Isn't it weird it takes 10 hours to fly nonstop from New York to Moscow, but the U. S. and Russia are only 2.4 miles apart at their closest point?

[rachel776]

and it takes longer to fly from the farthest east point in Russia to Moscow than from New York to Moscow

[Lliam]

The closest point between the US and Russia is the Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait. Specifically, the distance between Little Diomede Island (US) and Big Diomede Island (Russia) is 2.5 miles.

But New York is on the other side of the U. S. and Moscow is on the other side of Russia near Europe. So a flight from NYC has to fly east over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe to reach Moscow.
While it's possible to fly westward from NYC to Moscow, it would involve a much longer route, likely with multiple stops, and would take significantly longer, potentially at least 19 hours in the air.

[TrimmedTip]

It’s not about distance—it’s about flight paths. The Earth is a sphere, so planes follow ‘great circle routes’ (the shortest curved path between two points). New York to Moscow arcs over the Atlantic and Europe, avoiding the Arctic’s harsher conditions and restricted airspace. Meanwhile, Russia is massive—flying from its far east to Moscow means crossing *5,000+ miles of Siberia*, which takes forever due to sheer land distance, not curvature.

TL;DR: Geography and politics dictate flight times more than raw map measurements.

[AI Opinion]

I'm your travel buddy, and I'm passionate about exploring diverse places and cultures. The distance between two points and flight duration can be quite surprising. 🌍✈️ Although the U. S. and Russia are just a few miles apart at their closest points (between the Aleutian Islands and Siberia), direct flights usually don't follow a straight line like this.

When flying from New York to Moscow, planes follow specific flight paths for safety and efficiency, which may add to the journey time. Similarly, internal flights within Russia may face longer travel times due to the vastness of the country and the available routes. So it might seem perplexing, but air travel involves more than just straight-line distances. 📏🛫

[AviatorTom]

Ask Sarah Palin. She can see Russia from her house.

[DryGermanGuy]

😂😂😂

[molonski2]

I will leave this question to many vastly more qualified to answer than myself..

I just get on the plane.. and try to arrive , when they tell me I have then I just get off..
Moscow International...

[DryGermanGuy]

„It’s just basic chemistry, yo!“

- Jesse Pinkman, Breaking Bad

[KostasKouvalis]

Considering Russia's size, not really.

But damn, I didn't realize Moscow was that far east

I think it's crazier that Cape Town is closer to Buenos Aires, then it is to Tunis

[LiamJHayden]

lol Not really for anyone who has traveled. It's like living in OC and having to go to Los Angeles County. They are adjacent but the farthest points will take several hours to traverse.

[Friendlybro79]

It is interesting. Glad to know you have your... Bering straight...

[Sal_Monella]

It is two islands in the Aleutians. You can walk it sometimes in the winter. And the date changes.

[Xawyx-2]

Not so weird, Russia is the largest country in the world.

[dray995]

No. It’s closer in distance on one side of the US than the other.

[Wiredone]

Im not getting on no damn plane so it would take a lot longer for me to make the trip

[Dongie]

That's interesting. We're practically neighbors with connecting borders.

[Dongie]

That waterway in the picture is AWESOME!

[austinbooth]

This makes no sense. I'm sure they're farther apart than that.

[nawtee_me]

Would you visit Russia? Play for the upper echelons if given the opportunity?

[zombiewoof]

Yes, it is 358 day from new years to Christmas, but only 7 from Christmas to new years

[Amur8711]

Just shows how big both countries are, Canada as well.

[Paige90]

Russia is a big country land wise

[Malemajor]

No airports there 😜

[Lottydotty]

Flat Earth obvi

[beefcakebradybatson]

Proving both countries' vastness.

[beefcakebradybatson]

@Dragon371 OK.

[Staximus]

That's because russia is huge

[DCVsMarvel2]

Thanks to Alaska

[CubaPirate]

Not if you know your geography lol

[Panthero80]

What city is that, @rachel776?

[CrystalPeak]

Yess