The short answer is: not much! Haneda and Narita are both international airports close to Tokyo.

You can find Haneda Airport, also called Tokyo-Haneda Airport, on Tokyo Bay. The airport opened its International Terminal in 2010, and is one of the busiest airports in Japan. With it’s updated facilities, you’ll have access to plenty of shops, restaurants, facilities, and more. Haneda Airport’s location also gives direct access to central Tokyo as soon as you land.

On the other hand, you can find Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo. The fastest train into Tokyo proper is about an hour. One key difference is that Narita has more flights to and from many international cities. Some non-Japanese airlines only fly to Narita Airport!

When planning your trip to Japan, we recommend choosing the flight that fits your budget and schedule, not which airport you’ll land in.

It depends on your final destination in Tokyo! As a large city, Tokyo offers various train and bus options based on where you’re headed, whether it’s Asakusa, Ginza, Shibuya, or elsewhere. Two major train lines depart from Haneda Airport into the city.

If Tokyo isn’t your final stop and you’re traveling to Kyoto or Osaka, consider using the Keikyu Airport Liner. If you have a JR Pass, you can also use it on the Tokyo Monorail. If you have large suitcases, and don’t want to deal with train transfers, used the Airport Limousine Bus!

Keep reading below for more details on our recommended transportation methods. 

Taking the Train from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

There are 2 main trains that can take you directly from Haneda Airport to major stations in Tokyo City: The Tokyo Monorail and the Keikyu Airport Line. Below is a quick overview:

Tokyo Monorail

Fare to Hamamatsucho Station: 520 yen

• The Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamamatsucho Station (final station) in about 13 minutes.
• From Hamamatsucho Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which is the loop service that stops at popular stations such as:  Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ueno, Harajuku and more.
• As the ‘Haneda Express’ line takes you directly from Haneda’s International Arrival Terminal (Terminal 3) directly to Hamamatsucho Station, you won’t get lost!

There’s also a discount ticket for overseas travelers! You can purchase the Monorail and Yamanote Line Discount Ticket for 540 yen. Available only on weekends, holidays and other select dates at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station.

Keikyu Airport Line

Fare to Shinagawa Station: Approximately 300 yen

• The Keikyu Airport Line is the cheapest option that connects to major train stations in Tokyo.
• To Shinagawa Station, it takes about 13 minutes.
• As this line operates multiple routes that depart from the same platform, double-check your destination before boarding so that you don’t take the wrong train.
• In general, if you take the Keikyu-Airport Line (Express) bound for Shinagawa Station, you’ll be able to easily access most areas in Tokyo. From Shinagawa Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (Loop Train) and the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) line to head to your final destination. 

Using the Haneda Airport Limousine Bus

Airport Limousine Bus

Fare to Tokyo Station: 1,200 yen (adult), 600 yen (child)

The Haneda Airport Limousine Bus provides a comfortable and reliable option for traveling to central Tokyo, allowing you to bypass the stress of public transport or expensive taxis. With frequent departures throughout the day, this service offers flexibility for travelers arriving at different times.

Ticket Reservations: You can purchase tickets in advance or upon arrival. If you prefer to plan ahead, you can make a reservation online up to one month in advance through the official website. Once you complete your payment via credit card, you’ll receive a QR code that you can show to the driver when boarding the bus.

Where to buy the Airport Limousine Bus Ticket at Haneda Airport?
To purchase tickets on your arrival date, go to the Airport Limousine Bus counter in the arrival lobby. There, you can purchase a time-specific ticket before heading to the bus boarding area.

Reasons why we would recommend the bus:

• Direct Service: Connects Haneda Airport to major hotels and stations in Tokyo, ideal for travelers with heavy luggage.
• Guaranteed Seating: You secure your seats upon ticket purchase, ensuring a stress-free ride.
• Amenities: Many buses offer free Wi-Fi, provide power outlets for device charging, and include onboard restrooms.
• Large Suitcases: Tokyo’s train stations are big, busy, and can be hard to navigate for first-time travelers. To avoid the trouble of carrying your large suitcases up and down stairs and escalators, we suggest taking the bus! Each passenger can bring two pieces of luggage (up to 30 kg each) and one carry-on bag.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much English guidance there is in Japan! On the platforms, look for signs on the walls displaying the name of the station you’re at now.

On the trains and buses, look for digital screens showing the train’s destination and the upcoming stops. Most digital signs will cycle through Japanese and English, so keep watching until you see something you can read. Train stops and general information are usually announced in both Japanese and English (in addition to Korean and Chinese, too). So, when you hear an announcement in Japanese, keep listening until the end!

Navigating Stations and Stops

• Use IC Cards: Utilize IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, or your Welcome Suica IC Card for seamless travel on trains and buses.
• Color-Coded Lines: Look for color-coded train lines and numbered stations to easily navigate the complex transit system.
• Train Types: Be aware of different train types: local (各駅停車), rapid (快速), and express (特急). Even if trains head in the same direction, not all will stop at every station.

Train Etiquette and Customs

• Queue Orderly: Stand in an orderly line when boarding trains and buses. Passengers waiting to board typically stand to the side of the doors and wait for all passengers to disembark first. The doors will not close until everyone is on or off.
• Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (the right side in Osaka).
• Quiet Environment: Avoid eating, talking on phones, or applying makeup while on trains. While speaking is allowed, please do so quietly.
• Priority Seats: Designated priority seats are available for the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with small children, and others in need.
• Eating and Drinking: Eating is generally not permitted on local trains; however, drinking from a closed bottle is acceptable.

Planning Your Journey

• Last Train Times: Check for last train times, as city subways typically stop running around 1 AM.
• Japan Rail Pass: Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel.
• Cash is King: Carry cash, as many places in Japan do not accept credit cards. Some buses also do not accept IC cards.
• Stay Connected: Get a pocket Wi-Fi or a data-heavy SIM card for easy navigation. Google Maps works well in Japan and is useful for navigating throughout the city.
• Rush Hour Awareness: Be mindful of rush hours (8-9 AM and after 5 PM) when trains can be very crowded. Avoid bringing large suitcases on local trains due to limited space (airport-specific trains are more accommodating).