How to get a cheap flight from London to Tokyo
To bag a cheap flight from London to Tokyo, it’s best to travel in Japan’s low season. You’ll find the best deals in January, although February and November are also cheap months to fly. Flights to Tokyo in October are slightly more costly but, if you want to see Japan’s famous autumn colours, this is the time to go. The most expensive flights are dotted throughout the year. You’ll struggle to find cheap flights in July or August so, if you want to travel to Tokyo in summer, it’s best to book in advance. March is also an expensive time to fly, as it’s Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season.
It’s worth comparing different airlines, too. A range of airlines provide flights from London to Tokyo, including British Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Finnair. So, whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find a flight deal to suit you.
FAQs about flights from London to Tokyo
Which airlines fly from London to Tokyo?
When it comes to your airline options for Tokyo, London Heathrow offers the most choice. You can fly direct to Haneda Airport with British Airways or Japan Airlines, and British Airways also fly direct to Narita Airport. Alternatively, you could book an indirect flight with a stopover – it could save you money, and you’ll have a wider selection of airlines. You can fly indirectly to Narita with Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Aeroflot, Singapore Airlines, KLM or Thai Airways, to name a few. Or you could fly indirectly to Haneda with Emirates, Air China, Air France or Etihad.
You can’t fly direct to Tokyo from any other London airport, but it’s still worth looking at the deals on offer. If you want flights from London Gatwick to Tokyo, you can go with either Emirates or Cathay Pacific – both airlines provide flights to both Tokyo airports.
If you fly with Emirates you’ll have a layover in Dubai, while Cathay Pacific will stop in Hong Kong. Emirates also offer indirect flights from London Stansted to both Tokyo airports. Or you could fly from London City to Narita Airport with Alitalia, and have a stopover in Milan.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Tokyo?
Indirect flights from London to Tokyo tend to be much cheaper than direct flights. Look out for flights with Air France, Finnair or Air China, as they often have the best deals.
Can I fly direct from London to Tokyo?
You can fly direct to Tokyo from London, but only from London Heathrow. British Airways fly direct to both Tokyo airports, and Japan Airlines fly direct to from Heathrow to Haneda Airport.
Which London airport offers the cheapest flights to Tokyo?
Flights from London to Tokyo are usually cheapest from London Gatwick.
How long is the flight from London to Tokyo?
Flying direct from London to Tokyo takes 11 hours 30 minutes. But, if you have a layover, your journey will take at least 13 hours.
How do I get into Tokyo from Haneda Airport?
Haneda Airport is less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo, so getting into the city is very easy. You can catch the Tokyo Monorail from the airport to Hamamatsucho Station, then take the JR Yamanote line to Tokyo Station. The trains are very frequent, and the 30-minute journey costs less than a fiver. Or, you could travel on the Keikyu Railways – take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa Station, where you can hop on the Asakusa subway line. This option takes around 35 minutes and costs roughly £4. Buses are also an option, but it’ll cost you £7 and the journey can take up to an hour in bad traffic. A taxi into the city will set you back at least £35.
How do I get into Tokyo from Narita Airport?
Narita Airport isn’t actually in Tokyo – it’s in the city of Narita, 60 kilometres east of Tokyo. But there are multiple ways to get into the city.
The JR Narita Express is our pick of the bunch. Trains run every 30 minutes between the airport and Tokyo Station, and the hour-long journey and costs around £20. The JR Sobu Line is a slower, cheaper alternative – the train takes 90 minutes.
Or you could get the Tokyo Shuttle Bus. The buses depart from the airport three times an hour and take 90 minutes to reach Tokyo Station. You could get a taxi from Narita Airport to Tokyo, but we wouldn’t advise it – it’ll cost quite a bit.
What are the top things to do in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a place where tradition meets the future – so there’s lots to do. If you want panoramic views over the city, make sure you head up to Tokyo Tower. The Imperial Palace Plaza is another must-see, along with Senso-ji Temple – the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in all of Tokyo. As well as ticking off the main attractions, make sure you leave some time to stroll around and explore – browse the neon-lit shops, see the rows of cute wooden houses, and stop for noodles in a cafe.
Do I need a visa to travel to Tokyo?
If you’re flying to Tokyo on a British passport, you can stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days without a visa – as long as you have a return ticket.
