how long are railroad ties

Most modern full‑size railroad ties are about 8 to 9 feet long, with 8½ feet being especially common on North American mainlines.

Quick Scoop

• Typical range: 8 to 9 feet overall length.

• Very common “standard” size: about 8 ft 6 in (roughly 102 inches).

• Other lengths you’ll see: some 8‑foot ties and some 9‑foot ties, plus longer “bridge ties” that are 10 feet or more for special structures.

Picture a standard pickup truck bed (about 6–6.5 ft): a railroad tie usually sticks out past both ends, which matches that 8–8.5 ft ballpark.

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