Distance from Port of Los Angeles to Port of Rotterdam
Great-circle distance, compass bearing and a transit estimate between Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) and Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM).
initial heading from Port of Los Angeles
14–24 knots, direct
About the Port of Los Angeles–Port of Rotterdam route
The great-circle (straight-line) distance from Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) in United States to Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) in Netherlands is approximately 8,985 km — that is 4,852 nautical miles or 5,583 statute miles. The initial heading from Port of Los Angeles is about 32° (north-northeast).
At a typical merchant service speed, a direct passage of this length would take roughly 9 days for a fast container ship (about 24 knots) and up to 15 days for a slower bulk carrier (about 14 knots). Real voyages are longer than the great-circle figure: ships follow established sea lanes, transit canals and straits such as Suez, Panama or Malacca, and adjust for weather and traffic.
How this is calculated
The distance is the great-circle (orthodromic) distance between the published coordinates of Port of Los Angeles and Port of Rotterdam — the shortest path over the Earth’s surface. Actual sea routes are longer, following shipping lanes, canals and straits. Transit figures are planning approximations, not schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Port of Los Angeles from Port of Rotterdam?
The great-circle distance from Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) to Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) is about 8,985 km (4,852 nautical miles / 5,583 miles).
What direction is Port of Rotterdam from Port of Los Angeles?
Setting out from Port of Los Angeles, the initial bearing to Port of Rotterdam is about 32°, which is roughly north-northeast.
How long does it take to sail from Port of Los Angeles to Port of Rotterdam?
A direct great-circle passage would take about 9–15 days depending on vessel speed (roughly 24 knots down to 14 knots). Actual sea routes are longer because they follow shipping lanes and canals.