Tokyo is served by two international airports, and knowing which one you arrive at makes a real difference to how you plan your transfer. Narita is large, busy and about 60 km from the city centre; Haneda sits only 15–20 km south of central Tokyo and is far quicker to leave. Both are very well connected — the challenge is choosing between several very good options.
From Narita Airport: your three main options
Most long-haul flights from Europe, North America and Australia arrive at Narita (NRT). The journey into the city takes between 50 minutes and 90 minutes by train, or up to two hours by road in heavy traffic. Three rail services compete on this corridor, and all of them are dependable.
Narita Express (N'EX)
The Narita Express, operated by JR East and known everywhere as the N'EX, is the most widely used airport train in Japan. It runs directly to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Yokohama, as well as to Tokyo Station, with frequencies of roughly once or twice an hour. Journey time to Shinjuku is around 80–90 minutes; to Tokyo Station about 55–60 minutes.
The N'EX is an all-reserved train — you need a seat reservation, not just a ticket. Fares are on the higher side compared to other rail options, though discounted return tickets and passes (including the IC card combination deals aimed at foreign visitors) can reduce the cost. If you have a JR Pass, the N'EX is included, but you still need to reserve a seat at the station.
Trains run from early morning until early evening from the airport. Late-arriving flights may miss the last departure; check the timetable against your landing time.
Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest train from Narita to central Tokyo, covering the route to Ueno in about 41 minutes and continuing to Nippori — both on the Yamanote Line loop, which links to much of the city. Departures run roughly every 40 minutes throughout the day.
Fares are broadly comparable to the N'EX for similar destinations. The Skyliner does not require a JR Pass — it is a Keisei Railway service — but dedicated Skyliner passes and combination tickets with Tokyo Metro cards are available and often work out cheaper for tourists who will be using the metro heavily. It is a smooth, comfortable ride and well worth considering if Ueno or the eastern part of the city is your destination.
Keisei Access Express and limited-express services
If you want the cheapest rail option from Narita, the Keisei Access Express (and its slower Local and Limited Express cousins) takes around 70–90 minutes to Ueno or Asakusa and costs considerably less than the Skyliner. The trade-off is a longer journey and, on some services, the need to stand during busier periods.
These trains also run through to Asakusa via the Keikyu and Toei Asakusa lines, making them surprisingly useful if your accommodation is in that direction. They run throughout the day and late into the evening.
Airport Limousine Bus from Narita
The Airport Limousine (Friendly Airport Limousine) operates comfortable coaches from Narita to dozens of hotels and stations across central Tokyo. The appeal is door-to-door convenience — the bus drops you close to your hotel rather than at a station, which matters when you are carrying heavy luggage.
Journey times are typically 90 minutes to two hours from the airport to central Tokyo, but traffic on the expressway can extend this considerably, especially during peak hours or holidays. Fares are moderate. For travellers arriving with a lot of bags or staying near one of the served hotels, the bus is genuinely competitive.
Taxi from Narita
Taxis from Narita to central Tokyo are available but expensive — expect a substantial flat-rate or metered fare for a journey of over an hour. Unless you are sharing the cost between several people or your employer is paying, a taxi from Narita rarely makes economic sense compared to the train.
From Haneda Airport: the quick option
Haneda (HND) handles more domestic traffic but has expanded its international terminal significantly in recent years. Its proximity to the city means the transfer is much simpler than from Narita — you can be in the city centre in 20–30 minutes.
Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Airport Line connects Haneda's international and domestic terminals to Shinagawa in roughly 13–14 minutes. From Shinagawa you have direct access to the Yamanote Line and Shinkansen services, making this one of the most efficient airport connections in the world.
The Keikyu line also runs through to Yokohama, Asakusa and other destinations with direct or one-change journeys. Trains are frequent — usually every 10–15 minutes during the day. Fares are low, and no reservation is required.
Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail is the other main rail link from Haneda, connecting the airport terminals to Hamamatsucho on the Yamanote Line in about 18–23 minutes. It is reliable and runs frequently, though Hamamatsucho is slightly less central than Shinagawa for connections. The monorail is covered by a JR Pass, which makes it especially attractive for rail-pass holders arriving at Haneda.
Both the Keikyu Line and the Monorail run through most of the night, which is helpful for late-arriving or early-departing flights.
Taxi from Haneda
Taxis from Haneda into central Tokyo are far more reasonable than from Narita — fares to most central hotels are moderate and journey times are predictable. For late-night arrivals when you are tired and do not want to navigate public transport, a taxi from Haneda is a realistic option.
Choosing between Narita and Haneda
If you have a choice (usually on flights where both airports are offered), Haneda is generally the more convenient arrival point: it is closer, faster to leave, and connected by trains that run through the night. Narita has excellent connections too, but the distance and cost of the transfer are real factors, especially with heavy luggage.
Getting into the city late at night
The N'EX and Skyliner from Narita do not run through the night, so late-arriving flights may need the bus or a taxi. From Haneda, both the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail run services well past midnight. Check the last train times carefully if you are on a flight that lands after 10 pm at Narita.
Practical tips for first-timers
- Both airports have clear English signage — follow the rail or bus signs from the arrivals hall and you will find the right platforms without difficulty.
- Buy your ticket or IC card before passing through the ticket gates. At Narita, automated machines in the arrivals area sell N'EX tickets and IC cards.
- Keep your luggage manageable on the train. Japan's trains are clean and efficient but carriage space is limited; consider a luggage forwarding service (takubin) if you are travelling with very large bags and heading straight to your hotel rather than onward by Shinkansen.
- Seating on the N'EX and Skyliner is comfortable and the journeys are a relaxed way to decompress after a long-haul flight.
For onward travel from Tokyo within Japan, see our guide to travelling from Tokyo to Sapporo. If you are combining a Japan visit with other parts of the region, check our overview of entry requirements for East Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closer to central Tokyo?
Haneda is much closer — roughly 15–20 km from the centre, compared to Narita's 60 km. The Keikyu Line from Haneda reaches Shinagawa in about 13 minutes; the fastest trains from Narita take 41–55 minutes.
Is a JR Pass worth it for the airport transfer?
The JR Pass covers the N'EX from Narita (with a seat reservation) and the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda. If you already have a pass for travelling around Japan, these routes are included. If you are buying transport just for the airport transfer, other options may work out cheaper.
What is the cheapest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The slower Keisei Limited Express or Local services are the lowest-fare rail option, at considerably less than the Skyliner or N'EX. Journey time is longer — around 80–90 minutes — but the trains are comfortable and run regularly.
Can I take a bus from Narita if my hotel is not near a station?
Yes. The Airport Limousine Bus serves a large number of hotels across central Tokyo and is a practical choice if your accommodation is close to one of its stops. Journey time varies with traffic but is typically 90 minutes to two hours.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport connection details: Narita Airport and Tokyo International Air Terminal (Haneda) official sites.
- Rail route and fare information: JR East (N'EX), Keisei Railway (Skyliner/Access Express), Keikyu Railway, Tokyo Monorail.