Mombasa to Tokyo shipping route.

Ships leaving Mombasa for Tokyo head north east and cover a sea distance of 7,072 nautical miles (13,097 km), via Strait of Malacca. The straight line between the ports is 11,185 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.

At sea, the voyage lasts 24.6 days at 12 knots, 21.1 days at 14 knots and 16.4 days at 18 knots. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Mombasa and Tokyo to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Sunda Strait, 7,395 nautical miles, 323 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Mombasa to Tokyo move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Tokyo (JPTYO) carriers give about 8 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 65 port to port routes from Mombasa in this directory, Tokyo is the 50th shortest. Closer destinations include Yokohama (7,061 nm), Gothenburg (6,841 nm) and Sydney (6,812 nm).