The time when a traveler begins to avail himself of the dispensations of travel

Question:
When is it permissible to shorten the prayer while traveling? That is, after how many kilometers does this occur? And is the ruling the same whether the travel is by car, by plane, or by sea? Please guide us, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Yes, the traveler shortens the prayer; it is a recommended practice (sunnah) for the traveler to shorten, whether by land, by air, or by sea. He begins to shorten as soon as he leaves the town. If he leaves his town, passing beyond the built-up area, he prays two rak'ahs outside the town, whether he is at the airport or elsewhere, if the airport is outside the town, or if he leaves in his car outside the town, or if he moves from the town to a ship or steamer, he prays two rak'ahs as long as he is traveling. If he stays for a long period exceeding four days, he completes the four rak'ahs, according to the majority of scholars. However, if the stay is four days or less, he prays two rak'ahs. This is the position held by the majority of the people of knowledge.