Narita vs Haneda: Which Tokyo Airport to Fly Into (and How to Get to the City)

Fly into Haneda if you can. Haneda is 30 minutes from central Tokyo; Narita is 60–90 minutes. If flights cost roughly the same, Haneda saves you time, money, and energy on both ends of your trip. But Narita is completely fine — it just requires picking the right train.

Here's the complete comparison, plus exactly how to get from each airport into the city.

Narita vs Haneda: Quick Comparison

The rule: under $100 fare difference → pick Haneda. Over $150 savings → take Narita and ride the Skyliner.

Getting from Haneda to Central Tokyo

Haneda is so close that every option works.

Keikyu Line → Shinagawa (best for most travelers)

• ¥330, 15 minutes
• Shinagawa is on the JR Yamanote loop — transfer to Shibuya (13 min), Shinjuku (19 min), Tokyo Station (10 min)
• Use your Suica or Pasmo card — no separate ticket needed

Tokyo Monorail → Hamamatsucho

• ¥520, 20 minutes
• Also connects to the Yamanote Line
• Better views, slightly slower overall

Airport Limousine Bus

• ¥1,000–¥1,400, 30–60 minutes depending on traffic
• Drops directly at major hotels in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza
• Best option with heavy luggage or kids

Taxi

• ¥6,000–¥8,000 to central Tokyo (fixed fares available)
• Reasonable for groups of 3–4 arriving late

Getting from Narita to Central Tokyo

Narita requires a decision. Here are the four real options:

Keisei Skyliner → Ueno (best speed-to-price ratio)

• ¥2,570, 45 minutes to Ueno
• Ueno is on the Yamanote loop — Shibuya/Shinjuku are 25–30 more minutes
• Best if your hotel is in Asakusa, Ueno, or eastern Tokyo

Narita Express (N'EX) → Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku (best for west-side hotels)

• ¥3,070, 60 minutes to Tokyo Station; ~85 minutes to Shinjuku
• One seat, no transfers, all reserved seating
• Direct to the neighborhoods where you're probably staying — see where to stay in Tokyo

Keisei Access Express (best budget option)

• ¥1,300, 75 minutes to Asakusa/Nihonbashi
• A regular commuter train — no reserved seats, but perfectly comfortable off-peak
• The best-value option nobody tells first-timers about

Airport Limousine Bus

• ¥3,200, 90–120 minutes depending on traffic
• Direct to major hotels — worth it with lots of luggage

Avoid: Taxis from Narita (¥20,000–¥30,000) unless someone else is paying.

Which Airport for Your Situation

First trip, staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku: Haneda if possible; otherwise Narita + N'EX.

Budget trip, staying in Asakusa/Ueno: Narita is actually convenient — the Skyliner and Access Express serve east Tokyo directly. Pair with a budget-focused trip plan.

Late-night arrival (after 11pm): Strongly prefer Haneda. Trains from Narita stop around midnight, and the taxi fallback is brutal.

Connecting to the shinkansen immediately: Haneda → Shinagawa puts you on the Tokaido Shinkansen line in 15 minutes — ideal if you're heading straight to Kyoto or Osaka.

Practical Arrival Checklist

1. Get your IC card at the airport — machines are in both arrivals halls. Full walkthrough in our Suica vs Pasmo guide
2. Get cash — 7-Eleven ATMs in both airports accept foreign cards
3. Grab an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi before or on arrival
4. Screenshot your hotel address in Japanese for taxi drivers

For everything else, see our 25 Japan travel tips.

FAQ

Is Narita or Haneda closer to Tokyo? Haneda — 30 minutes by train versus 60–90 minutes from Narita.

Why do flights to Narita cost less? Narita handles most long-haul international traffic and low-cost carriers. Landing fees and slot availability make it cheaper for airlines, and the savings often pass to you.

Can I use my Suica from the airport? Yes at both airports, on every train option except reserved-seat trains (Skyliner and N'EX need separate tickets; the base fare portion can still go on IC).

What if I land during rush hour (7:30–9:30am)? From Haneda, the Keikyu Line will be crowded but manageable with luggage. From Narita, take the N'EX or Skyliner — reserved seating exists exactly for this.