Seoul, South Korea → Tokyo, Japan · ✈ 1h 56min · 🚗 18h 40min
620 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: east
The distance from Seoul to Tokyo is 1,149 km (714 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 56min.
The straight-line distance from Seoul, South Korea to Tokyo, Japan is approximately 1,149 kilometers (714 miles or 620 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 east of Seoul. Seoul is in Asia, in the Capital Area region of South Korea, while Tokyo is in Asia, in Kanto, Japan. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,149 km | ~1h 56min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,494 km | ~18h 40min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,321 km | ~4h 6min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,379 km | ~11h 29min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Seoul to Tokyo. For 1,149 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,494 km, fuel costs for driving from Seoul to Tokyo are approximately $120–$224 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Seoul sits at 37.5665°N, 126.9780°E, while Tokyo is located at 35.6762°N, 139.6503°E. The initial compass bearing from Seoul to Tokyo is 97° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Seoul heading roughly E. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.89° and the longitude difference is 12.67°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Seoul and Tokyo is approximately 36.7895°N, 133.3922°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 575 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Tokyo is roughly 1 hour ahead of Seoul. When it is 09:00 in Seoul, it is approximately 10:00 in Tokyo. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Seoul uses the South Korean Won (KRW), while Tokyo uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Korean in Seoul to Japanese in Tokyo. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Seoul is a major city in South Korea with a population of approximately 9,776,000. Located in the Capital Area region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in South Korea, Seoul is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Seoul
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
1,149 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,149 km, the Seoul-Tokyo route is about 2.9% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 56min.
Combined, Seoul and Tokyo have a population of over 23,736,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
A route connecting two of Asia's most technologically advanced capitals. Despite being separated by the Sea of Japan, there's no direct rail — you must fly (about 2.5 hours).
See how the Seoul to Tokyo distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Seoul to Tokyo is approximately 1,149 kilometers (714 miles, 620 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 56min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 18h 40min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Tokyo is approximately +1h ahead compared to Seoul.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,494 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,149 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.