Are you looking for a way to understand how far three kilometers is? Then you are reading the right post.
The perception of whether 3 kilometers is considered a long distance can vary depending on the context and the individual’s perspective.
For some, 3 kilometers is a walking distance that might take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on their walking speed. Some people cover this distance on foot to commute to work or school.
However, others may view 3 kilometers as a significant distance, more so if they are not accustomed to walking long distances regularly.
In any case, for a practical understanding of how far that distance is, things that are about 3 kilometers long should help.
And in this post, we cover fourteen such items to help you visualize that distance.
Let’s dive in!
Read: 8 Everyday Items For Visualizing 100 Square Feet
Things That Are About 3 Kilometers Long
1. Length of 60 Olympic-size Swimming Pools
Olympic-size swimming pools are excellent reference points for short distances such as 25 meters since they all have standard sizes; 50 meters long by 25 meters wide. They are popular in most universities and colleges in the United States.
If you can visualize the length of these mega swimming pools, imagine walking it sixty times to get a mental image of how far 3 kilometers is. In this context, it might seem a hell of a distance!
2. Length of 30 100-meter Dashes
If you are not much of a swimmer, let’s try another familiar item; a 100-meter dash. Even if you have zero interest in sports or athletics, the 100-meter dash is a widely recognized event in track and field, so there’s a good chance you can picture that distance athletes square it off.
As the name implies, a 100-meter is precisely 100 meters (0.1 km) long.
That means a distance of 3 kilometers is the same as 30 100-meter dashes connected end-to-end.
3. Length of 30 Soccer Fields
Probably the most relatable way to understand how far 3 kilometers is by comparing it against the length of a soccer pitch. Soccer is arguably the most popular sport worldwide, so almost everyone can relate to a soccer pitch.
The dimensions of soccer pitches vary, but the difference is usually minimal. Most are approximately 100 meters long, similar to 100-meter dashes.
Therefore, to gauge how far 3 kilometers is, you can imagine the distance 30 soccer fields would cover if arranged in a straight line lengthwise.
4. Length of 108 Basketball Courts
The dimensions of basketball courts are an excellent way to understand relatively short distances. Although you can find a few variations, most are usually about 28 meters (0.028 kilometers) long.
But despite being a fraction of 3 kilometers, we can still rely on them to get a mental image of that distance.
How? Imagine how long 108 basketball courts would be if placed in a straight line, each after each.
5. Length of 80 Hockey Rinks
Hockey rinks are perfect references for 200 feet since they are just as long.
But if you’re a fan or hockey player, you can use them to understand longer distances, like in our case here, since you are familiar with them and can picture their size.
If so, imagine how long 80 hockey rinks span. That would give you an impression of a distance of 3 kilometers.
6. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, situated in San Francisco, California, USA, stands as one of the most renowned landmarks, not only in San Francisco but throughout the entire country.
If you have had the privilege to visit the suspension bridge, it could be just what you need to understand a distance of 3 kilometers.
Including approaches from the abutment and the distance to the Toll Plaza, the gate spans a length of 2.7 kilometers. Not precisely 3 kilometers, but you get the idea.
7. Length 10 Cruise Ships
Cruise ships offer a convenient and enjoyable way for people to explore different destinations while providing various onboard amenities and entertainment options. Most popular departure ports where you can find the ships include Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles.
While the size of cruises can vary, most are usually about 1,000 feet (about 0.3 kilometers) long.
Therefore, if you can picture the distance ten would cover when arranged end-to-end, you wouldn’t worry about how long 3 kilometers is.
8. The National Mall
The National Mall is an essential destination when visiting Washington, DC. Situated at the center of the nation’s capital, it’s a beloved and renowned spot for cultural and recreational activities. You simply can’t miss taking a stroll through this iconic location!
From Constitution Ave on the mall’s north side to Independence Ave on the south, the mall is approximately two miles, or about 3.2 kilometers long.
9. Length of One and a Half Kentucky Derby
Due to its widespread appeal, the Kentucky Derby attracts spectators from all over the United States and even international visitors who come to experience the excitement and spectacle of the “Run for the Roses. Even if you are not a horse racing enthusiast, it’s a thrilling experience.
The entire length of the Kentucky Derby is about 2 kilometers. If you have been there, 3 kilometers is about walking that distance and a half.
10. Height of Five CN Towers
The CN Tower is an iconic communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada, and, in fact, it was the world’s tallest building, standing 553 meters (0.553 kilometers) tall before Burj Khalifa.
To understand visually how far 3 kilometers is, consider five CN towers lying end-to-end on the ground.
11. Height of 10 Wells Fargo Plaza
Wells Fargo Plaza is a prominent skyscraper in Houston, Texas, USA. It houses the Wells Fargo bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States.
The building is primarily known for its distinctive architecture and significant height, towering 302 meters (0.302km) from the ground.
Therefore, 3 kilometers is as long as ten times the height of the Plaza.
12. Height of 10 New York Times Buildings
The New York Times Building is the headquarters for one of the most prestigious and influential newspapers, The New York Times. Many people visit the site to take photographs and attend events.
The skyscraper boasts 52 stories and stands 319 meters from the ground.
As such, you can think of 3 kilometers as ten such buildings stacked on each other.
13. Height of 10 Chrysler Buildings
Still in New York City, but in a different location, is the Chrysler building, another skyscraper you can use to understand the concept of 3 kilometers.
Similarly to the New York Times Building, the Chrysler building stands 319 meters tall. So, as you would guess, 3 kilometers is equivalent to the combined height of ten such buildings.
Read: 10 Things That Are Approximately 5 Meters Long (With Pics)
14. Height of 33 Statues of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty has become an enduring symbol of the United States and its core values of freedom, democracy, and hope.
It is also a tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors worldwide each year to experience the breathtaking views of New York City and the surrounding areas.
Including the pedestal, the iconic symbol stands 305 feet (about 0.09 km) tall.
If you can imagine one lying down, it would take 32 more to reach a distance of 3 kilometers.
