How Transit and Airport Distances Are Calculated

Distances shown for transit stops, airports, and downtown or city centre proximity are calculated using one of two methods: driving distance along the actual road network, or straight-line distance between two points. Which method applies depends on data availability for a given location.

Driving distance

Where a routing service can calculate a real driving route, the distance shown reflects the actual road network, factoring in the layout of streets, junctions, and available crossings. This is generally the more accurate figure for understanding real-world travel, since two points can be close as the crow flies but separated by a river, motorway, or other barrier that adds significant real driving distance.

Straight-line distance

Where a driving route cannot be calculated (due to a routing service being temporarily unavailable, or a location outside its coverage), a straight-line distance is calculated instead, using the geographic coordinates of both points. This is always shorter than or equal to the real driving distance, and should be treated as a lower-bound estimate rather than an exact travel distance.

Why this matters for interpretation

• A straight-line distance of 2km could correspond to a considerably longer actual drive if a direct route does not exist
• Nearest airport and downtown distance figures generally use driving distance where available, giving a more realistic sense of travel time
• Transit stop distances reflect the location of the stop itself, not the frequency or quality of the service it provides