Tokyo's two primary airports
Tokyo is served by two major airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT), each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel needs.
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda is Tokyo's most convenient airport, located just 8–13 miles (15–20 km) from central Tokyo. The airport operates three terminals: Terminal 1 (primarily JAL domestic flights), Terminal 2 (primarily ANA domestic and some international flights), and Terminal 3 (international flights). Travel time to downtown Tokyo typically takes 20–40 minutes, making it ideal for business travelers, families, and those seeking convenience.
Transportation from Haneda is both affordable and efficient. The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line connect the airport to central Tokyo in 11–25 minutes for approximately ¥300–¥700 ($2–5). Airport limousine buses serve major hotels and stations for ¥1,000–¥1,500 with journey times of 30–60 minutes. Taxis to central Tokyo cost ¥5,000–¥10,000 and take 20–40 minutes. Haneda operates 24 hours with late-night monorail and bus services, accommodating early or late flights.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Narita Airport is located 36–47 miles (60 km) from central Tokyo, with travel times of 60–90 minutes. The airport has two passenger terminals and handles more international flights, particularly long-haul routes to Europe, Oceania, and Asia, as well as numerous low-cost carriers.
Transportation options from Narita are more expensive but well-organized. The Narita Express (N'EX) reaches Tokyo Station in 55–60 minutes for ¥3,070 and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest option, reaching Ueno Station in 36–41 minutes for ¥2,570, though it's not covered by the JR Pass. Airport limousine buses connect to major hotels across Tokyo in 90–120 minutes for ¥1,300–¥3,200. Taxis cost ¥20,000–¥30,000 and are not recommended unless necessary. Note that Narita has limited late-night public transit options.
Choosing your airport
Choose Haneda if you prioritize convenience, quick access to central Tokyo, domestic connections, or travel with children and luggage. It's significantly closer and cheaper to reach, with train fares around ¥500–¥700 compared to Narita's ¥2,500 or more. Haneda serves more than 50 domestic destinations across Japan.
Choose Narita if you're seeking more international flight options, flying with low-cost carriers, looking for better award flight availability with programs like Priority Pass, or finding lower international fares. Budget-conscious travelers often find that airfare savings at Narita outweigh the higher ground transportation costs.
Compare travel times and costs to Tokyo Station
Here's a detailed comparison of travel times and costs from both airports to Tokyo Station.
From Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station
| Transport option | Travel time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keikyu Line (fastest/cheapest) | 20–25 minutes | ¥505 | Direct trains available; may require transfer at Shinagawa |
| Tokyo Monorail + JR | 25–35 minutes | ¥670–680 | Transfer at Hamamatsucho required |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 35–60 minutes | ¥1,000 | Traffic dependent; excellent for luggage |
| Taxi | 20–40 minutes | ¥5,000–¥7,000 | Most expensive option |
From Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
| Transport option | Travel time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N'EX) | 53–75 minutes | ¥3,070 | Fastest express option; covered by JR Pass |
| Keisei Skyliner | 60–70 minutes | ¥2,570 | Goes to Nippori/Ueno; requires JR transfer to Tokyo Station |
| JR Sobu Line (Rapid) | 90 minutes | ¥1,340 | Budget option with more stops |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 90–120 minutes | ¥1,300–¥3,200 | Traffic dependent |
| Taxi | 60–90 minutes | ¥20,000–¥30,000 | Not recommended unless necessary |
Key takeaways
Haneda is significantly more convenient for Tokyo Station, offering travel times of 20–35 minutes compared to Narita's 53–90 minutes. The cost difference is substantial: Haneda's train options range from ¥505–680, while Narita's express trains cost ¥2,570–3,070 — roughly 5–6 times more expensive.
For budget travelers, the Keikyu Line from Haneda (¥505, 20 minutes) is unbeatable, while from Narita, the JR Sobu Line Rapid Service (¥1,340, 90 minutes) offers the cheapest rail option. If you have a JR Pass, the Narita Express becomes free, making it the best choice from Narita.
When you need to skip public transit entirely, arrange a private transfer so a licensed driver meets you after customs, handles luggage, and keeps tabs on flight changes.