Getting from Narita and Haneda into Tokyo:
Landing after a long international flight is disorienting enough without also trying to figure out an unfamiliar transit system. This guide breaks down your realistic options for getting from Tokyo’s two main airports into the city, so you can decide before you land rather than figuring it out jet-lagged at an information counter.
Narita vs. Haneda: Know Which One You’re Landing At
- Narita International Airport (NRT) is located further from central Tokyo (roughly 60km/37 miles east), and is used by many international full-service and budget carriers.
- Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo (roughly 15km/9 miles), and has expanded significantly in recent years to handle more international flights alongside domestic ones.
Haneda’s proximity generally makes for a faster, cheaper trip into the city, but which airport you land at depends entirely on your airline and route; it’s not something you typically choose independently.
Getting Into the City from Narita
| Option | Approx. Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N’EX) | 60–90 min | Direct to major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya), comfortable, reserved seating |
| Keisei Skyliner | ~45 min | Fastest option, connects to Ueno/Nippori, good for eastern Tokyo destinations |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 75–120 min | Direct to many hotels, no transfers, useful with heavy luggage |
| Taxi | 60–90 min | Convenient but significantly more expensive than train or bus options |
Getting Into the City from Haneda
| Option | Approx. Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Monorail | ~20–30 min | Connects to Hamamatsucho, then JR lines |
| Keikyu Line | ~20–30 min | Connects to Shinagawa, then onward JR/subway lines |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 30–60 min | Direct to many hotels and central areas |
| Taxi | 30–45 min | More affordable than from Narita given the shorter distance, but still pricier than train |
Choosing the Right Option for You
- Traveling solo or in a pair with manageable luggage: Trains (N’EX, Skyliner, Monorail, Keikyu) are generally the fastest and most cost-effective choice.
- Traveling with a family, a group, or heavy luggage: The Limousine Bus is often worth the extra time for the convenience of direct hotel drop-off without navigating station transfers.
- Arriving very late at night or very early in the morning: Check operating hours in advance; trains and buses don’t run 24 hours, and a late arrival may require a taxi or an overnight wait.
- On a tight budget: Regular airport train lines (rather than the express services) are the cheapest option, though they take longer and may require more transfers.
Buying Tickets and Passes
- IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) can be used on some airport trains for the base fare, but express services like N’EX and Skyliner typically require a separate reserved-seat ticket in addition to or instead of your IC card fare.
- Advance discount tickets for the N’EX and Skyliner are often available for purchase online before your trip, sometimes bundled with a return trip at a discount if you know your departure date.
- Limousine Bus tickets can be bought at counters inside the airport terminal, with clear signage in English at both airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check your flight confirmation for the airport code: NRT is Narita, HND is Haneda. This is worth confirming well before your trip, since it affects your entire arrival plan.
It can be, especially from Haneda given the shorter distance, though it will still typically cost more than train tickets for four people combined. It’s worth comparing against a Limousine Bus, which often works out cheaper for groups while still offering direct hotel drop-off.
It’s recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, though same-day tickets are usually available at station counters or machines if seats remain.
Both airports have taxi services available regardless of the hour, though very late arrivals sometimes mean a wait or a higher fare. Some travelers in this situation opt for an airport hotel and head into the city the following morning instead.
Next Steps
Confirm which airport your flight lands at, then decide between speed (express trains), convenience (Limousine Bus), or budget (regular train lines) based on your luggage situation and group size. Booking express train tickets in advance can save time and occasionally money, especially during busy travel periods.
This post is part of an ongoing series on Japan travel planning. Check back for more practical guides on getting around, money matters, and staying connected.
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| Rakuten Travel is one of Japan’s largest and most popular domestic travel booking platforms. It features an extensive database of hotels, ryokan, resorts, and other accommodations across Japan, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to book stays throughout the country. Available in your language. |
