Narita & Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Best Ways for First-Time Visitors

Getting from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo can be confusing if it is your first time in Japan.

Both airports offer several transportation options, including trains, airport buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Narita Airport is farther from central Tokyo, while Haneda Airport is much closer to the city, so the best option depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have, and what time you arrive.

In this guide, we compare the best ways to travel from Narita and Haneda to Tokyo and explain which option works best for destinations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa.

We also cover luggage-friendly options, payment methods, and what to do if you arrive late at night.

If this is your first trip to Japan, check our guide to 20 essential things to know before you go.

Narita vs Haneda Airport: Which Is Closer to Tokyo?

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita Airport.

Haneda Airport is located about 15 km from central Tokyo, while Narita Airport is around 50 to 60 km away.

Because of this, travelers arriving at Haneda can usually reach central Tokyo more quickly and with fewer transfers.

Narita Airport is farther away, but it has several convenient direct transportation options, including the Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, airport buses, and taxis.

The best airport transfer option depends on your destination, budget, luggage, and arrival time.

Quick Comparison: Best Ways from Narita and Haneda to Tokyo

The best airport transfer depends mainly on where you are staying in Tokyo.

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express is convenient for destinations such as Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Shinjuku because it offers direct JR services.

The Keisei Skyliner is a fast option if you are heading toward Nippori or Ueno. The fastest services connect Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 with Nippori in about 36 minutes.

From Haneda Airport, the Keikyu Line is especially convenient for Shinagawa and other areas connected to the JR network. Shinagawa can be reached in about 14 minutes from Haneda Airport Terminal 1・2.

The Tokyo Monorail is another convenient option and connects Haneda Airport with Hamamatsucho, where you can transfer to JR lines. Airport Rapid services can reach Hamamatsucho from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 in as little as 13 minutes.

Airport buses can be easier if they stop near your hotel, especially when you have large luggage and want to avoid carrying suitcases through busy train stations.

Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient door-to-door options, but they are usually much more expensive than trains or buses, especially from Narita Airport.

You do not need to choose the fastest option in every case. A direct route with fewer transfers may be easier after a long international flight.

For easier route planning after you arrive, see our guide to the best Japan travel apps for first-time visitors.

How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Narita Airport is farther from central Tokyo than Haneda, so choosing the right transportation option can make a big difference after a long flight.

The main choices are the Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, airport buses, taxis, and private transfers.

The best option depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have, and whether you prefer speed, convenience, or a lower price.

For many first-time visitors, a direct train or airport bus is usually the easiest choice.

Check Narita Airport’s official access guide for the latest train, bus, and taxi information.

Narita Express (N’EX)

The Narita Express, often called N’EX, is a JR East limited express train that connects Narita Airport directly with major stations in Tokyo.

It is especially convenient if you are staying near Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku because you can reach these areas without changing trains.

The journey takes about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and around 90 minutes to Shinjuku, depending on the service.

Seats are designed for airport travelers, and the train has space for large luggage, making it a comfortable option after a long international flight.

If your hotel is near one of the stations served directly by N’EX, the convenience of avoiding transfers can be more important than choosing the absolute fastest route.

Keisei Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner is one of the fastest ways to travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo.

It connects Narita Airport with Nippori and Keisei-Ueno without requiring a transfer.

The fastest services take about 36 minutes from Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 to Nippori, while the journey to Ueno takes around 40 to 45 minutes.

Nippori is especially useful because you can easily transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for destinations around central Tokyo.

All Skyliner seats are reserved, and the trains have dedicated luggage storage areas.

The Skyliner is a particularly convenient choice if you are staying around Ueno, Nippori, or other parts of eastern Tokyo.

See the official Keisei Skyliner website for current fares, schedules, and ticket information.

Airport Bus

Airport buses are a convenient option if you want to avoid carrying luggage through busy train stations.

Direct buses from Narita Airport serve many areas of Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa, and other major districts.

Some services also stop at major hotels, which can be especially useful if your accommodation is close to a bus stop.

Travel times depend on your destination and road traffic, so buses can be slower than trains during busy periods.

