To efficiently transfer a 1st image on a 1st intermediate transfer body to a 2nd intermediate transfer body in an image forming apparatus in which the 1st image obtained by transferring toner images formed on a plurality of image carriers to the 1st intermediate transfer body by using a 1st transfer means is electrostatically transferred to the 2nd intermediate transfer body by using a 2nd transfer means, and the first image is further electrostatically transferred to either surface of a recording medium by using a 3rd transfer means, and also the 2nd image transferred to the 1st intermediate transfer body is electrostatically transferred to the other surface of the recording medium by using the 2nd transfer means.

The distance (a) from a 2nd transfer means 20 to a ground member 17 positioned on the downstream side in the moving direction of a 2nd intermediate transfer body 15 is set longer than the distance (b) from the 2nd transfer means 20 to a position where a 1st intermediate transfer body 3 comes into contact with the 2nd intermediate transfer body 15.