Haneda vs Narita: Which Airport To Fly To For Japan?
People's number one location when landing in Japan from abroad is to land in Tokyo. But which airport should you land in?
To help answer this debate of Haneda vs Narita, we've made this guide to help you out.
How many airports are there in Tokyo?
When flying to Tokyo, especially on an international flight, your plane can land at two airports: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport.
Both Haneda and Narita airports accommodate international and domestic flights. While Narita Airport is technically in Chiba, many public transportation systems take you to central Tokyo.
Haneda vs Narita: a comparison table
|
Narita Airport (NRT) |
Haneda Airport (HND) |
|---|---|---|
Location |
Located in Chiba Prefecture (about 60 km from central Tokyo) |
Located in Ota, Tokyo (about 14 km from central Tokyo) |
Primary Use |
International flights |
Domestic flights (some international flights) |
Access to Tokyo |
60-90 minutes by Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, or bus |
20-30 minutes by Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line |
Airport Size |
Larger, with more space and services |
Smaller, more compact |
Transportation Links |
Well-connected with multiple train and bus options |
Excellent connections, closer to central Tokyo |
Check-in Time |
The earlier the check-in, the better due to the distance |
Don’t have to worry about check-in time due to proximity to Tokyo |
Passenger Volume |
Lower passenger volume |
Higher domestic and overall passenger volume |
Airlines |
More international airlines |
Fewer international airlines |
What airport should I fly into in Japan?
That depends on the airline you've chosen to fly with. Some airlines only fly to and from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, while others, such as Japan Airlines and ANA, can fly to two airports.
Many choose to fly to Haneda as it's closer to Tokyo. But if you fly with a specific airline, then people choose where that airline lands.
Getting to Tokyo from the airport
Now that you've arrived in Japan, now it's time to get into downtown Tokyo.
How to get into Tokyo from Narita airport?
If you land at Narita International Airport, there are a few ways to get into Tokyo.
JR Narita Express (N'EX): Reservation is required. For 5000 yen, you can buy the N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket, which allows you to travel to and from the airport and on JR lines in Tokyo.
Limousine Bus Narita Airport Line: A ticket is required, and you can buy one at the ticket machine. It costs about 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children under 12. The bus stops at major stations in Tokyo.
Additionally, there are many Keisei trains that leave Narita Airport for Tokyo every 30 minutes to an hour, depending on which line you take. You can use your IC Card to access these lines; just make sure you have enough to tap out of the train station.
Keisei Skyliner route | Keisei
Keisei Skyliner: High-speed train that operates between Narita Airport and Ueno. Prices range from 2,500 yen to 3,000 yen, depending on the station you get off from.
Keisei Narita Sky Access: Also known as the Access Express, this is the second most expensive and fastest way to get to Tokyo. Prices range from 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen.
Keisei Main Line: While the slowest out of the train lines, it is the cheapest, ranging from 500 yen to 1,300 yen. The main line has the most frequent trains coming in and out.
If you don't have an IC card, you can purchase a ticket at the ticket machine nearby.
How to get into Tokyo from Haneda airport?
Train line access to and from Haneda airport | Tokyo Haneda
If you land at Haneda Airport, you could take this transportation:
Limousine Bus Haneda Airport Line: 1000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children under 12. Stops at most major stations in Tokyo.
Keikyu Main Line: Great if you are traveling to Yokohama, Shinagawa, Nihonbashi, or Asakusa. Prices range from 300 yen to 600 yen depending on your arrival station.
Tokyo Monorail Airport: A little simpler train route. You can travel from the airport to Hamamatsucho Station to transfer to the Yamanote Line in Tokyo's city center.
Frequently asked questions
Is Haneda or Narita nearer to the city?
Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo City, 14 km away, and Narita Airport, 80 km away.
Is Tokyo Haneda the best airport?
Many people prefer landing at Haneda airport due to its proximity to Tokyo
Can you take the bus to the airport?
There are many airport limousine buses at major stations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku or Tokyo station, Hotels, and even Tokyo Disney.
Is it easy to get a taxi at Tokyo airport?
It is relatively easy to get a taxi from the airport. After exiting, find the nearest taxi stand where many taxis will be waiting. Wait in line, if needed, and provide your location to the taxi drive in Japanese. Depending on the ward and time, there might be a flat rate.
In closing
Despite pitting Haneda vs Narita against each other, both are great airports to land at when you come to Japan. Pick one Tokyo airport and have a wonderful time in Japan.
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