How to Get to Tokyo from Narita or Haneda Airport

Looking for the easiest way to get from Narita or Haneda Airport to central Tokyo?

You’ve come to the right place!

In this post, I’ve outlined all the best transfer options so you can plan ahead, and arrive with confidence.

I don’t know about you, but getting from the airport to my accommodations in a new city can be a great source of stress.

Tokyo is massive, and when you factor in the language barrier, something as simple as an airport transfer can quickly become overwhelming.

Home to over 20 million people, Tokyo buzzes with energy at all hours.

For first-time visitors, that scale can be both thrilling and a bit intimidating.

That’s why one of the most important things you can do before landing is to know exactly where your hotel is located.

Tokyo has two major airports, Haneda and Narita, and the best way to reach your accommodation depends largely on where you’re staying in the city.

Choosing the right transfer isn’t just about speed or price, it’s about comfort, confidence, and arriving stress-free.

Tokyo’s Two Major Airports: Haneda vs. Narita

While both airports are well-organized and foreigner-friendly, they offer very different arrival experiences.

Having flown into both airports, I found Narita feels more like a typical international airport; large, busy, and spread out over multiple levels.

Meanwhile, Haneda has a more compact layout and a distinctly local feel.

Choosing how to get into the city depends in great part on which one you land at.

Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is the closest airport to central Tokyo.

About 30 minutes away by train or taxi, it handles most of the domestic and an increasing number of international flights.

Though smaller than Narita, it’s still busy, thanks to its high volume of local traffic.

Haneda has a more compact, local feel but still offers clear signage in English, clean facilities, and helpful staff.

Narita Airport

Narita Airport is located about 37 miles (60 Kilometers) from central Tokyo.

This airport is larger and was built primarily for international arrivals.

While it takes longer to reach the city, it has excellent infrastructure for first-time visitors.

On my first few visits to Japan, I arrived at Narita airport and found it easy and comfortable to navigate.

Narita Airport is clearly marked in English, and most desk staff speak the language well, making it easy to find your way.

No matter where you land, both airports are safe, well-maintained, and navigable whether you are traveling solo or as a group.

Know Where You’re Staying: Why Location Matters in Tokyo

Before you even decide how to get into the city, take a good look at where your hotel or accommodation is located.

Tokyo is vast, and not all neighborhoods are equally accessible from both airports.

Whether you’re staying in Shinjuku, Asakusa, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, or somewhere in between, this detail will make a big difference in how long your airport transfer takes.

For example, if you’re flying into Narita and staying in Ueno or Asakusa, the Keisei Skyliner train is a fast, direct option.

But if you’re headed to Shinjuku, the Narita Express might be a better fit.

Coming into Haneda? The Tokyo Monorail is great for reaching Hamamatsucho.

But if your hotel is in Shibuya, a different route from Haneda will save time and transfers.

Once you’ve pinpointed your destination, it becomes much easier to choose the right transfer.

So let’s break it down by airport.

Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Narita offers several good transfer options that are good for different budgets, comfort levels, and destinations.

🚄 Narita Express (N’EX)

The last time I arrived through Narita Airport I used the Narita Express.

It was easy to purchase tickets, the service is frequent, and it stops at all the major stations in central Tokyo.

The Narita Express is one of the most convenient ways to reach major Tokyo hubs like Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and even Yokohama.

Trains leave every 30 minutes and take a little over an hour, depending on your stop.

• Duration: ~1 hour
• Cost: $18–$40 USD
• JR Pass: Covered if you exchange your pass upon arrival
• Best for: Travelers staying near major train stations or using a JR Pass

🚌 Airport Limousine Bus

If you’re not in the mood to navigate train lines after a long flight, the Airport Limousine Bus offers a comfortable, direct ride to Tokyo Station and other city hubs.

Buses depart every 10 minutes, and while traffic can slow things down, it’s a great option if you have heavy luggage or want to avoid train transfers.

I took it on my very first trip to Tokyo, back when I had no idea how to navigate the train system.

Buying a ticket was simple, and the staff helped stow my suitcases in the luggage compartment before I boarded.

Unfortunately, we hit rush hour, and the ride to our hotel in central Tokyo took nearly three hours.

Still, if you have bulky bags or arrive early in the morning or late at night, the Airport Limousine Bus offers a budget-friendly and hassle-free way into the city.

• Duration: ~1 hour 40 minutes (subject to traffic)
• Cost: $11–$21 USD
• Best for: Stress-free, seated travel without train transfers

🚖 Taxi

Taxis from Narita to central Tokyo are the fastest option, but also the most expensive.

