Haneda vs Narita: which Tokyo airport is better? Time, cost and late arrivals

Tokyo has two major international airports, and when you search for flights you'll often see both on the same route at similar prices. They're not interchangeable once you land. One sits right on the edge of the city; the other is out in Chiba Prefecture, more than an hour away. Which one you fly into changes how long your first evening takes, how much it costs to reach your hotel, and whether you can get there at all if you land late.

The short answer

Haneda is easier for most visitors. It's about 20 km from central Tokyo, and the train ride in takes under 20 minutes for a few hundred yen. Narita is about 75 km out; the fastest trains take 40 to 60 minutes and cost several times more. Narita still makes sense in some situations — mainly when it's where the cheaper flight lands.

Side by side

Fares and timetables change, so treat these as rough guides and check the operator's site close to your trip.

Which airport is closer to where you are staying?

Rough guide, based on published rail and bus routes. Journey times vary with the time of day and the connection you make, so check the operator's site close to your trip.

Getting in from Haneda

Two train lines connect Haneda to the city. The Keikyu Line runs to Shinagawa, which is also where you can catch the bullet train if you're heading on to Kyoto or Osaka. The Tokyo Monorail runs to Hamamatsucho, near Tokyo Tower and the Ginza side of the city. Both are quick and cheap, though you'll likely change trains once to reach areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya — which, with large suitcases at rush hour, is less fun than it sounds. The Airport Limousine Bus is the easier option with luggage, dropping off at major stations and many hotels.

Getting in from Narita

The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest link, reaching Nippori and Ueno in about 40 minutes — ideal if you're staying in the north or east of the city. The Narita Express is slower but goes straight to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku without a change, and it's covered by the JR Pass if you have one. Budget buses to Tokyo Station are the cheapest option if you don't mind a longer ride. A taxi from Narita, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive airport rides in the world.

Landing late at night

Haneda is built for late and early flights: it handles international arrivals at night, and late-evening buses and taxis are straightforward. Narita limits night-time flights, so most arrivals land before about 11 pm, but the last express trains leave soon after, and a delayed flight can leave you with the bus, a very expensive taxi, or a pre-booked transfer. If your flight is late, check the last train times for your route before you book, and have a backup plan before you land.

Why a private transfer can make sense (especially from Narita)

Japan's trains are excellent, but they're built for commuters, not for tired travelers with two suitcases and kids in tow. After a long-haul flight, a driver waiting at arrivals takes you straight to your hotel door with no changes, no ticket machines, and no stairs. From Narita in particular, a pre-booked private transfer is usually much cheaper than a metered taxi, and priced per vehicle, it can come close to the combined train fare for a family or group. It's also the safest bet if your flight lands after the last express train.

When Narita is the better choice

• The flight is much cheaper. Low-cost carriers from across Asia mostly use Narita's Terminal 3. If the fare difference is large, it can easily outweigh the extra cost of getting into town.
• You're staying near Ueno, Asakusa, or Nippori. The Skyliner drops you right there, so the extra distance matters less.
• You're heading somewhere east of Tokyo first, such as Chiba, Tokyo Disney Resort, or the Narita area itself.

Get online before you leave the airport

Whichever airport you land at, you'll want working data right away — for train routes, maps, and translation apps. An eSIM set up before you fly connects as soon as you land, so you're not hunting for airport Wi-Fi or a SIM counter. If you're unsure whether your phone supports it, our guide to how eSIMs work in different countries covers what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Is Haneda or Narita better for getting into Tokyo?

For most visitors Haneda, because it is about 20 km from central Tokyo and the train ride is short and cheap. Narita is roughly 75 km out, with a longer and more expensive journey, so it is mainly worth choosing when the flight is much cheaper.

How long does it take to get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo?

About 40 to 80 minutes by train, depending on your station. The Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes, and the Narita Express takes roughly an hour or a little more to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya. Budget buses take longer.

How long does it take to get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo?

Usually 15 to 40 minutes, depending on where you are going. Trains to Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho take only around 15 to 20 minutes, and you may need one change for areas such as Shinjuku or Shibuya.

Is it cheaper to fly into Narita?

Sometimes. Many budget airlines use Narita, so the ticket can be cheaper. But Narita's train, bus or taxi costs more than Haneda's, so compare the total cost of the flight plus the transfer into the city.

What if my flight lands at Narita after the last train?

Plan for a night bus, a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. A metered taxi from Narita is very expensive, so a private transfer with a fixed price can be a better option, especially for a group. Check the last train for your route before you book the flight.

Which airport is better for the bullet train to Kyoto or Osaka?

Haneda, for most travelers. A short train takes you to Shinagawa, where the Shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka stops. From Narita, the Narita Express runs direct to Tokyo Station, which also has Shinkansen services, so it works too, but the total journey takes longer.

Do I need a private transfer in Tokyo?

No. Tokyo's trains and buses are excellent, and for a solo traveler or a couple with light bags they are the cheapest option. A private transfer helps when you land late, travel with children or heavy luggage, or want a door-to-door ride without changing trains.

Related reading

The short version

If the price is close, fly into Haneda — it's faster and cheaper to get into Tokyo, and far easier if you land late. Choose Narita when the flight is meaningfully cheaper or you're staying on the east side of the city. Either way, plan your ride in before you land, especially for an evening arrival at Narita.