First time in Japan? You’re not alone if you’re wondering why Tokyo has two airports and which one is easier (and cheaper) for getting into the city. This guide explains what each airport is best for and walks you step-by-step through buses, trains, and taxis/private transfers—including luggage rules, operating hours, and booking links—so you can land and go.
Why does Tokyo have two airports?
Tokyo is served by Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND).
- Narita (NRT) sits ~60 km east of central Tokyo (Chiba Prefecture). Historically it’s Tokyo’s long-haul international gateway with lots of flights from North America/Europe/Oceania. Great global connections, longer & costlier ride into the city (typically 60–90 min).
- Haneda (HND) is only ~15–20 km from central Tokyo. Once mainly domestic, it’s now a huge mixed-use airport with many international flights (especially within Asia). Fastest & cheapest access to the city (20–40 min).
Quick rule:
If you can choose, Haneda saves time and money on the city transfer. If you’re on a long-haul deal to Narita, plan your transfer carefully and consider luggage-friendly options.
Quick answer: which transport should I take?
- Traveling with suitcases / family / want hotel stop?
Take an Airport Bus (Limousine Bus). It’s direct to big hubs and many hotels. - Want the fastest, most punctual option?
From Narita: Keisei Skyliner (to Ueno/Nippori) or JR Narita Express (N’EX) (to Tokyo/Shinjuku/…);
From Haneda: Tokyo Monorail (to Hamamatsuchō/JR Yamanote) or Keikyu Line (to Shinagawa/Asakusa Line). - Arriving very late / need door-to-door / group of 3–4?
Taxi or private transfer (expensive but stress-free, 24h).
Airport Buses (Narita & Haneda)
Airport buses are luggage-friendly, direct to major districts and many hotels, and spoken-English friendly at the counters.
Narita → Tokyo (Airport Limousine Bus)
- Fare: ~¥3,200 one way to core areas.
- Time: 60–90 min (add buffer if rain/peak traffic).
- Destinations: Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi, Disney Resort, major hotels.
- Luggage: typically 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on per person stowed in the hold (oversize may require fee/approval).
- Tickets: buy at arrival lobby counters/machines or book online.
- Stops: right outside T1/T2/T3 (orange “Limousine Bus” signs).
Haneda → Tokyo (Limousine Bus & Keikyu Bus)
- Fare: ~¥1,200–¥1,500.
- Time: 30–60 min.
- Destinations: Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Disney Resort.
- Luggage: same rule as Narita.
- Tickets: counters/machines in arrivals; online booking recommended in peak weeks.
- Stops: outside T1/T2 (Domestic) and T3 (International).
Bus Hours (realistic)
- Narita: roughly early morning (~06:00–06:40) to around 23:00 depending on route.
- Haneda: early morning to late night (after midnight on some lines).
- Night frequency drops; expect fewer departures and possible waits in rain.
🚌 Airport Bus Essentials (2025)
- Narita → Tokyo: ~¥3,200 | 60–90 min | Direct to hotels & major hubs
- Haneda → Tokyo: ~¥1,200–¥1,500 | 30–60 min | Frequent & affordable
- Frequency: Every 15–30 min (daytime) · Less frequent late at night
- Luggage: 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on (extra bags may need approval/fees)
- Boarding: Clearly signed bus stops at each terminal | Staff available in English
- Payment: Cash · Suica/PASMO · Credit cards accepted at counters
- Booking: Limousine Bus – Official Site
💡 Tip: For families or heavy luggage, buses are often more comfortable than trains.
Trains from the Airports
Trains are faster and more punctual than buses during rush hours or bad weather, but luggage space is limited (especially on commuter lines). For Narita/Haneda there are dedicated airport trains:
From Narita (NRT)
Keisei Skyliner (to Nippori / Keisei-Ueno)
- Fare: ~¥2,500; reserved seats only.
- Time: ~41 min to Ueno (fastest option from Narita).
- Good for: staying near Ueno/Nippori/Asakusa or easy JR/Metro transfers there.
