Narita and Haneda Airports: Getting Into Tokyo

Most international flights to Tokyo land at either Narita International Airport (NRT), 60km east of the city center, or Haneda Airport (HND), 20km south in Tokyo Bay. Haneda has expanded international routes significantly since 2020; Narita remains the primary hub for long-haul routes from North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The choice of airport affects your arrival logistics substantially — Narita requires 60–90 minutes to central Tokyo; Haneda is 30–45 minutes. If you have a choice of routing, Haneda saves at least 30 minutes and several hundred yen each way.

From Narita Airport (NRT)

Narita Express (N’EX)

The most convenient direct train. Operated by JR East; reserved seating, direct to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama without transfers.

Travel time: 53 minutes to Shinjuku, 90 minutes to Yokohama
Fare: ¥3,070 to Shinjuku/Tokyo Station (one way); round-trip discount ticket ¥4,070
JR Pass: Covered — reserve at the JR desk at the airport. This makes N’EX effectively free for pass holders and is one of the best values of the pass on arrival day
Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
Luggage: Large luggage racks at each end of cars; overhead racks for smaller bags

Keisei Skyliner

The fastest option to northeast Tokyo. Keisei private railway; not covered by JR Pass.

Route: Narita → Nippori (41 minutes) → Ueno (45 minutes)
Fare: ¥2,570 Narita → Nippori
Best for: Travelers staying near Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara, or anywhere on the Yamanote Line’s east side
Frequency: Every 40 minutes

Keisei Limited Express (Access Express / Tokkyu)

The slower Keisei option but connects to the Tokyo Metro network directly — useful if your destination is Nihonbashi, Ginza, or any subway line station.

Travel time: 75–90 minutes to Ueno
Fare: ¥1,290 to Ueno (cheapest airport train option)

Airport Limousine Bus

Direct buses to major hotels and stations across Tokyo. Slower than trains in traffic, but direct to the door without luggage transfers.

Travel time: 75–130 minutes depending on traffic (highway; can be significantly longer during congestion)
Fare: ¥1,300–3,200 depending on destination
Best for: Hotels in areas with poor train access; when you have very heavy luggage
Book: At the bus counters in the arrival hall; tickets sold for next available departure

Taxis

Cost: ¥20,000–30,000 to central Tokyo
Avoid: Far too expensive for most travelers. Only relevant if splitting between 4 people with lots of luggage in unusual circumstances.

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda is 20km from central Tokyo with two fast train options and close airport highway access.

Tokyo Monorail

Connects Haneda’s international terminal to Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

Travel time: 13–20 minutes to Hamamatsucho
Fare: ¥500 to Hamamatsucho
From Hamamatsucho: Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (15 min), Shibuya (10 min), Tokyo Station (5 min)
JR Pass: Partially covered (the Monorail is JR-affiliated)

Keikyu Airport Line

The more flexible option — connects directly into Tokyo’s subway network.

Travel time: 13 minutes to Shinagawa, 37 minutes to Shinjuku (with transfers)
Fare: ¥300 to Shinagawa; ¥630 to Shinjuku area
Advantage: Direct connections to Asakusa, Ueno, Nihonbashi via Asakusa Line; Shinjuku, Shibuya via transfers

Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda

More limited route network than Narita but covers major hotel areas.

Travel time: 40–75 minutes to central Tokyo
Fare: ¥950–1,200
Best for: Direct hotel delivery for specific areas (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Marunouchi)

Taxis from Haneda

Cost: ¥6,000–8,000 to central Tokyo (much more reasonable than Narita)
Worth considering: For groups of 3–4 with heavy luggage, splitting a Haneda taxi can be cost-competitive with trains

Kansai International Airport (KIX) — For Osaka/Kyoto

If flying into Osaka, Kansai International is on a man-made island 50km southwest of the city.

Haruka Limited Express (JR):

Haruka to Shin-Osaka: 45 minutes, ¥2,080 (Osaka station 30 min, ¥1,210 with ICOCA)
Haruka to Kyoto Station: 75 minutes, ¥2,870
JR Pass: Covered — reserve at JR desk. Essentially free to Kyoto for pass holders

Nankai Rapi:t Express (private railway):

Namba Station in 38 minutes, ¥1,540
Best for travelers staying in Namba, Shinsaibashi, or south Osaka

Airport Limousine Bus:

Various routes to Osaka hotels, ¥1,000–1,800

Which Airport for Which Destination

Your hotel area	Best from Narita	Best from Haneda
Shinjuku, Harajuku	N’EX direct	Keikyu → transfer
Shibuya, Ebisu	N’EX direct	Keikyu → Shibuya
Asakusa, Ueno	Skyliner → Ueno/Nippori	Keikyu → Asakusa Line
Akihabara, Ginza	Skyliner → Ueno + transfer	Keikyu → Hibiya Line
Yokohama	N’EX direct	Keikyu direct

Practical Notes

Suica/IC card: Works for all train options from both airports. Load ¥2,000–3,000 at airport machines on arrival.

IC card machines at Narita: Located in the arrival hall before you reach the train platforms. Load before buying train tickets — having a Suica simplifies all subsequent transit.

Currency exchange: Airport rates are worse than 7-Bank ATMs inside the arrival hall. Use the ATM rather than the currency exchange counter.

Left luggage: Both airports have coin lockers and luggage storage services. Narita Terminal 1 and 2 both have large storage areas; useful if arriving before hotel check-in.

Airport Wi-Fi: Available free at both airports. Pick up your SIM card or activate your eSIM before leaving the airport to have data on the train.