# Distance from Sao Paulo (GRU) to Niigata (KIJ)

> 18,315 km · estimated flight time 23h · Ultra-long-haul route.

## Summary

- **Distance**: 18,315 km / 11,381 mi / 9,889 nm
- **Estimated flight time**: 23h
- **Heading**: 343° (north northwest)
- **Return heading**: 20° (north northeast)
- **Classification**: Ultra-long-haul
- **Type**: International (Brazil) → Japan
- **Intercontinental**: South America → Asia
- **Time difference**: +12h (When it's 08:40 in Sao Paulo, it's 20:40 in Niigata)
- **Elevation difference**: 2,430 ft (KIJ is lower than GRU)

## Airports

### [Guarulhos - Governador Andre Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/gru-sao-paulo-guarulhos-governador-andre-franco-montoro-international-airport/1ef266df-9494-6840-af41-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Sao Paulo, Brazil
- ICAO: SBGR
- Timezone: America/Sao_Paulo
- Coordinates: -23.440000, -46.470000
- Elevation: 2,459 ft

### [Niigata Airport (KIJ)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/kij-niigata-niigata-airport/1ef266df-8c92-60de-b051-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Niigata, Japan
- ICAO: RJSN
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates: 37.960000, 139.120000
- Elevation: 29 ft

## Route notes

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

Time-zone information: When it's 08:40 in Sao Paulo, it's 20:40 in Niigata.
With a 12-hour time difference, expect significant jet lag.

## Related

- [Guarulhos - Governador Andre Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/gru-sao-paulo-guarulhos-governador-andre-franco-montoro-international-airport/1ef266df-9494-6840-af41-06bb2780ed98)
- [Niigata Airport (KIJ)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/kij-niigata-niigata-airport/1ef266df-8c92-60de-b051-06bb2780ed98)
- [Flight duration calculator](/#calculator)