Neon nights in Tokyo, temple mornings in Kyoto, dim sum in Hong Kong. Tell us where you want to land and we will find cheap flights to Far East destinations that suit your dates and your budget.
Call +44 20 3831 7712 See TokyoThe Far East, usually taken to mean the countries of East Asia such as Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, offers a kind of travel you cannot get anywhere else. Ultra-modern skylines sit beside centuries-old shrines. Trains run to the second. Food ranges from a bowl of ramen at a counter to a tasting menu that stays in your memory for years.
It is also easier to reach than many people imagine. Direct services link London with several of the region's biggest cities, and plenty of well-timed one-stop options run through hubs in the Gulf, Turkey and Europe.
What puts some people off is the cost and the complexity of comparing fares. That is where we come in. If you have been trying to track down cheap flights to Far East cities and feel buried under tabs, a short phone call can cut through the noise.
These are the cities our customers ask about most. Schedules and fares change often, so give us a ring to check what is available on your dates.
Our most requested destination: gigantic, polite, endlessly surprising and a brilliant first taste of Japan.
Street food capital and the old imperial city, an easy pairing by bullet train.
Palaces, night markets, café culture and a fast-moving pop-culture scene.
Harbour views, dim sum, hikes and ferries, all packed into a small, exciting space.
Imperial history and the Great Wall in Beijing, skyline drama and river walks in Shanghai.
Night markets, hot springs and mountain trails with a warm, welcoming feel.
Tokyo is the gateway most UK travellers choose for Japan, and it is easy to see why. It has more variety packed into one city than almost anywhere on earth, and its transport network makes it simple to explore even on a first visit.
When you start comparing cheap flights to Tokyo, you will notice that fares swing a lot. Cherry blossom season in late March and early April, the autumn colours in November and the Christmas period are all popular, and prices reflect that. Travelling just outside those windows, such as in early spring, late autumn or January, can bring noticeably better value.
If you are looking at flights to Tokyo from London, you will find direct services as well as one-stop options through major hubs. The non-stop journey takes roughly thirteen to fourteen hours going out and a little less coming home, thanks to the prevailing winds. Connecting itineraries take longer but can be cheaper, and they give you a chance to stretch your legs.
Tokyo has two main airports, and which one you land at changes your first day in the city. Here is a simple comparison.
| Airport | Distance to central Tokyo | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) | Close, usually 30–45 minutes by train or taxi | Convenient for the city, often a favourite for arrivals if the fare is right. |
| Narita (NRT) | Farther out, usually 60–90 minutes by express train | Good rail links and a wide range of services, sometimes with lower fares. |
Journey times are approximate. Check current schedules with your airline.
Whether you want a single flight to Tokyo for a short break or a longer trip with a different departure city, we will compare the options and explain the trade-offs between price, time and comfort.
Direct journey times vary by airline and route. Use this as a rough guide, and remember that connections add the layover.
| Destination | Approx. direct time | Time ahead of the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 10–11 hours | About 8 hours |
| Seoul | 11–12 hours | About 9 hours |
| Shanghai | 11–12 hours | About 8 hours |
| Hong Kong | 12 hours | About 8 hours |
| Tokyo | 13–14 hours | About 9 hours |
| Taipei | 13–14 hours | About 8 hours |
Times are approximate and for guidance only. The gap with UK time shrinks by an hour during British Summer Time.
Long-haul fares can feel unpredictable, but a few simple habits help. Whenever we search cheap flights to Far East routes for customers, these are the things we look at first.
Direct or one-stop. A non-stop service saves hours, but connecting through a hub in the Gulf, Turkey or Europe can lower the price and open up more departure times. We always show the layover length next to the fare so you can decide.
Dates, dates, dates. Shifting your departure by a day or two, or flying midweek rather than at a weekend, can make a real difference. If you can avoid school holidays and public holidays in both the UK and your destination, even better.
Open-jaw tickets. Flying into Tokyo and home from Osaka, or into Hong Kong and out of Shanghai, lets you cover more ground without doubling back. The price compared with a standard return is sometimes closer than you would expect.
Baggage and fare rules. The cheapest headline price may not include a checked bag, seat choice or free changes. We always check what is included so there are no nasty surprises at the airport.
Departure airport. London has the widest choice, but regional airports can connect well too. Think about the whole journey, including the cost of getting to the airport, when you compare.
If you would like a second pair of eyes on a fare you have found, just ring us. Sometimes a quick check is all it takes to confirm a good price, and sometimes we can beat it.
The Far East has four distinct seasons, and each one has its own charm. Choose a season to see what to expect.
Cherry blossom and mild days. Late March to early April is famous for sakura in Japan, with parks and riverbanks turning pink. It is also one of the busiest and priciest periods, so book early. If you are eyeing flights to Tokyo for blossom season, start looking well ahead.
Hot, humid and lively. Early summer brings a rainy spell in much of Japan, followed by intense heat and festivals. Summer can offer lower fares outside school holidays, but pack light clothes and plan indoor breaks. Typhoon season can affect some regions from late summer.
