Practical info

Tokyo airport to city centre: Narita and Haneda

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Ideal for: FamiliesCouplesSoloSeniorsOn a budget

Tokyo Tower lit up among skyscrapers at night
Contents

In short: From Narita, the Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in about 53 minutes, and the Keisei Skyliner serves Ueno. Haneda, closer in, is 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by train or monorail. Buses also serve many hotels.

Your options

Narita Express

The train reaches Tokyo Station in about 53 minutes and continues to Shinjuku and Shibuya: ideal for the west of the city.

Keisei Skyliner (Narita)

The Skyliner gets to Ueno quickly: handy for Asakusa and eastern Tokyo.

Haneda

Closer to the centre, Haneda is served by the Keikyu line and the monorail: allow 20 to 30 minutes.

Airport buses

Direct buses link both airports to many major hotels and stations: easy with suitcases.

Our tips

  1. Check your arrival airport and terminal: some cities have several, far apart.
  2. Plan the journey before you leave: offline route, hotel address in local script if needed.
  3. Have data from touchdown (eSIM or a suitable plan) to follow your route or call a ride.
  4. Late arrival, kids or big bags: a booked transfer avoids waiting and haggling.
  5. Beware of unofficial drivers approaching travellers in the arrivals hall.

What next?

To choose your area, see Where to stay in Tokyo; for sightseeing, Things to do in Tokyo. All our tips for the country: Travel in Japan.

Frequently asked questions

Narita or Haneda?

Haneda is much closer to the centre (20 to 30 minutes); Narita is further out, but well served by the Narita Express and the Skyliner.

Do I need a rail pass from the airport?

No: single tickets are enough. A rechargeable transport card (such as Suica or Pasmo) then makes city travel easier.

What should I do before leaving?

Register on Visit Japan Web to speed up arrival formalities.