Singapore → Sydney vs Singapore → Tokyo: Which Is Closer?

Compare: Singapore→Sydney (6,306 km) vs Singapore→Tokyo (5,311 km). Singapore → Tokyo wins by 995 km (16%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 21, 2026

Singapore → Sydney

6,306 km

3,918 miles · Flight: ~8h 23min · Drive: ~102h 28min

Singapore → Tokyo

5,311 km

3,300 miles · Flight: ~7h 8min · Drive: ~86h 18min

✓ Shorter route

Difference: 995 km (16%) · Flight time difference: ~1h 15min

Verdict

Singapore → Tokyo is the smarter pick if travel time and emissions matter most: it is 995 km (16%) shorter, saves about 1h 15min of flight time, and cuts roughly 254 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Choose Singapore → Sydney only if the destination itself is the reason for the trip.

Quick Answer

Singapore → Tokyo is the shorter route at 5,311 km, which is 995 km (16%) shorter than Singapore → Sydney. You would save approximately 1h 15min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Singapore → Sydney Singapore → Tokyo
Distance (km)6,3065,311
Distance (miles)3,9183,300
Flight time~8h 23min~7h 8min
Driving time~102h 28min~86h 18min
Road distance (est.)~8,198 km~6,904 km
Drivable?NoNo
Cross-continentalYesNo
Initial bearing133° (SE)40° (NE)
Time-zone shift+3h+2h
CO₂ – flight (per pax)~1,608 kg~1,354 kg
CO₂ – driving (per car)
Fuel cost (est.)

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Flying from Singapore to Sydney produces roughly 1,608 kg of CO₂ per passenger, based on the ICAO/EEA short-haul emission factor of ~0.255 kg per passenger-km. The Singapore → Tokyo flight emits about 1,354 kg. Choosing the shorter route saves approximately 254 kg of CO₂ per traveler — equivalent to 12 typical tree-years of carbon sequestration.

Route Comparison Analysis

The Singapore to Sydney route covers 6,306 km (3,918 miles), crossing from Asia to Oceania. Singapore (population: 5,850,342) is located in Singapore, Singapore, while Sydney (population: 5,312,163) is in New South Wales, Australia.

The Singapore to Tokyo route covers 5,311 km (3,300 miles), remaining within Asia. Singapore (population: 5,850,342) is in Singapore, Singapore, and Tokyo (population: 13,960,000) is in Kanto, Japan.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from Singapore to Sydney takes approximately 8h 23min, while Singapore to Tokyo takes 7h 8min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 102h 28min for the first route and 86h 18min for the second.

Since both routes depart from Singapore, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Sydney and Tokyo as a destination.

Practical Considerations

The 995 km difference between these routes is noticeable in both travel time and fuel or ticket costs.

Neither route is practical by car. Flying is the recommended transport for both.

Destination Overview

Sydney (Australia) has a population of 5,312,163 and is located in the New South Wales region of Oceania. As a major metropolis, it offers extensive international connections and diverse attractions.

Tokyo (Japan) has a population of 13,960,000 and is situated in Kanto, Asia. This major global city has multiple airports and world-class infrastructure.

When to Choose Each Route

Pick Singapore → Sydney when…

Choose this route if your priority is reaching Sydney (Australia) — a city of 5,312,163 in the New South Wales region of Oceania. Despite being the longer of the two at 6,306 km, it makes sense when Sydney itself is the destination, the schedule fits better, or ticket prices are noticeably lower. This is a fly-only route in practice — overland travel is not realistic at 6,306 km. The initial bearing is 133° (SE), so a great-circle flight leaves Singapore heading roughly SE.

Pick Singapore → Tokyo when…

This route is the right call if you are heading to Tokyo (Japan) — a city of 13,960,000 in the Kanto region of Asia. It is also the shorter of the two at 5,311 km, saving about 1h 15min of flying and around 254 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Overland travel is not practical for 5,311 km; flying is the realistic mode. Departing Singapore, the great-circle bearing toward Tokyo is 40° (NE).

Bearings, Time Zones & Geography

Singapore (1.35°, 103.82°) and Sydney (-33.87°, 151.21°) sit with a time-zone shift of +3 hours. Singapore (1.35°, 103.82°) and Tokyo (35.68°, 139.65°) have a +2-hour offset. Both routes have manageable time-zone shifts, so jet lag should not be a major factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: Sydney or Tokyo?

Tokyo is closer at 5,311 km, which is 995 km (16%) shorter.

How far is Singapore to Sydney?

6,306 km (3,918 miles). Flight: ~8h 23min.

How far is Singapore to Tokyo?

5,311 km (3,300 miles). Flight: ~7h 8min.

Is it faster to fly to Sydney or Tokyo?

Flying to Tokyo is faster at ~7h 8min, saving about 1h 15min compared to Sydney.

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How We Calculate Distance

All distances on SnapDistance are calculated using the Haversine formula, which determines the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This gives the shortest possible distance over the globe, which is the measurement used for aviation and navigation. Actual travel distances by road or rail are typically 20-40% longer due to terrain, borders, and infrastructure routing. Flight times assume 800 km/h cruising speed with 30 minutes for takeoff and landing. Driving estimates use 80 km/h average speed with a 30% road distance factor.

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📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.