how fast is a plane going when it lands

A typical commercial airliner is going roughly 130–160 mph (about 210–260 km/h) at the moment of landing, depending on the aircraft and conditions.

Quick Scoop

• Most commercial planes land around 130–160 mph.

• Heavier, larger jets tend to be toward the higher end of that range.

• Exact speed depends on aircraft type, weight, wind, and runway conditions.

What “landing speed” really means

When people ask “how fast is a plane going when it lands,” they’re usually talking about approach or touchdown speed: the speed over the ground when the wheels actually meet the runway. Pilots usually fly a little faster on final approach, then bleed off a bit of speed in the flare just before touchdown.

For example:

• A large jet like a Boeing 747 typically touches down around 145–150 knots (about 166–172 mph).

• Many modern airliners fall in the 140–165 mph band when landing.

Why it can feel “slow” or “fast”

Inside the cabin, that 140–160 mph can feel surprisingly gentle, because:

• You’re close to the ground with visual references, which can make it feel slower.
• The aircraft has high lift from flaps and spoilers, so much of the energy is managed smoothly.

Other times, especially in bad weather or on a short runway, it can feel fast and firm because the crew may use a slightly higher speed or a more positive touchdown for safety.

Different planes, different speeds

• Big commercial jets: typically 130–160 mph.

• Smaller propeller planes: often slower, roughly 60–100 mph depending on type. (General ranges discussed in overviews of aircraft speeds.)

• High-performance or special aircraft (like the Concorde when it operated) could land above 180 mph.

Simple rule of thumb

If you’re on an ordinary passenger jet in 2026, a good mental estimate is:

“When we land, we’re doing about 150 mph, plus or minus 20.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.