At Narita Airport, you can buy bus tickets at the airport ticket counters before boarding.

For travelers with large suitcases, families, or anyone who prefers fewer transfers, an airport bus can be one of the easiest ways to reach Tokyo.

Taxi and Private Transfer

Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient door-to-door options from Narita Airport to Tokyo.

They can be a good choice if you are traveling with several people, carrying a lot of luggage, arriving late at night, or staying somewhere that requires multiple train transfers.

Narita Airport also offers fixed-fare taxis to different areas of Tokyo.

However, taxis from Narita are much more expensive than trains or airport buses because the airport is far from central Tokyo.

Highway tolls and late-night or early-morning surcharges may also apply.

Private transfers can be useful if you want a driver to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.

For most solo travelers and couples, trains or airport buses are usually more practical, but taxis and private transfers can be worth considering when convenience is your top priority.

How to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita Airport, so reaching the city is usually faster and easier.

The main transportation options are the Keikyu Line, Tokyo Monorail, airport buses, taxis, and private transfers.

For many travelers, the best choice depends on which part of Tokyo they are staying in.

The Keikyu Line is convenient for areas such as Shinagawa and Asakusa, while the Tokyo Monorail provides easy access to Hamamatsucho and nearby JR lines.

Airport buses and taxis can be more convenient if you are carrying large luggage or want to avoid transfers.

Check Haneda Airport’s official train access guide for the latest Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail information.

Keikyu Line

The Keikyu Line is one of the easiest ways to travel from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo.

It connects Haneda Airport directly with Shinagawa, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and other JR services.

From Haneda Airport Terminal 1・2, the journey to Shinagawa can take about 14 minutes.

Some Keikyu trains also continue directly onto the Toei Asakusa Line, making the route convenient for destinations such as Asakusa without changing trains.

If your hotel is near Shinagawa or along the Asakusa Line, the Keikyu Line can be one of the simplest airport transfer options.

Tokyo Monorail

The Tokyo Monorail connects Haneda Airport with Hamamatsucho Station in central Tokyo.

Airport Rapid services can travel from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Hamamatsucho in as little as 13 minutes.

At Hamamatsucho, you can transfer to JR lines for destinations such as Tokyo Station, Shimbashi, Akihabara, Ueno, and other parts of the city.

The monorail can be especially convenient if your destination is near Tokyo Station or the eastern side of central Tokyo.

It also offers elevated views along parts of the route, making it a different experience from taking a regular train.

Airport Bus

Airport buses connect Haneda Airport with many major areas, hotels, and transportation hubs around Tokyo.

They can be particularly useful if your hotel is close to a bus stop or if you are traveling with large suitcases.

Unlike trains, buses let you store larger luggage in the baggage compartment, which can make the journey more comfortable after a long flight.

However, travel times can vary depending on road traffic.

When leaving Haneda Airport, buy your ticket before boarding. Ticket machines are available at Terminals 1 and 2, while Terminal 3 has both ticket machines and bus ticket counters.

If you want to avoid carrying luggage through train stations or making several transfers, an airport bus can be one of the easiest options.

Check Haneda Airport’s official bus information for current routes and departure times.

Taxi and Private Transfer

Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient door-to-door options from Haneda Airport.

Because Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, taking a taxi is more practical from Haneda, especially when traveling with several people or carrying a lot of luggage.

Haneda Airport also has fixed-fare taxi services for many areas of Tokyo.

Toll road charges may be added to the fixed fare, and some destinations use regular metered fares instead.

Private transfers are another option if you want a driver to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.

They can be especially useful for families, groups, travelers arriving late at night, or anyone who wants to avoid navigating public transportation after a long flight.

Best Airport Transfer by Tokyo Destination

The easiest airport transfer depends on where you are staying in Tokyo.

A train that is fastest overall may not be the easiest option if it requires several transfers with heavy luggage.

For first-time visitors, choosing a route that takes you directly to your destination or requires only one simple transfer can make your arrival much easier.

Here are some of the most convenient options for five popular areas in Tokyo.

