USPS Delivery Time Calculator by ZIP Code
Calculate accurate USPS delivery times between any two ZIP codes. Our calculator uses USPS zone data to provide realistic shipping estimates for Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, and all other services.
Calculate Delivery Time by ZIP Code
Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes to get personalized delivery estimates based on the actual distance and USPS zone.
Upcoming USPS Non-Delivery Days:
- Sun, Dec 14 - Sunday - No regular mail delivery
Ready to Calculate
Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes above, then click "Calculate Delivery Time" to see estimated arrival dates for all USPS services.
How Do USPS Shipping Zones Work?
USPS shipping zones range from 1-8 based on distance between ZIP codes. Zone 1 covers local deliveries within 50 miles, while Zone 8 spans cross-country distances over 1,800 miles. Higher zones mean longer delivery times and higher shipping costs for non-Flat Rate services.
USPS divides the country into zones (1-8) based on distance from the origin ZIP code. The zone determines both delivery time and shipping cost for most services.
How zones are calculated
USPS uses the first 3 digits of each ZIP code (called the "3-digit ZIP" or "sectional center") to determine the zone. This represents the regional sorting facility, not the exact street address.
Example: If you're shipping from ZIP 10001 (New York, NY) to 90210 (Beverly Hills, CA), USPS looks at "100" to "902" to calculate Zone 8 (cross-country).
USPS Zone Distance Chart
This chart shows how USPS zones correspond to distance and their impact on delivery times:
| Zone | Distance | Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-50 miles | None |
| Zone 2 | 51-150 miles | None |
| Zone 3 | 151-300 miles | None |
| Zone 4 | 301-600 miles | +0.5 days |
| Zone 5 | 601-1,000 miles | +1 day |
| Zone 6 | 1,001-1,400 miles | +1 day |
| Zone 7 | 1,401-1,800 miles | +1-2 days |
| Zone 8 | 1,801+ miles | +2 days |
How to Find Delivery Time Between Any Two ZIP Codes
To find USPS delivery time between ZIP codes, use our calculator above. Enter your origin ZIP, destination ZIP, and select a service. The calculator determines your shipping zone and provides accurate delivery estimates including our "Honest ETA" confidence percentage.
Enter your origin ZIP code
The 5-digit ZIP where your package ships from
Enter destination ZIP code
The 5-digit ZIP where your package is going
Select mail service
Choose Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, or other service
Get your estimate
View delivery window with confidence percentage
Delivery Times Between Major Cities
Here are typical delivery times between popular US city pairs:
| From | To | Zone | Priority Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 8 | 2-3 days |
| Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | 6 | 2 days |
| Miami, FL | Seattle, WA | 8 | 2-3 days |
| Boston, MA | Philadelphia, PA | 3 | 1-2 days |
| San Francisco, CA | Denver, CO | 5 | 2 days |
| Dallas, TX | Atlanta, GA | 5 | 2 days |
* These are estimates. Use our calculator above for precise delivery times based on your specific ZIP codes.
Tips for Faster USPS Delivery
Ship early in the week
Monday-Wednesday shipments avoid weekend processing delays
Use complete addresses
Include apartment numbers and ZIP+4 for fastest routing
Consider Flat Rate boxes
Same price regardless of zone—great for heavy items going far
Drop off before cutoff
Check your post office's daily cutoff time for same-day processing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do ZIP codes affect USPS delivery time?
USPS uses a zone system (1-8) based on the distance between origin and destination ZIP codes. Zone 1 is local (same area), while Zone 8 is cross-country. Higher zones generally mean longer delivery times.
How does USPS calculate shipping zones?
USPS zones are based on the distance between the first 3 digits of the origin and destination ZIP codes. Each zone corresponds to a distance range, with Zone 1 being 0-50 miles and Zone 8 being 1,801+ miles.
Can I ship faster within the same ZIP code?
Yes, packages shipped within the same ZIP code area (Zone 1) typically arrive 1 day faster than standard delivery times. Priority Mail often delivers next-day for local shipments.
Does my ZIP code affect shipping rates?
Yes, USPS rates for retail and commercial pricing vary by zone. Higher zones cost more because packages travel farther. Flat Rate boxes are the exception—they cost the same regardless of distance.