Route guide
Cheap Flights from Seattle to Tokyo: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 4,790 mi
- Typical flight time
- 9 h 45 min – 10 h 45 min
- Airports
- 1 × 2
- Time difference
- 16–17 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Seattle and Tokyo: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Seattle to Tokyo is about 4,790 miles (7,710 km) and a typical flight takes 9 h 45 min to 10 h 45 min. In winter, Tokyo is 17 hours ahead of Seattle; in summer, Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of Seattle. The gap changes because of daylight saving time. Seattle has 1 airport to compare and Tokyo has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Seattle's airport is connected to downtown by light rail, which makes arrival simple even at busy times. Tokyo has two main airports: Haneda is close to the city center, and Narita is farther out but well connected by train.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SEA to HND | Seattle-Tacoma International | Haneda |
| SEA to NRT | Seattle-Tacoma International | Narita International |
About the airports
- SEA · Seattle-Tacoma International
Connected to downtown by Link light rail. - HND · Haneda
Close to central Tokyo and convenient for most visitors. - NRT · Narita International
Farther out in Chiba, with fast train links to the city.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Seattle: Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Seattle
July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower.
Tokyo
Late March to early April is the peak cherry blossom season, and autumn is also popular. Golden Week in late April and early May is very busy, and summer is hot and humid.
International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.
How long is Seattle to Tokyo?
At about 4,790 miles, Seattle to Tokyo is a long-haul trip. Itineraries can be nonstop or can connect, and a connection can add many hours, so compare total travel time as well as price. Check seat, baggage and change rules before you pay.
Time zones and timing
Depending on daylight saving time, Tokyo is 16 to 17 hours ahead of Seattle, so you land at a local time 16 to 17 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date. With a gap this large, many travelers plan a lighter first day.
Getting between the airport and town
Seattle: Link light rail runs from the airport to downtown in roughly 40 minutes.
Tokyo: Rail and airport limousine buses link both airports to the city.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Alaska cruises depart from the city roughly from spring through early fall, which can lift demand and hotel prices at that time.
- A valid passport is required. Japan's entry rules depend on your citizenship and trip length, so check the official guidance.
- International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
- Entry rules depend on your citizenship and can include a visa or an electronic travel authorization. Check the official guidance for the destination well before you pay.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Tokyo to Seattle?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Seattle or all flights from Tokyo.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Seattle from Tokyo?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 4,790 miles (7,710 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Seattle to Tokyo?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 9 h 45 min to 10 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Seattle: SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International). At Tokyo: HND (Haneda), NRT (Narita International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, Tokyo is 17 hours ahead of Seattle; in summer, Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of Seattle. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
When is the best time to fly from Seattle to Tokyo?
In Seattle: July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower. In Tokyo: Late March to early April is the peak cherry blossom season, and autumn is also popular. Golden Week in late April and early May is very busy, and summer is hot and humid. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Seattle to Tokyo?
Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.