Tokyo Station

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express is one of the easiest options for Tokyo Station.

It travels directly from the airport to Tokyo Station without requiring a transfer, making it especially convenient if you have large luggage.

From Haneda Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer to a JR train for Tokyo Station.

Another option is to take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa and transfer to a JR train.

Because Tokyo Station is a major transportation hub, it is also a convenient place to continue your journey by Shinkansen or other JR trains.

If you plan to continue your journey from Tokyo by bullet train, see our guide to buying Shinkansen tickets in Japan.

Shinjuku

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express is particularly convenient for Shinjuku because many services travel directly to Shinjuku Station.

This lets you avoid carrying luggage between trains at busy stations.

Airport buses are another useful option if they stop near your hotel in Shinjuku.

From Haneda Airport, you can take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or another JR service for Shinjuku.

Direct airport buses to the Shinjuku area can also be convenient if you have large luggage.

For first-time visitors, a direct train or bus is often worth choosing even if another route is slightly faster.

Shibuya

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express is one of the simplest ways to reach Shibuya.

Some N’EX services travel directly to Shibuya Station, so you do not need to change trains.

Airport buses may also be useful depending on where your hotel is located.

From Haneda Airport, a common route is to take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for Shibuya.

Airport buses can be easier if you are staying near one of their stops and want to avoid carrying luggage through the station.

Shibuya Station is large and busy, so reducing the number of transfers can make your arrival much easier.

Ueno

From Narita Airport, the Keisei Skyliner is one of the most convenient options for Ueno.

It travels directly to Keisei-Ueno Station, making it especially useful if your hotel is in the Ueno area.

The Skyliner also stops at Nippori, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line if necessary.

From Haneda Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer to a JR train for Ueno.

Another option is the Keikyu Line followed by a JR connection.

If you are staying in Ueno, the Skyliner gives Narita Airport a particularly convenient direct connection to your accommodation area.

Asakusa

From Narita Airport, Keisei trains are convenient for reaching Asakusa.

Depending on the service, you may be able to travel toward Asakusa via the Toei Asakusa Line with no transfer or with a simple transfer along the way.

From Haneda Airport, some Keikyu trains continue directly onto the Toei Asakusa Line, allowing you to reach Asakusa without changing trains.

This can make Haneda especially convenient if you are staying around Asakusa.

Train service patterns vary by time of day, so check your exact route before boarding rather than assuming every train goes directly to Asakusa.

Best Option If You Have Large Luggage

If you are traveling with large suitcases, the easiest airport transfer is often the one with the fewest transfers.

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner are both convenient because they offer direct services to major stations and provide luggage storage areas on board.

Airport buses can be even easier if they stop near your hotel because you can store large suitcases in the baggage compartment and avoid carrying them through busy stations.

From Haneda Airport, trains are quick and convenient, but an airport bus may be more comfortable if you have several large bags or are traveling with children.

Taxis and private transfers offer the easiest door-to-door experience, especially for families and groups, although they cost more than public transportation.

If you have a very large amount of luggage, another option is to use a luggage delivery service and send your bags directly from the airport to your hotel.

After a long flight, avoiding stairs, crowded platforms, and multiple transfers can be more valuable than saving a few minutes of travel time.

If you want to travel hands-free, see our complete guide to luggage delivery in Japan.

How to Pay for Airport Transportation

Payment methods depend on which airport transfer you choose.

Regular train services such as the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail can usually be paid with transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and other compatible cards.

However, limited express trains such as the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner require a separate limited express or reserved-seat ticket in addition to the basic fare.

Airport bus tickets can usually be purchased from ticket machines or counters at the airport before boarding. Some routes may also accept IC cards or other payment methods.

Taxis generally accept cash, and many also accept credit cards and cashless payments.

If you are using a train for the first time, check whether your service requires only an IC card or an additional ticket before passing through the gate.

If you are unsure how Suica, PASMO, and other transportation cards work, see our complete guide to IC cards in Japan.

Late-Night Arrivals: What If the Trains Have Stopped?

If you arrive late at night, check your transportation options before leaving the airport.