- Buy: online e-ticket, Keisei counters, or machines at B1 (T1/T2·3).
JR Narita Express — N’EX (to Tokyo / Shinagawa / Shibuya / Shinjuku / Yokohama)
- Fare: ~¥3,000–¥3,500 to central Tokyo; reserved seats only.
- Time: ~53–80 min depending on stop.
- Luggage: end-of-car racks + overhead; all seats reserved = smoother with bags.
- Buy: JR EAST Travel Service Center, reserved-seat machines, or online.
Keisei Access Express (budget)
- Fare: ~¥1,300–¥1,500; no limited-express supplement.
- Time: ~65–80 min, through-service to Asakusa Line (Asakusa, Oshiage/Skytree, Nihombashi, Shinbashi, Shinagawa).
- Good for: saving money if you don’t mind a slower ride.
Where are the stations at Narita?
- JR and Keisei are on B1 of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2·3.
- Terminal 3 is a 5–10 min covered walk (or free shuttle) from T2.
From Haneda (HND)
Tokyo Monorail (to Hamamatsuchō / JR Yamanote)
- Fare: ~¥500–¥650.
- Time: ~13–20 min to Hamamatsuchō; trains every ~5 min.
- Good for: quick link to JR Yamanote Line (easy to reach Shinjuku/Shibuya/Ueno).
Keikyu Line (to Shinagawa / Asakusa Line)
- Fare: ~¥300–¥500.
- Time: ~13–20 min to Shinagawa; frequent Limited Express services.
- Good for: easy transfers to JR/Metro; through-service to Asakusa Line (Asakusa, Higashi-Ginza, Nihombashi).
Train Hours (typical)
- Narita Skyliner & N’EX: roughly ~06:00–23:00 (check your exact day).
- Haneda Monorail/Keikyu: ~05:00 to ~midnight.
📊 Narita & Haneda → Tokyo Transport Comparison (2025)
| Option | Fare | Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Airport Limousine Bus | ¥1,200–¥3,200 | 60–90 min | Direct to hotels · Luggage included · Easy for families | Traffic delays possible |
| 🚆 Narita Express (N’EX) | ~¥3,200 | 55–80 min | Reserved seats · Punctual · Direct to Tokyo/Shinjuku/Yokohama | Less space for big luggage |
| 🚄 Keisei Skyliner | ~¥2,500 | ~41 min | Fastest from Narita · Reserved seats · Comfortable | Arrives Ueno/Nippori only (transfer often needed) |
| 🚉 Haneda Monorail + JR | ¥500–¥650 | 20–30 min | Cheap · Frequent · Connects to Yamanote Line | One transfer · Limited luggage space |
| 🚖 Taxi / Private Transfer | ¥7,000–¥30,000+ | 30–90 min | Door-to-door · 24h service · Luxury & comfort | Expensive · Traffic delays |
💡 Tip: For first-time visitors with luggage, buses are stress-free. For speed, Skyliner is unbeatable. For groups, taxis can make sense when splitting costs.
Omio — Train & Bus Tickets in Japan
Omio lets you compare and book trains, buses, and even ferries across Japan in English. It’s ideal for travelers landing at Narita or Haneda who want a quick way to secure Narita Express, Skyliner, or airport bus tickets without language barriers.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase tickets through this link, DiscoverJapanSites.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing free and reliable travel guides.
Taxis & Private Transfers
Taxis are clean, safe, regulated, and available 24/7—but are the priciest option.
- Haneda → 23 wards: ~¥7,000–¥10,000 (plus tolls).
- Narita → 23 wards: ~¥20,000–¥30,000+ (plus tolls).
- Night surcharge: +20% from 22:00–05:00.
- Luggage: standard sedans fit 2–3 large suitcases; book jumbo/van for more.
- Payment: most city taxis accept Visa/Mastercard/JCB and often Suica/PASMO. Carry some cash for rural areas.
- Automatic doors: Never open/close the door yourself—the driver controls it.
