Tokyo is served by two international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). They are very different in distance from the city center, transport options, and cost. Which one you fly into depends on your airline, not your preference — but knowing how to get from each airport to Tokyo is essential planning before you land.
1. The Key Difference: Distance
| Airport | Distance from Central Tokyo | Journey Time to Shibuya/Shinjuku |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) | 15–20 km | 25–40 minutes by train |
| Narita (NRT) | 60–70 km | 53–90 minutes by train |
Haneda is significantly more convenient for central Tokyo. If you have a choice of airports (rare, but possible on some routes), Haneda is preferable. However, Narita handles more international flights overall, particularly from North America, Europe, and long-haul destinations.
2. Narita Airport: Transport Options
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Keisei Skyliner (Best for Speed)
| Route | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita → Ueno | ¥2,580 (¥2,310 online) | 41 minutes | Fastest option to central Tokyo |
| Narita → Nippori | ¥2,580 | 36 minutes | JR Yamanote Line connection |
The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest train from Narita and the most straightforward for tourists heading to northern/eastern Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara). It does not stop at Shinjuku or Shibuya — for those areas, change at Ueno or Nippori to the JR Yamanote Line (~20 min more).
Narita Express / N'EX (JR Pass Compatible)
| Route | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita → Shinjuku | ¥3,070 | ~85 minutes | Direct; no transfer needed |
| Narita → Shibuya | ¥3,070 | ~80 minutes | Direct; convenient for west Tokyo |
| Narita → Tokyo Station | ¥3,070 | 53 minutes | Fastest N'EX route |
The N'EX is covered by the JR Pass (reserve a seat when activating your pass). It is the most convenient for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro without transfers. Slightly slower than Skyliner to Ueno but direct to west Tokyo.
Limousine Bus
Airport Limousine buses (Tokyo Airport Transport) run directly to major Tokyo hotels and stations. Fare: approximately ¥3,200 to central Tokyo. Journey time: 60–120 minutes depending on traffic. Best for travelers with heavy luggage or going directly to a hotel in areas not well-served by the train terminals.
Taxi
Narita to central Tokyo by taxi: ¥20,000–¥25,000. Extremely expensive and significantly slower in traffic. Not recommended except for groups or exceptional circumstances.
3. Haneda Airport: Transport Options
Haneda Airport (HND)
Keikyu Line (Cheapest Train Option)
| Route | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda → Shinagawa | ¥410 | 13 minutes | JR Yamanote/Shinkansen connection |
| Haneda → Shinjuku | ¥570 | ~30 minutes | Change at Shinagawa |
| Haneda → Asakusa | ¥570 | ~35 minutes | Direct Keikyu-Asakusa Line |
The Keikyu Line is the most economical option from Haneda. Trains run frequently (every 10–20 min during peak hours). Connect at Shinagawa for JR Yamanote access to the rest of Tokyo.
Tokyo Monorail
| Route | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda → Hamamatsucho | ¥530 | 18 minutes | Connect to JR Yamanote at Hamamatsucho |
The monorail connects to Hamamatsucho station (JR Yamanote Line). Slightly more expensive than Keikyu but direct from the terminal.
Taxi from Haneda
Haneda to central Tokyo by taxi: approximately ¥2,500–¥6,000 depending on destination. Far more reasonable than Narita taxis for groups of 3-4 splitting the cost.
4. Quick Decision Guide
| You want... | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fastest from Narita to north/east Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa) | Keisei Skyliner ¥2,580 |
| Direct from Narita to Shinjuku/Shibuya (JR Pass holder) | N'EX — free with JR Pass (reserve seat) |
| Cheapest from Narita to any Tokyo area | Keisei Limited Express (not Skyliner) ¥1,240–¥1,670 |
| From Haneda to Shinagawa/south Tokyo | Keikyu Line ¥410–¥570 |
| From Haneda to Hamamatsucho/JR Yamanote area | Tokyo Monorail ¥530 |
| Group of 3-4 from Haneda, late night | Taxi ¥2,500–¥6,000 split is reasonable |
5. At the Airport: Practical Notes
Getting a Suica or IC Card
Both Narita and Haneda have Suica vending machines in the arrivals area. Setting up your IC card immediately on arrival will make all subsequent train and bus travel much smoother. Alternatively, if your phone supports it, set up Mobile Suica using your foreign credit card before or after you land.
SIM Cards and Pocket Wi-Fi
Both airports have SIM card shops and pocket Wi-Fi rental counters in the arrivals area. Data SIM cards for tourists are sold at airport convenience stores and dedicated counters. Pre-ordering online at a better price and picking up at the airport (post office window or counter delivery) is the most economical option.
Luggage Forwarding from the Airport
Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN) desks at both airports can forward your luggage directly to your hotel — typically arriving the next day. Cost from Narita/Haneda to Tokyo hotels: approximately ¥2,000–¥3,700 depending on luggage size. This frees you from managing large bags on trains.
The Keisei Skyliner last train from Narita Terminal 1 departs around 11:00 PM. The N'EX last train is similar. If your flight arrives after 11 PM, you may need the limousine bus (runs until around 1 AM for some routes) or a taxi. Check your specific arrival time against current timetables before landing.
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