The Dark Knight’s Speed: How Fast Can Batman React and Run?

Batman (Bruce Wayne) is in the conversation for the most iconic superhero in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), even if his superpowers don’t compare to those of Superman’s and Wonder Woman’s.

But this doesn’t mean Batman only possesses the physical abilities of the average human and can only win his battles by trapping opponents.

In fact, Batman, when compared even to elite sprinters, dominates with his speed and agility. So how fast is Bruce Wayne? Keep reading to find out.

Batman can run at least 30 mph, though a few fans have said his speed can reach 52 mph. His reflexes are so great that he can dodge Superman’s heat vision and catch arrows. Batman boasts such high endurance that he can maintain his stamina for 28 hours.

How Fast is Batman?

Batman can reach peak human speed of at least 30 miles per hour (mph), though some fans believe his speed can reach up to 52 mph.

Usain Bolt is often regarded as the fastest human ever, and his fastest recorded speed sits at 23.4 mph. This means that Batman can sprint 6.6 mph faster than Bolt, whose 9.58-second 100 meter remains a world record.

Per this speed calculator, if Batman were to run the 100 meter dash and reach his highest possible speed of 30 mph, he would run a 100 meter dash in roughly 7 seconds. Though this number could be as high as 7.46 seconds when accounting for decimals.

How Fast are Batman’s Reflexes?

While Batman’s speed sits at a level slightly higher than that of elite pro athletes, his reflexes are on a superhuman level.

The Dark Knight’s reflexes are so great that he has dodged bullets and lasers in close proximity, and he once even caught one of Green Lantern’s arrows.

Although Batman, like most superheroes, pales in ability when compared to Superman, he has also evaded Clark Kent’s heat vision.

Many, from fans to popular outlets, describe Batman’s reflexes as “peak human level.”

Although Batman’s abilities aren’t on par with heroes like Superman, his reflexes are the one aspect of his powers that serve as an outlier.

His outstanding agility is one reason behind such reflexes, along with his intelligence. He’s already more agile than the average human thanks to his incredible combat skills.

And he’s also smart enough to scope out what an opponent may try during a fight. Batman’s reflexes are good on their own, but they peak thanks to his agility and intellect.

How Fast is Batman Compared to Other Superheroes?

While Batman’s speed and reflexes are impressive, his overall abilities are often a cut below other DC Comics and Marvel superheroes. Let’s shift gears and talk about some of Marvel’s fastest superheroes.

Batman Compared to Select MCU Characters

The Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) is often ranked as the slowest of the fastest characters in the MCU. Despite this, Bucky Barnes still outran speeding cars in Captain America: Civil War.

While known more for his strength than his speed, the Incredible Hulk is another character who can beat Batman in a race. However, it isn’t the Hulk’s straight line speed that makes him faster, but his ability to traverse buildings and arenas within seconds.

Quicksilver didn’t last long in the MCU thanks to his death in Age of Ultron. But during his short time in the Infinity Saga, he was the fastest character in the series. For example, it took Thor seconds to cross a galaxy, and Quicksilver was faster than that.

As you can see, Bruce Wayne pales in comparison to the fastest characters in the MCU. But what about the DCEU?

Batman Compared to Select DCEU Characters

Compared to the fastest DCEU characters, Batman still isn’t fast. Lightray is one good example, as she can move at the speed of light.

The comparisons between Batman and Superman never end, but there is no comparison as to who is faster. Although Superman is not connected to the Speed Force, he can run nearly as fast as The Flash.

While the above are just two examples, you can also look at popular rankings in the DCEU regarding their fastest characters and you won’t find Batman listed. The Flash family, however, is a different story, as they take up the bulk of such lists.

Overall, Batman is not fast compared to the superheroes listed above. Even those like the Winter Soldier have him beaten in terms of speed.

However, it’s important to remember that Batman, while stronger and faster than the average human, doesn’t win his battles based on strength and speed. Instead, he likes to outsmart and trap his opponents, using his superior IQ above all else.

How Much Stamina Does Batman Have?

Speed, reflexes, and stamina are often intertwined. The faster someone is and the quicker their reflexes, their stamina naturally decreases.

With Batman, however, even if he is going all out, he has continued to battle at peak capacity for 28 hours straight at times.

Batman’s stamina comes thanks to his commitment to martial arts and combat training, but he’s also been known to ignore pain and show incredible amounts of willpower.

Along with his healing powers and the fact toxins don’t affect him, it’s easy to see why Bruce Wayne has such an incredible amount of stamina.

Conclusion 

Most of Batman’s physical attributes are nowhere near Superman’s or Wonder Woman’s, to name a few. But not even world-class sprinters could keep up with Batman if the Dark Knight were to race them.

And while Superman’s overall abilities are superior to Batman’s, the latter can dodge the Man of Steel’s heat vision, something we’ve seen Batman do time and again. Thanks to his intellect and agility, Batman’s reflexes border on superhuman.

Even if Bruce Wayne were forced to use his superhuman speed and agility in an epic battle, he can maintain his peak stamina for 28 hours. Immunity to toxins and a high tolerance are the primary contributing factors of why Batman can withstand such a high amount of pain.