A ride to Tokyo Station takes around 55 minutes.

But expect to pay about $200 USD or more, depending on your exact destination.

• Duration: ~55 minutes
• Cost: ~$200 USD
• Best for: Travelers with heavy luggage or those arriving very late at night who value convenience over cost

🚆 Keisei Skyliner to Ueno

If your hotel is near Ueno, Asakusa, or on the northeast side of Tokyo, the Keisei Skyliner is an excellent alternative.

It’s a fast, direct train that skips the central Tokyo loop. With only three stops before reaching Ueno Station, it’s quick and efficient.

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Cost: ~$18 USD
• Best for: Travelers staying in Ueno, Asakusa, or northeast Tokyo

🚆Keisei Access Express

A more budget-friendly alternative to the Keisei Skyliner for travelers heading toward Ueno and Asakusa is the Access Express.

This makes it a good middle ground alternative between convenience and price.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: ~$10–$15 USD
• Best for: Budget travelers who want an affordable, relatively quick option to Ueno/Asakusa

Private Shuttle or Ride-share (Uber, GO, DiDi)

When traveling with luggage or in a small group, ride-share services or private shuttles can be a great option.

In Japan, Uber functions a bit differently than in other countries, typically sending licensed taxis rather than private drivers.

As a result, pricing is usually similar to regular taxis.

Nevertheless, you’ll gain the advantage of app-based booking, fare estimates, and avoiding language barriers.

Local apps like GO and DiDi also offer reliable ride-share and are commonly used by residents.

I recently traveled with my daughter and we took an early morning Uber from the city to Haneda Airport.

It was easy, comfortable, and cost under $100 USD—well worth it for a stress-free start to our travel day.

• Duration: ~1 hour to central Tokyo (depending on traffic)
• Cost: Similar to a taxi
• Best for: Those looking for extra comfort or traveling in a small group

Getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, so getting into the city is quick and convenient.

Whether you prefer trains or taxis, here’s how to navigate from Haneda to your destination:

🚋 Tokyo Monorail

The Tokyo Monorail is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach central Tokyo from Haneda.

On our last trip to Tokyo, we stayed in Nihonbashi and used the monorail to get into the city.

It was super convenient, and we got to see parts of Tokyo we’d never seen before; places you probably wouldn’t visit as a tourist.

It turned out to be an insightful and memorable way to kick off our trip.

The train runs every 10 minutes and takes you to Hamamatsucho Station in just 25 minutes.

From Hamamatsucho, you can easily transfer to the subway to reach your final destination.

• Duration: 25 minutes
• Cost: $3–$4 USD
• Not covered by JR Pass
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers staying in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza who don’t mind an easy transfer to the subway

🚖 Taxi

If you’re looking for a faster, more direct route, a taxi from Haneda to Tokyo Station takes just 17 minutes (traffic permitting).

Though convenient, taxis are significantly more expensive than public transport.

So expect to pay between $55–$70 USD, depending on traffic and your exact destination.

• Duration: ~17 minutes
• Cost: $55–$70 USD
• Best for: Those with a lot of luggage or travelers who prioritize comfort and speed, especially if you’re staying in the heart of Tokyo and want to avoid train transfers

🚆Keikyu Line (Keikyu Airport Line)

If you’re not in a hurry and want a budget-friendly option, the Keikyu Line offers a cheaper, but slightly slower, alternative to the Monorail.

It runs every 10 minutes and takes around 20 minutes to reach Shinagawa Station, where you can transfer to other lines.

• Duration: ~20 minutes to Shinagawa Station
• Cost: ~$2–$3 USD
• Best for: Budget travelers or those staying near Shinagawa.

🚌Airport Limousine Bus

Haneda also offers Airport Limousine Buses, which can be a good option for those with lots of luggage or those who prefer a direct route to popular locations.

• Duration: ~40–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: ~$10–$20 USD
• Best for: Travelers who want a direct route without train transfers, especially if they have heavy luggage

Kick Off Your Trip with Confidence

Getting from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo doesn’t have to be stressful.

As long as you plan ahead and know your options, arriving in Japan should be smooth.

Whether you’re landing at Narita or Haneda, there’s a transfer method that fits your comfort level, budget, and style of travel.

Have you traveled through Tokyo’s airports before?

Share your experience or drop a tip in the comments. I’d love to hear what worked for you!