Comparison · Japan
Tokyo's Two Airports, Narita (NRT) vs Haneda (HND): Where to Land?
Tokyo has two airports, Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Compare trains into the city, times and fares, which areas each suits, and what to check on your ticket.
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Tokyo has two airports
Search for flights to Tokyo and you will see two airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). A search for just 'Tokyo' can mix both in the results, so always check whether the airport on your ticket is NRT or HND before you book.
Which flight uses which airport can vary by airline and season. This article does not cover that; it takes the airport printed on your ticket as the starting point and compares how to get into town from each and which areas they suit.
For each airport's exact location, distance to the city and terminal facilities, see its official website. All times and fares below are approximate figures from our Tokyo guide.
Narita (NRT): Narita Express and Skyliner
There are two main trains from Narita into the city. The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Narita to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations without changing trains. All seats are reserved and there is luggage space, so it is easy with big bags; it takes about 55-90 minutes and costs about 3,000-3,400 yen, depending on the station.
The Keisei Skyliner is the quickest link from Narita to Nippori and Ueno. It takes about 35-45 minutes and costs about 2,600 yen. Because it stops at Ueno and Nippori, it connects well with stays around Asakusa or Ueno.
Either way, Narita takes more time and money than the Haneda lines. Compare fares together with the time and cost of getting from the airport to your hotel.
Haneda (HND): Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail
From Haneda, the Keikyu Line is quick and cheap to Shinagawa. It takes about 15-20 minutes and costs about 300-350 yen. Some trains run through onto the Asakusa Line.
The Tokyo Monorail runs to Hamamatsucho, where you transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. It takes about 15-20 minutes and costs about 500-520 yen, with views of Tokyo Bay along the way.
The JR Yamanote Line is a loop linking Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno and more, so after the monorail it connects you to many of the main hotel areas.
Which airport suits which part of town
Start with where you are staying. Here is how the airport trains connect with the main areas in our guide. Asakusa and Ueno are near Senso-ji and Ueno Park, and our guide notes easy access to Narita from there.
For areas where no airport connection is listed below, first find the station and line nearest your hotel, then look up the route.
- Asakusa / Ueno (old Tokyo feel, value): the Skyliner from Narita reaches Nippori and Ueno in about 35-45 minutes
- Shinjuku (first visit, transport hub): the N'EX from Narita goes there without changing trains; from Haneda, take the monorail to Hamamatsucho and continue on the Yamanote Line. The station is a maze, so check your exit in advance
- Shibuya (shopping, young vibe): the N'EX from Narita goes there without changing trains; from Haneda, use the monorail and the Yamanote Line
- Ginza / Tokyo Station (comfort, shinkansen access): the N'EX from Narita reaches Tokyo Station without changing trains; from Haneda, use the monorail and the Yamanote Line
- Ikebukuro (anime shopping, value): good transport links, but our guide does not list an airport connection. Check the route with official sources
Checking your ticket, late arrivals and switching airports
Your outbound and return flights may use different airports. If you arrive at Narita and leave from Haneda, for example, double-check the day before which airport your departure uses.
If your flight lands late at night, the first and last train times matter. Our guide does not list them, so check each line's official information before you fly. Taxis are clean and safe but expensive; the rear door opens automatically, so don't pull it.
If you are connecting in Tokyo between flights that use different airports, you will have to travel between them. Our guide does not cover transfers between the two airports or how long they take, so check each airport's official website and leave plenty of time.
At a glance
Choose by the airport on your ticket and where you are staying. All times and fares below are approximate.
- Narita Express (N'EX, Narita): to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations without changing trains, all seats reserved, about 55-90 min, about 3,000-3,400 yen depending on the station
- Keisei Skyliner (Narita): to Nippori and Ueno, about 35-45 min, about 2,600 yen, connects well with Asakusa/Ueno stays
- Keikyu Line (Haneda): to Shinagawa, about 15-20 min, about 300-350 yen, some trains run through onto the Asakusa Line
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda): to Hamamatsucho, then the JR Yamanote Line, about 15-20 min, about 500-520 yen
- Late arrivals: check first and last train times with official sources; taxis are clean and safe but expensive
- Between the two airports: check official sources
Arrival-day checklist
Sort out an IC card before you board the airport train. Suica or PASMO can be bought at station machines or added to Apple Wallet, and works on JR, subways, buses and in convenience stores. Top-ups are often cash only, so carry some yen.
An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi makes navigating the transfers from the airport to your hotel much easier.
- Recheck the airport on your ticket (NRT or HND) and the airport for your return flight
- Get a Suica or PASMO, plus some yen in cash for top-ups
- Small eateries and shrines may be cash only
- Find the station nearest your hotel and which exit to use
- From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping switches to a refund system: you pay the tax at purchase and get it refunded after customs checks your goods at departure. Check official information for the procedure
- Check Japan's entry requirements with official sources
Plan your Tokyo trip
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FAQ
Which is better, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)?
It depends on your flight and where you are staying. From Haneda the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail reaches a city station in about 15-20 minutes; from Narita you take the Skyliner (about 35-45 minutes) or the N'EX (about 55-90 minutes).
Which airport is easier if I stay in Asakusa or Ueno?
According to our guide, Asakusa and Ueno have easy access to Narita. The Keisei Skyliner runs from Narita to Nippori and Ueno in about 35-45 minutes for about 2,600 yen.
What is the cheapest way from Haneda into the city?
According to our guide, the Keikyu Line costs about 300-350 yen to Shinagawa. The Tokyo Monorail costs about 500-520 yen to Hamamatsucho, where you change to the JR Yamanote Line.
How do I get between Narita and Haneda?
Our guide does not cover transfers between the two airports. Check each airport's official website and allow plenty of time for the connection.
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