Bicycle Around the World: How Long Does It Take?

Ever dreamed of pedaling across continents and seeing the globe from a saddle? It’s a wild idea, but it’s doable if you know what you’re getting into. The big question is simple: how long will it really take? The answer isn’t a neat number because many things change the clock. Below we break down the stuff that matters most, give you a feel for real‑world timelines, and hand you a few tips to keep your adventure realistic.

What Affects Your Speed?

First up, distance. The Earth’s circumference at the equator is about 24,900 miles (40,075 km). Most riders won’t follow the equator, so the route might be shorter or longer depending on the roads you pick. Then there’s the bike. A lightweight touring bike with good gears will shave hours off each day compared to a heavy mountain bike. Your fitness level matters too – seasoned cyclists can push 80‑100 miles a day, while beginners might stick to 30‑40 miles.

Don’t forget terrain. Flat plains let you cruise, but hills and mountains eat up time and energy. Weather is another spoiler. Rain, headwinds, or extreme heat can slow you down or force you to rest. Finally, think about logistics: visas, border crossings, bike repairs, and rest days. All these little pauses add up and can stretch a trip that looks fast on paper into a slower, more enjoyable ride.

Real‑World Estimates

Let’s look at a few real examples. A group that rode around the world in 2015 logged about 24,000 miles in 18 months. That works out to roughly 4‑5 months of actual riding, with the rest spent on travel, recovery, and paperwork. Solo riders often take longer – many aim for 2‑3 years to keep a comfortable pace and soak in the experience.

If you plan to bike 70 miles a day, ride 5 days a week, and rest the other 2, you’d cover about 350 miles each week. At that rate, 24,000 miles would need around 69 weeks, or a little over a year of riding days. Add in rest weeks, visa stops, and unexpected delays, and you’re looking at 15‑18 months total.

For a more relaxed adventure, try 40 miles a day, 4 days a week. That’s 160 miles weekly, stretching the journey to about 150 weeks – nearly three years. The key is to match the schedule with your fitness, budget, and how much time you can spare from work or family.

Bottom line: a global bike trip can take anywhere from 1½ years to 3 years for most people. The exact time depends on how hard you push, the route you choose, and how many breaks you need. Whatever timeline you aim for, plan flexibility into every stage and enjoy the ride, not just the finish line.