The 757-200's maximum range of 3,900 nautical miles (7,220 km; 4,490 mi), which was over one-and-a-half times the 727's, allowed airlines to use the aircraft on longer nonstop routes.

The Boeing 757, a legendary "workhorse" of the aviation industry, has a range that varies by model, but it is generally capable of transcontinental and "thin" transatlantic flights. The most common version, the 757-200, has a maximum range of approximately 4,520 statute miles (7,240 km). This range allows it to fly comfortably from the U.S. East Coast to Western Europe or from the Midwest to Hawaii. The slightly larger and heavier 757-300 has a shorter range of about 4,000 statute miles (6,436 km), focusing more on high-capacity domestic routes such as New York to Los Angeles or Frankfurt to Tenerife. In 2026, many of these aircraft have been fitted with advanced "winglets" which improve fuel efficiency and slightly extend their operational range. While newer jets like the A321XLR are beginning to replace it, the 757's unique "over-powered" performance still makes it a favorite for reaching high-altitude or short-runway airports that require a steep climb out.