OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the small bowel transit time (SBTT) influences the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy (CE). METHODS Six hundred and ninety-one consecutive CE procedures collected in a database were analyzed. SBTT and CE findings were recorded. A running mean for the SBTT was calculated and correlated to the diagnostic yield with a Spearman's correlation test. Subgroup analyses were performed for the various indications for the procedure. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between the diagnostic yield and SBTT (Spearman's rho 0.58, P < 0.01). Positive correlations between diagnostic yield and SBTT were found for the indication obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (r = 0.54, P < 0.01), for polyposis and carcinoid combined (r = 0.56, P < 0.01) and for the other indications (r = 0.90, P <0.01), but not for suspected Crohn's disease (r = -0.40). CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic yield in small bowel capsule endoscopy is positively correlated with the small bowel transit time. This is true for all indications except for suspected Crohn's disease.