How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
The great-circle distance between Los Angeles and Tokyo is 8,812 km (4,758 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 10h 52m and 24h 25m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a Ultra long range jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 10h 52m.
- Light jet: 17h 26m (with 3 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 15h 07m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Super midsize jet: 13h 04m (with one fuel stop)
- Heavy jet: 12h 48m (with one fuel stop)
- Ultra long range jet: 10h 52m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the Los Angeles – Tokyo route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 6 empty legs from Los Angeles to Tokyo. The most frequent aircraft were Global 6000 and Global 7500. Most flights operate from Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) to Tokyo International Airport (RJTT). Half of the empty legs with a listed price cost between €68,500 and €94,300 for the whole aircraft.
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 long does a private jet flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo take?
About 10h 52m in a Ultra long range jet and 10h 52m in the fastest jet (Ultra long range jet). Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
How far is it from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
The great-circle distance is 8,812 km or 4,758 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
Can a light jet fly Los Angeles – Tokyo nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 3 fuel stops and about 17h 26m in total. Nonstop flights start with a Ultra long range jet (10h 52m).
How much is a private jet from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
A one-way charter in a Ultra long range jet costs roughly €170,300 to €329,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €68,900.