Many travelers feel uncertain about how to reach their hotels or tourist spots after arriving in Tokyo. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available from the airports, including trains, buses, and taxis. You can choose the best option based on the amount of luggage you have and your budget.
This article will explain how to get from Haneda and Narita airports to central Tokyo.
1.Tokyo Airport Transportation｜How to Get from Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo
Haneda Airport is located in Ota Ward, Tokyo. The airport terminals are equipped with restaurants, shops, and observation decks where visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and views.On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the observation deck of Terminal 1, which adds to its appeal.
Haneda Airport is approximately 15 kilometers from central Tokyo. Below, we’ll introduce the various transportation options available for getting from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo. Please use this as a reference.
1-1. Train/Monorail
If you plan to travel from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo by train, you can use either Haneda Airport Terminal 1·2 Station or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, both directly connected to the airport.
Keikyu Railways, accessible from Haneda Airport, is a convenient line for reaching destinations like Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and Shibuya. Shinjuku, with its many shopping and dining options, is especially popular among international tourists. If you’re heading to JR Shinjuku Station from Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Airport Line towards JR Shibuya or Shinjuku via the JR Yamanote Line. The travel time from Haneda Airport to JR Shinjuku Station is approximately 40 minutes.
You can also take the Tokyo Monorail from each of Haneda Airport’s terminals. The monorail runs at roughly 10-minute intervals during the day. It takes about 18 minutes to travel from Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station to Monorail Hamamatsucho Station. The Tokyo Monorail runs along the Tokyo Bay coastline, so you can enjoy scenic views during the ride.
1-2.Airport Bus
Taking an airport bus from Haneda Airport can get you to destinations in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. You can board the airport bus from the 1st floor of Terminals 1 and 2 at Haneda Airport.
When using the airport bus, check the bus timetable and departure gate information within the terminal. You can purchase a bus ticket at the ticket counter or from a ticket vending machine. Be sure to buy your ticket before boarding the bus.
The travel time from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station by airport bus is about 35 minutes. It takes approximately 35 minutes to reach Shinjuku Station and around 40 minutes to get to Shibuya Station. A major advantage of the airport bus is the ability to store your luggage in the bus’s storage compartment, allowing you to sit back and relax during the ride to your destination.
1-3.Airport Taxi
You can catch an airport taxi from the 1st floor of Terminals 1 and 2 at Haneda Airport. If you are departing from Terminal 3, follow the taxi signs and proceed to the second or third-floor access hall, then head to the second lane on the 1st floor.
When taking an airport taxi from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, the fare is generally a fixed rate, regardless of the time taken or the route chosen. The flat rate for a taxi from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Ward is ¥8,300, and from Haneda Airport to Shibuya Ward, it’s ¥7,800. Since taxi fares vary by destination, it’s a good idea to check the fare in advance.
Source：Haneda Airport “Taxi | Access | Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal”
Source：km Taxi “Haneda Airport Flat-rate Taxi | For Taxi Reservations and Usage, Use km Taxi”
The travel time from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo by taxi typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic conditions.
2.Tokyo Airport Transportation｜How to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Narita Airport is located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. The airport has been increasing its offering of low-cost domestic flights, making it a popular choice for Japanese travelers heading home or going on domestic trips.
Inside Narita Airport, various forms of Japanese art are on display, including works that use traditional materials like roof tiles and lacquer. The airport also has a wide variety of shops where visitors can purchase uniquely Japanese products, including local specialties, sake, and character goods from anime and games, making it a favorite spot for tourists as well.
Below, we will introduce the different transportation options for traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
2-1.Train
For a quicker way to reach central Tokyo from Narita Airport, taking the train is a convenient option. Narita Airport Station is about a 5-minute walk from Terminal 1. For those departing from Terminals 2 or 3, it takes about 5 minutes to walk to Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station from Terminal 2, and about 10 minutes from Terminal 3.
JR East’s Narita Express (N’EX) is a limited express train with all reserved seating that directly connects Narita Airport with Shinjuku and Ofuna stations. It provides direct access to major stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shinjuku. The train is equipped with onboard restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The Narita Express takes approximately 1 hour to reach Tokyo Station and about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Shinjuku Station.
Alternatively, you can also take the Skyliner airport express from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. While the Skyliner is often more affordable than the Narita Express, keep in mind that a transfer is required if you’re heading anywhere other than Ueno Station.
2-2.Airport Bus
Using an airport bus to travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo offers the advantage of not having to carry your luggage while you move around.
One of the main airport bus services available from Narita Airport is the Limousine Bus operated by Airport Transport Service. The Limousine Bus provides direct service to major hotels and key areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo stations.The travel time from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station by Limousine Bus is approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, and to Shibuya Station it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The bus stops are located on the 1st floor of each terminal at Narita Airport. The specific stop you’ll use depends on your destination, so be sure to check your bus ticket for the correct stop number.
2-3.Airport Taxi
You can also take an airport taxi from the taxi stands located at each terminal of Narita Airport. While regular taxis are available, choosing a flat-rate taxi can be convenient since it offers a straightforward fixed fare based on your destination.
For example, if you use a flat-rate taxi, the fare from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Ward or Shibuya Ward is ¥25,000. The fare varies depending on your destination, so it’s a good idea to check the fare in advance.
Source：Narita International Airport “Taxi”
Source：km Taxi “Narita Airport Flat-rate Taxi | For Taxi Reservations and Usage, Use km Taxi”
Traveling from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station by airport taxi takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the trip to Shibuya Ward takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
3.How to Travel Between Haneda and Narita Airports
The straight-line distance between Haneda Airport and Narita Airport is a little over 60 km. Here are four transportation options for traveling between the two airports:
・Limousine Bus
The direct Limousine Bus connecting Haneda and Narita Airports allows you to store your luggage and sit comfortably without needing to transfer. The travel time ranges from about 1 hour to 1 hour and 40 minutes, but be aware that traffic conditions may cause delays.
・Airport Rapid Limited Express (Access Express)
The Airport Rapid Limited Express (Access Express) offers a direct train service between Haneda and Narita Airports without the need for transfers. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes.
・Keikyu Railway and Narita Express Transfer
Another option is to transfer between Keikyu Railway and the Narita Express at Shinagawa Station. This route takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours.
・Taxi
Traveling by taxi between Haneda and Narita Airports takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, traffic congestion could extend the travel time, and taxis are generally more expensive than other transportation options.
Conclusion
There are several ways to get from Haneda and Narita Airports to central Tokyo, including trains, buses, and taxis. If you want to keep your budget low, taking the train is recommended, while taxis are a more comfortable option if you have more flexibility in your budget. Keep in mind that Tokyo’s trains can get crowded during peak hours, which might make it difficult to move smoothly with luggage like suitcases. If you prefer to store your luggage and travel comfortably while keeping costs relatively low, taking the bus is a good choice.
Tokyo boasts an excellent public transportation system. Make the most of your time in the city by taking advantage of trains, buses, and taxis to get around and enjoy all that Tokyo has to offer.
*This article is based on information available as of October 2024.
