Tokyo, Japan → London, United Kingdom · ✈ 12h 27min · 🚗 155h 20min
5,161 nautical miles · Time difference: -9h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Tokyo to London 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 Tokyo, Japan to London, United Kingdom 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.
London is located northwest of Tokyo. Tokyo is in Asia, in the Kanto region of Japan, while London is in Europe, in England, United Kingdom. This intercontinental route spans from Asia to Europe.
| 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 Tokyo to London. For 9,559 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Tokyo is a major city in Japan with a population of approximately 13,960,000. Located in the Kanto region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in Japan, Tokyo is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Tokyo
London is a notable city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Situated in the England region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. London is one of United Kingdom's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from London
At 9,559 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Asia to Europe. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 9,559 km, Tokyo to London is one of the world's longer routes, covering 23.9% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, Tokyo and London have a population of over 22,942,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from Asia to Europe, spanning 9 timezones.
This 9,559 km journey from Asia to Europe 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 Tokyo to London distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Tokyo to London 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.
London is approximately -9h behind compared to Tokyo.
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.