Understanding speed conversions is essential for international travel, whether you're renting a car abroad or following GPS navigation in different countries.
Quick Speed Converters:
Common Speed Limit Conversions
Most countries use kilometers per hour (km/h), while the United States uses miles per hour (mph). Here are the most common speed limits you'll encounter:
City/Urban Speeds
| km/h | mph | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 30 km/h | 19 mph | Residential zones |
| 50 km/h | 31 mph | City streets |
| 80 km/h | 50 mph | Main roads |
Highway Speeds
| km/h | mph | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 100 km/h | 62 mph | Standard highway |
| 110 km/h | 68 mph | Fast highway |
| 130 km/h | 81 mph | Motorway (Europe) |
💡 Quick Tip
To convert km/h to mph quickly: multiply by 0.6. For mph to km/h: multiply by 1.6. Or use our instant converter!
Speed Limits by Country
Europe
- Germany: No limit on some Autobahns (130 km/h advised)
- France: 130 km/h motorways, 80 km/h rural roads
- UK: 70 mph (113 km/h) motorways
- Spain: 120 km/h motorways
Americas
- USA: 55-75 mph (varies by state)
- Canada: 100-110 km/h highways
- Mexico: 110 km/h highways
Rental Car Tips
When renting a car abroad:
- Check if the speedometer shows km/h or mph
- Modern cars often display both units
- GPS navigation usually matches local units
- Watch for speed cameras – they're stricter in Europe!
Conversion Formula
km/h to mph: km/h × 0.621371 = mph
mph to km/h: mph × 1.60934 = km/h
For quick mental math, just remember: 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph