A train travels from City A to City B, a distance of 300 miles, at a speed of 60 mph. On the return trip, it travels at 45 mph due to maintenance work on the tracks. What is the average speed for the entire round trip?

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:45:38 +0000

**How to Calculate Average Speed for a Round Trip – And Why It Matters** Why are commuters across the U.S. increasingly discussing train travel times and performance efficiency? With rising fuel costs, growing remote work trends, and shifting transportation priorities, understanding how distance, speed, and maintenance impact journey planning has become essential for travelers and trend-watchers alike. At the heart of this conversation is a classic example: a train traveling 300 miles from City A to City B at 60 mph, then returning at 45 mph due to track maintenance. But what does this mean for average speed—and how can this simple calculation shape smarter decisions? ### The Genetics of Average Speed: A Closer Look Average speed isn’t just total distance divided by total time—it’s a nuanced measure that reflects real-world conditions. For a round trip, speed calculations account for each leg’s unique pace. In this scenario, the outbound journey spans 300 miles at 60 mph, requiring five hours (300 ÷ 60). The return trip covers the same distance but slows to 45 mph, adding seven hours (300 ÷ 45). Combined, the total trip takes 12 hours over 600 miles, yielding an average speed of exactly 50 mph. This result underscores the hidden impact of variable speeds on journey planning—especially when delays like maintenance work disrupt schedules.