Compare: Tokyo→Seoul (1,149 km) vs Tokyo→Shanghai (1,754 km). Tokyo → Seoul wins by 605 km (34%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.
By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026
1,149 km
714 miles · Flight: ~1h 56min · Drive: ~18h 40min
✓ Shorter route
1,754 km
1,090 miles · Flight: ~2h 42min · Drive: ~28h 30min
Difference: 605 km (34%) · Flight time difference: ~46 min
Tokyo → Seoul is the shorter route at 1,149 km, which is 605 km (34%) shorter than Tokyo → Shanghai. You would save approximately 46 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.
| Metric | Tokyo → Seoul | Tokyo → Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 1,149 | 1,754 |
| Distance (miles) | 714 | 1,090 |
| Flight time | ~1h 56min | ~2h 42min |
| Driving time | ~18h 40min | ~28h 30min |
| Road distance (est.) | ~1,494 km | ~2,280 km |
| Drivable? | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-continental | No | No |
The Tokyo to Seoul route covers 1,149 km (714 miles), staying within Asia. Tokyo (population: 13,960,000) is located in Kanto, Japan, while Seoul (population: 9,776,000) is in Capital Area, South Korea.
The Tokyo to Shanghai route covers 1,754 km (1,090 miles), remaining within Asia. Tokyo (population: 13,960,000) is in Kanto, Japan, and Shanghai (population: 24,870,000) is in East China, China.
Flying from Tokyo to Seoul takes approximately 1h 56min, while Tokyo to Shanghai takes 2h 42min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 18h 40min for the first route and 28h 30min for the second.
Since both routes depart from Tokyo, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Seoul and Shanghai as a destination.
The 605 km difference between these routes is substantial and will significantly impact travel time and cost.
Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 1,494 km and 2,280 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 786 km of driving.
Seoul (South Korea) has a population of 9,776,000 and is located in the Capital Area region of Asia. As a major metropolis, it offers extensive international connections and diverse attractions.
Shanghai (China) has a population of 24,870,000 and is situated in East China, Asia. This major global city has multiple airports and world-class infrastructure.
Choose Tokyo → Seoul if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 605 km difference means a significant saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose Tokyo → Shanghai if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.
Seoul is closer at 1,149 km, which is 605 km (34%) shorter.
1,149 km (714 miles). Flight: ~1h 56min.
1,754 km (1,090 miles). Flight: ~2h 42min.
Flying to Seoul is faster at ~1h 56min, saving about 46 min compared to Shanghai.
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.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.