How Long Does It Take?

The phrase “how long does it take” refers to the length of time needed to perform an action.

A: How long does it take to travel from London to Coventry?

B: It takes an hour by train.

A: How long does it take you to build the garage?

B: I guess it’ll take me about a week.

The phrase can be asked in the present, future and past tenses:

A: How long does it take them to prepare dinner?

B: It takes them an hour.

A: How long did it take them to get to Oxford?

B: It took them 2 hours.

A: How long will it take them to pack their bags?

B: It will take them half an hour.