London, United Kingdom → Tokyo, Japan · ✈ 12h 27min · 🚗 155h 20min
5,161 nautical miles · Time difference: +9h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from London to Tokyo is 9,559 km (5,940 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 12h 27min.
The straight-line distance from London, United Kingdom to Tokyo, Japan is approximately 9,559 kilometers (5,940 miles or 5,161 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Tokyo is located southeast of London. London is in Europe, in the England region of United Kingdom, while Tokyo is in Asia, in Kanto, Japan. This intercontinental route spans from Europe to Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 9,559 km | ~12h 27min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from London to Tokyo. For 9,559 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
London is a major city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Located in the England region, it is an important hub in Europe. As one of the largest cities in United Kingdom, London is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from London
Tokyo is a notable city in Japan with a population of approximately 13,960,000. Situated in the Kanto region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Tokyo is one of Japan's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Tokyo
At 9,559 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Europe to Asia. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 9,559 km, London to Tokyo is one of the world's longer routes, covering 23.9% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, London and Tokyo have a population of over 22,942,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from Europe to Asia, spanning 9 timezones.
This 9,559 km journey from Europe to Asia is one of the world's longer routes. At this distance, jet lag becomes a significant factor — plan for at least one recovery day per 3 time zones crossed.
See how the London to Tokyo distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from London to Tokyo is approximately 9,559 kilometers (5,940 miles, 5,161 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 12h 27min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 155h 20min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Tokyo is approximately +9h ahead compared to London.
The estimated road distance is approximately 12,427 km, which is about 30% longer than the 9,559 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.