Distance and flight time from Tokyo to Los Angeles
The great-circle distance between Tokyo and Los Angeles is 8,789 km (5,461 mi, 4,746 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 10h 50m and 24h 22m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers an ultra-long-range jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 10h 50m.
- Light jet: 17h 24m (with 3 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 15h 05m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Super midsize jet: 13h 02m (with one fuel stop)
- Heavy jet: 12h 46m (with one fuel stop)
- Ultra long range jet: 10h 50m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the Tokyo – Los Angeles route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 6 empty legs from Tokyo to Los Angeles. The most frequent aircraft were Gulfstream G550 and Global 7500. Most flights operate from Tokyo International Airport (RJTT) to Van Nuys Airport (KVNY).
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
The great-circle distance is 8,789 km (5,461 mi) or 4,746 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
By private jet about 10h 50m in an ultra-long-range jet. A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 11h 47m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly Tokyo – Los Angeles nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 3 fuel stops and about 17h 24m in total. Nonstop flights start with an ultra-long-range jet (10h 50m).
How much is a private jet from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
A one-way charter in an ultra-long-range jet costs roughly €169,800 to €328,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €82,400.