- Where to get one: Taxi stands at every airport terminal/hotel/station; you can also hail (look for red “vacant/空車”), ask hotel staff, or book via app (S.Ride, JapanTaxi, Uber Japan acts as taxi dispatcher).
Private transfers (remise/chauffeur):
Pre-book online for door-to-door service with meet-and-greet. It’s the most comfortable start (especially with children or elderly), but expect premium pricing. Great for late arrivals when buses/trains run less frequently.
HolidayTaxis — Private Airport Transfers
HolidayTaxis provides reliable private and shared transfers from Narita and Haneda airports directly to your hotel or destination in Tokyo. Perfect for families or travelers with heavy luggage who prefer door-to-door service instead of public transport.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you book a transfer through this link, DiscoverJapanSites.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing free and reliable travel guides.
Private Transfers (Narita & Haneda)
Welcome Pickups — Door-to-Door Transfer
Private ride from Narita or Haneda. English-speaking driver, flight tracking, meet & greet at arrivals, fixed price.
GetTransfer — Fixed-Price Offers
Post your Narita/Haneda route and receive fixed-price bids from verified drivers. Choose vehicle, price and pickup time.
Intui.travel — Families & Groups
Private or shared transfer from Narita, Haneda or Kansai. Local providers; vans and minibuses for families and small groups.
Kiwitaxi — Fixed-Price Transfer
Door-to-door ride from Narita or Haneda to central Tokyo, Yokohama or Osaka. Clear vehicle classes, luggage policy and upfront price.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work.
Luggage Tips (that save headaches)
- Buses: best for big suitcases—stored in the hold; keep documents/electronics with you.
- Trains: limited racks; avoid rush hour with large luggage; hold onto bags on platforms.
- Taxis: confirm trunk space; request a large vehicle if traveling as a group or with bulky items.
- Takyubin (luggage delivery): consider shipping a suitcase to your hotel or next city; it’s cheap, safe, and reduces hassle on day 1.
Late-Night Arrivals: your plan (especially Narita)
Narita’s last express trains/buses vary by day. If your flight lands after ~22:00, verify the last Skyliner/N’EX/Bus for your exact date. If you miss the last service, use the Keisei Access Express + short taxi to your hotel or sleep near the airport and transfer in the morning. Haneda has services closer to midnight, but always check the last trains on Monorail/Keikyu.
- Before you fly: Check the last Skyliner/N’EX/Bus for your exact arrival date.
- Narita after 22:00: Try Limousine Bus or TYO-NRT if available; otherwise take Keisei Access Express to central Tokyo + short taxi.
- Haneda near midnight: Monorail/Keikyu often run until around midnight; if missed, use a taxi from the nearest hub.
- Plan B: Keep your hotel address in Japanese (screenshot) and carry enough cash for a taxi if needed.
Official links (bookmark these)
- Airport Limousine Bus (routes, luggage, booking): https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
- Keisei Skyliner (timetable & e-ticket): https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php
- JR Narita Express — N’EX (JR East): https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/nex/
- Airport Bus TYO-NRT (Narita–Tokyo Station budget bus): https://tyo-nrt.com/en
- Haneda access – Trains (Monorail/Keikyu overview): https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/access/train/index.html
Priority Pass — Airport Lounge Access
Waiting for a flight at Narita or Haneda can be tiring. Priority Pass gives you access to comfortable airport lounges with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and quiet spaces to relax before your journey. An excellent choice for frequent flyers and premium travelers.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase a membership through this link, DiscoverJapanSites.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing free and reliable travel guides.
Final thoughts
There’s no single “best” option—there’s the best option for your situation:
- Buses are the least stressful with suitcases and jet lag, and often stop near hotels.
- Trains are the fastest and most reliable during heavy traffic, perfect for solo travelers or light packers.
- Taxis/private transfers are door-to-door and 24/7, ideal for late arrivals, groups, or travelers who value comfort over cost.
Use this guide, pick what fits your arrival time, luggage, and budget—and your first hour in Japan will feel easy.