Are there direct flights from London to Tokyo?

Yes. British Airways, ANA and Japan Airlines all operate daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda. As of April 2026, approximately 31 direct flights per week serve this route. Average flight time is approximately 13 hours 40 to 50 minutes. All three airlines use modern Boeing wide-body aircraft: BA and JAL use the 787-9, ANA uses the 777-300ER.

How long is the flight from London to Tokyo?

Direct flights from London to Tokyo take approximately 13 hours 40 to 50 minutes. Westbound flights (Tokyo to London) are typically shorter due to jet stream assistance. Finnair via Helsinki has a total journey time under 14 hours on the fastest connections. Korean Air via Seoul typically produces a total of 15 to 17 hours. Wind conditions affect all timings and scheduled times can vary by 30 minutes or more depending on the season.

Which is the best airline for London to Tokyo?

ANA and JAL both hold a Skytrax 5-star rating and receive consistently strong independent reviews for service quality and Business Class configuration on this route. JAL Sky Suite offers direct aisle access from every Business seat. ANA holds the strongest on-time record at approximately 87%. British Airways operates the most frequent service (two daily flights) and is the most practical choice for BA Executive Club and Oneworld loyalty users. All three are strong options: the right choice depends on cabin preference, loyalty programme and schedule.

Is it better to fly into Haneda or Narita for Tokyo?

Haneda is 14 kilometres from central Tokyo and is reached in 30 to 40 minutes by the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line. Narita is 65 kilometres from central Tokyo; the Narita Express takes around 60 minutes and costs approximately 3,070 yen. Direct flights from London all serve Haneda. Finnair via Helsinki arrives at Narita. Haneda is the more convenient option for most travellers, though the Narita Express is reliable and well-signposted in English.

When is the cheapest time to fly from London to Tokyo?

January and February are typically the cheapest months to fly London to Tokyo. Late May and June, after the cherry blossom season, can also offer competitive fares. The most expensive periods are March and April (cherry blossom season), Golden Week from late April to early May, and the Christmas to New Year period. Booking two to four months in advance generally produces the best fares on direct services.

Can I fly London to Tokyo without transiting the Middle East?

Yes. British Airways, ANA and Japan Airlines direct flights from London to Tokyo all use polar or Siberian routing, bypassing Middle Eastern airspace entirely. Finnair via Helsinki also avoids the Middle East. These are the standard routings on this route and require no special fare selection. For travellers researching the broader question of flying from Europe to Asia without Middle East connections, the [London to Asia route guide](/blog/london-to-asia-flights-avoiding-middle-east) covers this in more detail.

What aircraft fly London to Tokyo?

British Airways and Japan Airlines both use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda route. ANA uses the Boeing 777-300ER. On the Finnair one-stop option, the Helsinki to Tokyo Narita leg is operated by an Airbus A350-900. All are modern wide-body aircraft with full long-haul amenities including personal seatback entertainment, complimentary meals and Wi-Fi availability.

London to Tokyo Flights, Best Routes for Comfort and Efficient Travel - Flight Alternatives

Compare London to Tokyo flights. Direct services with ANA, British Airways and JAL versus one-stop via Helsinki. Flight times, airports, fares and booking tips.