Flying the End on a Ghast: my experience and how long it takes in Minecraft

Hello, explorers! Back with another field report. After we figured out how to tame the Happy Ghast, one question stuck in my head: “What if… I fly it across the End void?” No elytra, no rockets, just this smiling giant. Honestly, it was quite something. I ran several tests and I’m ready to share how long it actually takes.

Pros and cons of flying a Happy Ghast in the End

Pros:

• No resources needed: fly without rockets or costs, as long as you like.
• True stability: no fighting for altitude or fearing sudden stalls — the ghast moves steady and sure.
• Great for scouting: calmly look around and pre-mark good build or landing spots.
• Build mid-flight: a solid platform for bridges or mini-islands on the go.
• Beginner-friendly: if elytra feel hard — this is much calmer.
• Multiple players: fly with friends and turn it into a small adventure.

Cons:

• Slower than elytra with rockets — patience required!
• Longer travel time, especially with big gaps between islands.
• The ghast isn’t fire/lava-proof: get into trouble — and it’s game over.
• Less maneuverable than elytra — smooth turns, no emergency braking.
• If you take the ghast too far from its “home point,” it may wander or refuse to fly; mind the radius.

The void calls: prepping for a leap of faith

My first thought was: “Am I really crossing the void on this smiling cube?” Curiosity won. I stocked up on blocks (just in case), led my Ghast to the very edge of the main island, and took off.

My measurements showed a cruising speed of about 3.6 m/s. The distance to outer islands varies. Usually, the first bits of land show up 700–900 blocks away. Sometimes the world generator “jokes” and leaves 1200 blocks or more of nothing. That’s what sets the flight time.

“How long is the flight?”: my personal timing

Numbers time. In most cases, reaching the nearest island cluster took me 3 to 4 minutes. That’s the typical range. You cruise calmly, hold the horizon, and soon spot saving land.

If you’re unlucky and hit a long “empty” stretch, expect a longer trip. My record — about 7 minutes of continuous flight over the void. Sounds scary, but it’s not that bad in practice.

Test pilot tips

Over my flights I set a few rules that make the trip simpler and safer:

• Altitude first, then course. Before going forward, gain a bit of height with jump. It calms the nerves and reduces accidental dives.
• Keep the camera level. Look straight at the horizon. Helps fly straight and avoid wasting speed on extra maneuvers.
• Bring blocks. Always. If you spot a tiny islet midway, you can make a quick stop.
• Keep your bearings. Place a tall pillar on the island edge you depart from. You won’t lose your heading.

Verdict: Ghast vs Elytra

So which is better? Honestly, each has its charm. Elytra with rockets — all about speed, a sprint from A to B. Our race car.

The Happy Ghast — a cruiser. It doesn’t blitz ahead, but gives a great sense of control and calm. You spend no resources, don’t fear a sudden end to the flight, and can look around at ease. For unhurried exploration of new End areas, I think it’s the best option. This flight is about enjoying the process, not rushing. And I love that.