Sea Distance
Los Angeles to Houston
4,523 nautical miles (8,377 km) on the modelled sea route — routing-network estimate, not a voyage plan.
Transit time by speed
- 10 kn
- 18.8 days
- 12 kn
- 15.7 days
- 14 kn
- 13.5 days
- 16 kn
- 11.8 days
- 18 kn
- 10.5 days
- 20 kn
- 9.4 days
Canal transit
The primary modelled route transits the Panama Canal. The canal-free alternative is 13,469 nm via South America — see the cost trade-off below.
Emission Control Areas
The modelled route crosses: North American ECA. Inside an ECA, fuel sulphur is limited to 0.10% m/m — screening only, verify under MARPOL Annex VI.
Work with this route
Run the numbers.
Distances are routing-model estimates over the MARNET maritime network between WPI port positions — planning estimates, not navigation plans. Speed transits exclude weather, congestion, pilotage and port time.
Questions
Asked about this route.
How far is it from Los Angeles to Houston by sea?
The modelled sea route is 4,523 nautical miles (8,377 km) between the two port reference positions. Actual sailed distance varies with the route a vessel takes.
How long does it take to sail from Los Angeles to Houston?
At a service speed of 14 knots the sea passage is about 13.5 days. At 10 knots, 18.8 days; at 20 knots, 9.4 days — plus port, pilotage, canal convoy and waiting time.
Does the Los Angeles–Houston route cross an Emission Control Area?
The modelled route crosses North American ECA. Indicative screening only — applicability depends on the sailed track and current MARPOL Annex VI.
Does the Los Angeles–Houston route use a canal?
The modelled primary route transits the Panama Canal. A canal-free alternative of 13,469 nautical miles exists via South America.
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