A train travels 300 miles at a speed of 60 mph, then continues for another 200 miles at 80 mph. What is the average speed for the entire trip?

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:52:36 +0000

**A train travels 300 miles at a speed of 60 mph, then continues for another 200 miles at 80 mph. What is the average speed for the entire trip?** Curious travelers and rail enthusiasts often wonder about precise journey calculations — a question that surfaces naturally in conversations about travel efficiency, transportation planning, and data literacy. What exactly defines average speed when distances and velocities shift mid-route? Understanding this isn’t just about calculating numbers, but unraveling a fundamental concept people increasingly explore as they compare speeds, routes, and time savings across the U.S. rail network. Analyzing a train journey that covers 300 miles at 60 mph followed by 200 miles at 80 mph reveals a nuanced computation: average speed isn’t a simple arithmetic mean but a total distance divided by total time. This distinction fuels data curiosity—especially in a post-pandemic era where travel efficiency and planning precision shape everyday decisions. The core equation begins with totals. With 300 miles at 60 mph, the first leg takes 5 hours. The second leg covers 200 miles at 80 mph, taking 2.5 hours. Combined, the train travels 500 miles in 7.5 hours—yielding an average speed of roughly 66.7 mph.