Crisp air and fiery leaves. Autumn is a favourite for many visitors. Temperatures are comfortable, skies are often clear and the foliage is spectacular, particularly in November. Demand is high, so booking ahead pays off.
Cold, clear and often cheaper. Winter brings crisp days, illuminations, hot springs and excellent skiing in northern Japan. Outside Christmas and New Year, fares can be gentler. Look at cheap flight to Tokyo options in January and February if you are flexible.
Not sure what to do once you land? Here is a loose outline to inspire your trip. Adapt it however you like.
Arrive, drop your bags and wander Shinjuku or Shibuya for neon lights, tiny bars and your first proper ramen.
Visit Asakusa and its famous temple, then take a river cruise and explore the old-town streets.
Explore the quiet backstreets of Yanaka, then head to Ueno Park and its museums.
Day trip to Nikko or Kamakura for shrines, forest walks and a slower pace.
Browse the fish markets, wander Ginza and take in the city views from a high observation deck.
Head out to Hakone for hot springs and a view of Mount Fuji if the weather is kind.
Pick up gifts and snacks, enjoy a last sushi lunch and head to the airport.
A week like this starts with the right flight. If you want us to price a flight to Tokyo around your dates, we are happy to help.
Keeping the rest of the trip affordable. The flight is usually the biggest single cost, but it is not the only one. Tokyo is better value than many people expect. Ramen, curry and set lunches are cheap and filling, convenience-store snacks are surprisingly good, and many temples, parks and viewpoints are free or low-cost. Business hotels and capsule-style stays offer a clean, simple base without a luxury price.
Think about transport early. Within the city, rechargeable travel cards make buses, metros and trains simple to use. If you plan to cross the country by bullet train, it is worth comparing a rail pass with individual tickets for your specific route, because the best choice depends on how much you travel.
Tie it all together. Many of our customers search for a cheap flight to Tokyo first, then plan everything else around the dates that come out cheapest. It is a clever way to work, because a flexible start date can free up a surprising amount of budget for hotels, food and day trips.
We keep it simple, because the point of talking to a person is to make things easier.
Ring +44 20 3831 7712 and tell us where, roughly when, and how many are travelling.
We check several airlines and routings and talk you through the best matches.
Pick what suits your budget and your patience for connections. We explain fare rules first.
We complete the booking and send your itinerary, and we are still here if you need help later.
Talk to a UK-based adviser who explains your options in plain English.
We compare direct and connecting fares so you are not limited to one website.
One-way, return, open-jaw and multi-city options are possible on many routes.
Seat requests, extra baggage and name corrections are easier with someone to call.
We explain what is and is not included before you commit.
Ask for a quote, think it over and call back when you are ready.
Entry rules change, so check the latest guidance on GOV.UK and the destination's official website well before you travel.
Check that your passport has enough validity for your destination and enough blank pages. Renewals take time.
Some places allow short visits for UK passport holders without a visa, while others require a visa or online arrival forms. Apply early.
Medical care can be costly abroad, so choose cover for health, cancellation and lost baggage.
Japan in particular still uses plenty of cash, so carry some yen. Contactless cards work in many places but not everywhere.
An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi makes maps, translation and train apps much easier.
The time difference is large. Get some daylight on arrival and try to adopt local meal times quickly.
If you are comparing cheap flights to Far East countries with different entry rules, ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
Be flexible with dates, compare direct and one-stop options, avoid the busiest holiday weeks and consider an open-jaw ticket. Call us on +44 20 3831 7712 and we will check cheap flights to Far East routes across several airlines at once.
A direct flight to Tokyo takes roughly thirteen to fourteen hours outbound and a little less on the return. Connecting itineraries take longer.
Fares are usually lower outside cherry blossom season, autumn colours and the Christmas and New Year period. Early spring, late autumn and January can offer better value, but prices change daily. We can compare cheap flights to Tokyo across several dates for you.
Haneda is closer to the city centre, while Narita is farther out but well connected by rail. The best choice depends on the fare, the flight time and where you are staying.
Yes, direct services operate from London. Other UK airports are usually served by connecting itineraries. We will show you both. If you want to see flights to Tokyo with and without a stop, just ask.
Yes. Open-jaw and multi-city tickets work well in East Asia, for example into Tokyo and home from Osaka, or into Hong Kong and out of Shanghai.
It depends on the country and the length of your stay. Check GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the destination's official site before you book.
Allowances vary by airline and fare. Many long-haul fares include a checked bag, but not all. Tell us how much you plan to bring and we will find a fare that fits.
Whether you are dreaming of Tokyo's neon streets or a multi-country adventure, we would love to help you find cheap flights to Far East destinations at a price that works. Pick up the phone and let us handle the searching.
Call +44 20 3831 7712Prefer to talk it through? Reach our team by phone or email, or visit our London office. We are happy to help with quotes, changes and any questions about your trip.
