How fast are airplanes allowed to taxi on the tarmac?

Anyone who looks through the terminal window at the airport or is sitting in the plane themselves is sometimes amazed: jets weighing several tons whizz across the tarmac as if they are about to take off – even though they are only on their way to the runway or back to the gate.

Taxiing is rarely a slow, leisurely affair. Instead, the question arises: how fast are aircraft actually allowed to move on the ground? Is there a defined speed limit—or do these heavy machines have free rein on the tarmac?

«There is no uniform speed limit for taxiing at Zurich Airport», explains Bettina Kunz, head of media at Zurich Airport. «Each airline sets its own guidelines, based on recommendations from the aircraft manufacturer.»

«Mostly, aircraft taxi at 16 to 19 knots», says Kunz. This corresponds to 29 to 35 kilometers per hour, which is about the speed of a brisk cyclist – but it seems much more impressive for an aircraft that weighs tons. The media manager estimates the maximum speed at Zurich Airport at 30 knots, which is around 55 kilometers per hour.

And just like on the road, conditions matter. Aircraft reduce speed when the tarmac is wet, snowy, or icy—because, just like cars, planes need good traction before heading for takeoff.