Distance from Earth to Saturn today
| Distance from Earth | 8.6598 AU |
|---|---|
| In kilometres | 1,295.5 million km |
| In miles | 805.0 million miles |
| Light-time | 1 h 12 min |
| Trend | Receding at 19.1 km/s (1.65 million km per day) |
| Distance from the Sun | 9.4217 AU · 1,409.5 million km |
| Closest in the next 24 months | · 8.2275 AU |
| Farthest in the next 24 months | · 10.3778 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
Saturn is closest at opposition, about once a year, and farthest at conjunction with the Sun. Over the years the distance stays between about 1.2 and 1.66 billion km (0.75 and 1.03 billion miles).
Next closest approaches of Saturn
Saturn is next closest to Earth on October 18, 2027, at 8.3260 AU (1,245.5 million km, 773.9 million miles). The table lists every closest approach until 2037.
| Date | Distance | Kilometres | Miles | Light-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3260 AU | 1,245.5 million km | 773.9 million miles | 1 h 09 min | |
| 8.2275 AU | 1,230.8 million km | 764.8 million miles | 1 h 08 min | |
| 8.1444 AU | 1,218.4 million km | 757.1 million miles | 1 h 07 min | |
| 8.0815 AU | 1,209.0 million km | 751.2 million miles | 1 h 07 min | |
| 8.0430 AU | 1,203.2 million km | 747.6 million miles | 1 h 06 min | |
| 8.0315 AU | 1,201.5 million km | 746.6 million miles | 1 h 06 min | |
| 8.0480 AU | 1,204.0 million km | 748.1 million miles | 1 h 06 min | |
| 8.0916 AU | 1,210.5 million km | 752.2 million miles | 1 h 07 min | |
| 8.1594 AU | 1,220.6 million km | 758.5 million miles | 1 h 07 min | |
| 8.2471 AU | 1,233.7 million km | 766.6 million miles | 1 h 08 min |
The closest approach falls within a few days of the opposition of Saturn, not exactly on it, because the two orbits are ellipses.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Saturn from Earth right now?
On November 12, 2026, Saturn is 8.6598 AU from Earth: 1,295.5 million km, or 805.0 million miles. Its light takes 1 h 12 min to reach us, and it is receding at 19.1 km/s.
How long does light take to travel from Saturn to Earth?
On November 12, 2026, 1 h 12 min. A radio signal takes the same time, since it also travels at the speed of light.
When is Saturn closest to Earth?
Saturn is next closest to Earth on October 18, 2027, at 8.3260 AU (1,245.5 million km, 773.9 million miles). Saturn is closest at opposition, about once a year, and farthest at conjunction with the Sun.