Tokyo, Japan → Seoul, South Korea · ✈ 1h 56min · 🚗 18h 40min
620 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: west
The distance from Tokyo to Seoul 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 Tokyo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea 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.
Seoul is located west of Tokyo. Tokyo is in Asia, in the Kanto region of Japan, while Seoul is in Asia, in Capital Area, South Korea. 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 Tokyo to Seoul. 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 Tokyo to Seoul 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.
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
Seoul is a notable city in South Korea with a population of approximately 9,776,000. Situated in the Capital Area region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Seoul is one of South Korea's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Seoul
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 Tokyo-Seoul route is about 2.9% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 56min.
Combined, Tokyo and Seoul 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 Tokyo to Seoul distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Tokyo to Seoul 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.
Seoul is approximately -1h behind compared to Tokyo.
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 7, 2026.