Distance from Earth to Neptune today
| Distance from Earth | 29.2110 AU |
|---|---|
| In kilometres | 4,369.9 million km |
| In miles | 2,715.3 million miles |
| Light-time | 4 h 02 min |
| Trend | Receding at 22.6 km/s (1.95 million km per day) |
| Distance from the Sun | 29.8769 AU · 4,469.5 million km |
| Closest in the next 24 months | · 28.8615 AU |
| Farthest in the next 24 months | · 30.8703 AU |
One astronomical unit (AU) is the mean distance from Earth to the Sun, 149,597,870.7 km. Distances are measured between the centres of the two planets.
Distance over the next two years
Neptune is closest at opposition, once a year; the yearly swing is just the diameter of Earth's orbit. Over the years the distance stays between about 4.3 and 4.7 billion km (2.7 and 2.9 billion miles).
Next closest approaches of Neptune
Neptune is next closest to Earth on September 27, 2027, at 28.8679 AU (4,318.6 million km, 2,683.4 million miles). The table lists every closest approach until 2037.
| Date | Distance | Kilometres | Miles | Light-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28.8679 AU | 4,318.6 million km | 2,683.4 million miles | 4 h 00 min | |
| 28.8615 AU | 4,317.6 million km | 2,682.8 million miles | 4 h 00 min | |
| 28.8564 AU | 4,316.9 million km | 2,682.4 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8525 AU | 4,316.3 million km | 2,682.0 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8496 AU | 4,315.8 million km | 2,681.7 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8471 AU | 4,315.5 million km | 2,681.5 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8447 AU | 4,315.1 million km | 2,681.3 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8416 AU | 4,314.6 million km | 2,681.0 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8377 AU | 4,314.1 million km | 2,680.6 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8329 AU | 4,313.3 million km | 2,680.2 million miles | 3 h 59 min | |
| 28.8277 AU | 4,312.6 million km | 2,679.7 million miles | 3 h 59 min |
The closest approach falls within a few days of the opposition of Neptune, not exactly on it, because the two orbits are ellipses.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Neptune from Earth right now?
On November 12, 2026, Neptune is 29.2110 AU from Earth: 4,369.9 million km, or 2,715.3 million miles. Its light takes 4 h 02 min to reach us, and it is receding at 22.6 km/s.
How long does light take to travel from Neptune to Earth?
On November 12, 2026, 4 h 02 min. A radio signal takes the same time, since it also travels at the speed of light.
When is Neptune closest to Earth?
Neptune is next closest to Earth on September 27, 2027, at 28.8679 AU (4,318.6 million km, 2,683.4 million miles). Neptune is closest at opposition, once a year; the yearly swing is just the diameter of Earth's orbit.