Beijing, China → Moscow, Russia · ✈ 7h 45min · 🚗 94h 9min
3,129 nautical miles · Time difference: -5h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Beijing to Moscow is 5,794 km (3,600 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 7h 45min.
The straight-line distance from Beijing, China to Moscow, Russia is approximately 5,794 kilometers (3,600 miles or 3,129 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Moscow is located northwest of Beijing. Beijing is in Asia, in the Hebei region of China, while Moscow is in Europe, in Central, Russia. This intercontinental route spans from Asia to Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 5,794 km | ~7h 45min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Beijing to Moscow. For 5,794 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Beijing sits at 39.9042°N, 116.4074°E, while Moscow is located at 55.7558°N, 37.6173°E. The initial compass bearing from Beijing to Moscow is 316° (NW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Beijing heading roughly NW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 15.85° and the longitude difference is 78.79°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Beijing and Moscow is approximately 54.7955°N, 84.2067°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 2,897 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Moscow is roughly 5 hours behind Beijing. When it is 09:00 in Beijing, it is approximately 04:00 in Moscow. A time difference of 5 hours typically produces noticeable jet lag — most travelers need about one recovery day per time zone crossed. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Beijing uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), while Moscow uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Mandarin in Beijing to Russian in Moscow. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Beijing is a major city in China with a population of approximately 21,540,000. Located in the Hebei region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in China, Beijing is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Beijing
Moscow is a notable city in Russia with a population of approximately 12,506,468. Situated in the Central region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Moscow is one of Russia's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
At 5,794 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Asia to Europe. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 5,794 km, Beijing to Moscow is one of the world's longer routes, covering 14.5% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, Beijing and Moscow have a population of over 34,046,468 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from Asia to Europe, spanning 5 timezones.
The straight-line distance from Beijing to Moscow is approximately 5,794 kilometers (3,600 miles, 3,129 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 7h 45min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 94h 9min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Moscow is approximately -5h behind compared to Beijing.
The estimated road distance is approximately 7,532 km, which is about 30% longer than the 5,794 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.