 km/h (2.0 mph), roughly 18 minutes 45 seconds. These estimates come from Bohannon & Andrews (2011), a meta-analysis of 23,111 subjects.
Calculate Your Walking Time
Distance: 1 km (0.62 mi)
Walking Time for 1 km at Different Paces
| Pace Level | Speed (km/h) | Speed (mph) | Time for 1 km | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leisurely | 3.2 | 2.0 | 18:45 | Casual stroll |
| Easy | 4.0 | 2.5 | 15:00 | Relaxed walk, chatting easily |
| Moderate | 4.8 | 3.0 | 12:30 | Average adult walking pace |
| Brisk | 5.6 | 3.5 | 10:43 | Purpose-driven, breathing harder |
| Fast | 6.4 | 4.0 | 9:23 | Power walking |
| Very Fast | 7.2 | 4.5 | 8:20 | Race walking / athletic pace |
One kilometre is the most fundamental walking unit. At every pace, it takes under 19 minutes. At moderate pace, it's a 12-minute walk — short enough for almost any errand, break, or transition between activities.
How Long to Walk 1 km by Age
Based on Bohannon & Andrews (2011):
| Age Group | Men's Speed (km/h) | Men's 1 km Time | Women's Speed (km/h) | Women's 1 km Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–29 | 4.90 | 12:15 | 4.83 | 12:26 |
| 30–39 | 5.15 | 11:39 | 4.83 | 12:26 |
| 40–49 | 5.15 | 11:39 | 5.00 | 12:00 |
| 50–59 | 5.15 | 11:39 | 4.72 | 12:43 |
| 60–69 | 4.83 | 12:26 | 4.47 | 13:25 |
| 70–79 | 4.54 | 13:13 | 4.07 | 14:45 |
| 80–99 | 3.49 | 17:11 | 3.38 | 17:45 |
One kilometre takes under 15 minutes for every age group up to 79. Even adults over 80 finish in under 18 minutes. This makes 1 km universally walkable.
What 1 km Looks Like in Practice
Steps: Approximately 1,397 steps at moderate pace (2,252 steps/mile × 0.62 miles).
Calories: About 33–49 calories for a 50–75 kg person.
| Body Weight | Calories Burned (1 km) |
|---|---|
| 50 kg / 110 lbs | ~36 cal |
| 65 kg / 143 lbs | ~47 cal |
| 80 kg / 176 lbs | ~58 cal |
| 95 kg / 209 lbs | ~69 cal |
Common 1 km walks: The walk from a metro station to your office, a stroll to a nearby café, a loop around one or two city blocks, or the distance between two bus stops. It's the distance most people walk without thinking of it as "going for a walk."
The walkability standard: Urban planners consider 1 km the outer edge of the "comfortable walk" zone for daily errands. Destinations within 1 km of home are most likely to be reached on foot rather than by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 km too short for exercise?
One kilometre in isolation provides modest exercise — about 12 minutes and 33–69 calories. But short walks add up. Walking 1 km four times daily (to and from work, lunchtime loop) totals 4 km, 50 minutes, and 132–276 calories — a meaningful daily total.
Research also shows that even brief 10–15 minute walks improve mood, focus, and blood sugar regulation.
How many steps is 1 km?
Approximately 1,397 steps at moderate pace. Taller walkers (193 cm / 6'4") take about 1,200 steps, while shorter walkers (152 cm / 5'0") take about 1,560.
How long does it take to walk 1 km on a treadmill?
At 4.8 km/h (3.0 mph), exactly 12 minutes 30 seconds. At 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph), 10 minutes 43 seconds. At 6.4 km/h (4.0 mph), 9 minutes 23 seconds. Treadmill displays in metric make 1 km a convenient target.
How does walking 1 km compare to running it?
Running 1 km at a recreational pace of 6:00/km takes 6 minutes. Walking takes about 12:30 — roughly double the time. Running burns about 40% more calories per kilometre.
Related Pages
- How Long to Walk 2 km — double the distance
- How Long to Walk 3 km — a short fitness walk
- How Long to Walk 5 km — the 5K benchmark
- How Long to Walk Half a Mile — 1 km ≈ 0.62 miles
- Walking Time Calculator — calculate any distance
Sources Cited
- Bohannon, R.W. & Andrews, A.W. (2011). Physiotherapy, 97(3), 182–189.
- ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal (2008). Step counts per mile.
- Compendium of Physical Activities — MET values.