Train services do not run all night, so travelers arriving after the last train may need to use an airport bus, taxi, private transfer, or wait until public transportation starts again.

Haneda Airport has some late-night and early-morning airport bus services, including routes toward areas such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.

Because Haneda is close to central Tokyo, taking a taxi can also be a practical option if you arrive after the trains have stopped.

From Narita Airport, taxis and private transfers are available, but they are much more expensive because the airport is farther from central Tokyo.

If you arrive very late at Narita, another option is to stay near the airport and travel into Tokyo the following morning.

Late-night transportation schedules can change, so always check the latest train and bus times for your arrival date before your flight.

Narita & Haneda Airport to Tokyo FAQ

Here are some common questions first-time visitors have about traveling from Narita and Haneda airports to central Tokyo.

The best option depends on your destination, luggage, budget, and arrival time.

Which Airport Is Easier for Getting to Tokyo?

Haneda Airport is generally easier for reaching central Tokyo because it is much closer to the city.

Most travelers can reach central Tokyo from Haneda relatively quickly using the Keikyu Line, Tokyo Monorail, airport buses, or taxis.

Narita Airport is farther away, but direct trains such as the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner make the journey straightforward.

If you have already booked your flight, you do not need to worry too much about which airport you are using. Both have convenient transportation options to Tokyo.

What Is the Fastest Way from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

The fastest option depends on where you are going.

The Keisei Skyliner is especially fast for Nippori and Ueno, with the fastest services reaching Nippori from Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 in about 36 minutes.

If you are heading to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku, the Narita Express may be more convenient because it offers direct service to these major stations.

Instead of choosing only by travel time, consider how many transfers you will need after arriving in Tokyo.

What Is the Easiest Way from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?

For most travelers, the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail is the easiest option from Haneda Airport.

The Keikyu Line is particularly convenient for Shinagawa and destinations connected through the Toei Asakusa Line.

The Tokyo Monorail is convenient if you want to travel through Hamamatsucho and transfer to JR lines.

If you have large luggage or your hotel is near an airport bus stop, taking a bus may be easier than transferring between trains.

Can I Use Suica or PASMO from the Airport?

Yes. Transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on many regular train services from both airports.

For example, you can use an IC card on the Keikyu Line and other compatible local train services.

However, premium airport trains such as the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner require an additional limited express or reserved-seat ticket.

Always check the ticket requirements for your train before boarding.

Do I Need to Book an Airport Transfer in Advance?

Not always.

Most travelers can buy train or bus tickets after arriving at the airport.

However, booking in advance can give you more peace of mind during busy travel periods or if you want a specific reserved train.

The Keisei Skyliner uses reserved seating, while the Narita Express also offers reserved seating.

If your arrival time may change because of immigration or baggage collection, leave enough flexibility in your schedule.

Which Airport Transfer Is Best with Large Luggage?

A direct train, airport bus, taxi, or private transfer is usually easiest when you have large luggage.

The Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner are designed for airport travelers and provide space for luggage.

Airport buses can be even more convenient if they stop near your hotel because you can avoid carrying suitcases through train stations.

For families or groups with several large bags, a taxi or private transfer may also be worth the extra cost.

Final Tips for Getting from the Airport to Tokyo

Getting from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo is easier once you choose your transportation based on your destination, luggage, and arrival time.

From Narita Airport, the Narita Express is convenient for areas such as Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, while the Keisei Skyliner is especially useful for Nippori and Ueno.

From Haneda Airport, the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail provide fast access to central Tokyo.

If you have large luggage, an airport bus, taxi, private transfer, or luggage delivery service may be more comfortable than making several train transfers.

Do not focus only on the fastest route. A direct option with fewer transfers can make your arrival much easier, especially after a long international flight.

Before traveling, check the latest train and bus schedules, ticket requirements, and late-night transportation options for your arrival date.

With a little planning, both Narita and Haneda airports provide convenient ways to reach Tokyo and start your trip smoothly.

If you are new to Japan’s railway system, read our beginner’s guide to using trains in Japan before your trip.