Airport Guide

Last updated: 2026-01-27

Everything you need to know about Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports

Narita Airport (NRT)

Narita International Airport (NRT) is Tokyo's primary long-haul gateway, about 60 km east of central Tokyo. It handles most trans-Pacific and European flights alongside regional routes.

Quick Facts

IATA Code: NRT
Distance to City: ~60 km (50-90 min)
Terminals: 1, 2, 3
Airlines: JAL, ANA, Delta, United, Singapore, Emirates, many more
Annual Passengers: ~37M pre-2020

Facilities

Free WiFi throughout terminal
Cafes and restaurants
Duty-free shopping
Car rental desks
Tourist information desk

Getting to/from Narita Airport

Public Bus (Cheapest)

Airport Limousine and Keisei buses connect Narita to Tokyo Station, Ginza, Shinjuku, and major hotels.

Duration: 60-90 minutes depending on stop/traffic
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes (most of the day)
Price: ~¥1,300-2,000 one-way
Tickets: Buy at counters or machines in arrivals
Luggage: Underfloor storage included

Taxi / Uber (Fastest)

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer door-to-door convenience, ideal for late arrivals or heavy luggage.

Duration: 60-90 minutes to central Tokyo
Price: ¥18,000-25,000+ (regular taxi); fixed-fare taxis available
Availability: 24/7, taxi ranks outside each terminal
Tip: Consider prebooked private transfer for late-night arrivals

Car Rental

Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the arrivals hall.

Price: From ¥7,000+/day (economy)
Parking: Long- and short-term lots at each terminal
Tip: Driving in central Tokyo is costly for parking—train/bus is easier

Pro Tip: Night Arrivals

If arriving after the last trains (~midnight), use the late-night bus to Tokyo Station or a prebooked car. Fixed-fare taxis are posted at the rank—confirm the rate before boarding.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport is one of Asia's major aviation hubs, located ~15 km south of central Tokyo. Many travelers prefer Haneda because it's close to the city, has frequent domestic connections, and typically shorter transfer times (20–40 minutes).

Quick Facts

IATA Code: HND
Distance to Tokyo: ~15 km (20-40 min)
Terminals: 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Airlines: ANA, JAL, Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, and many more
Annual Passengers: One of the busiest airports in Japan

Why Choose HND?

✓ Closest airport to central Tokyo
✓ Frequent domestic and many international routes
✓ Short transfers by monorail/Keikyu or bus
✓ Good for tight itineraries and late arrivals

Haneda Airport to Tokyo

For detailed transfer options, prices, and booking links, see our Complete Narita Transfer Guide.

Direct Bus (Best Value)

Operators: Airport Limousine Bus and other local bus companies
Duration: ~30-60 minutes (varies by destination and traffic)
Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day
Price: ~¥1,100-1,600 one-way (typical)
Departure: Bus stops outside arrivals; buy tickets at machines/counters

Train via Tokyo Station

Route: Haneda → Tokyo Monorail (Hamamatsucho) or Keikyu Line (Shinagawa) → JR/metro
Duration: ~20-40 minutes to central Tokyo (typical)
Price: ~¥300-600 one-way (typical)
Best for: Fast, frequent, reliable transfers

Private Transfer (Comfort)

Duration: ~20-45 minutes door-to-door (traffic-dependent)
Price: Typically ¥6,000-12,000+ depending on distance/time
Best for: Groups, families, heavy luggage, late arrivals
Tip: Consider fixed-fare airport taxis or prebooked transfers

Which Airport Should I Choose?

Choose Haneda (HND) if you want the shortest transfer time and the easiest logistics into the city.

Choose Narita (NRT) if your flight lands there (many long-haul routes), or if you prefer the Narita Express / Skyliner rail options. Pick based on schedule and total door-to-door time.

Complete Transfer Guide

Detailed comparison of all Narita-Tokyo transport options with prices and booking links

Complete Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan your Tokyo trip from start to finish

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