Researched guide · Checked on Oct 23, 2026
Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda, close to the city, and Narita, about 60 km to the east. If you can choose, which is better? Here is how they compare on distance, trains, buses and late arrivals, and the best way into the city from each.
Quick answer
Haneda: the closest. Less than 20 minutes to the city by train.
Narita: farther, about an hour to Tokyo Station, but with fast trains and cheap buses.
If the price is similar, Haneda usually saves time, especially for late arrivals.
Narita vs Haneda at a glance
| Haneda | Narita | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | The closest airport to central Tokyo | About 60 km east of central Tokyo |
| Fastest trains | Keikyu Line: about 13 min to Shinagawa (about ¥330). Tokyo Monorail: 13 min to Hamamatsucho (¥520) | Keisei Skyliner: as little as 36 min to Nippori. Narita Express: about 1 hour to Tokyo Station |
| Cheapest option | Keikyu Line | Airport Bus TYO-NRT to Tokyo Station or Ginza, ¥1,500 during the day |
| Late at night | Trains stop around midnight; taxis have fixed fares to many areas | Trains and buses stop in the late evening; taxis are very expensive |
| International flights | Most use Terminal 3 | Several terminals; check yours |
Getting into Tokyo from Haneda
- Keikyu Line: best for Shinagawa, Yokohama, and areas on the Toei Asakusa Line such as Nihombashi and Asakusa.
- Tokyo Monorail: to Hamamatsucho, then the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station (about 19 min) or Shinjuku (about 37 min).
- Airport Limousine Bus: directly to major stations and many hotels; good with big suitcases.
- Full guide: Haneda Airport to Tokyo.
Getting into Tokyo from Narita
- Keisei Skyliner: the fastest train, to Nippori and Ueno. Good for Ueno, Asakusa and the east side.
- Narita Express (N’EX): to Tokyo Station without a change, and some trains continue to Shinjuku and Shibuya. All seats are reserved.
- Keisei Access Express: cheaper, with no extra fee, through to Nihombashi, Shimbashi and Shinagawa.
- Airport Bus TYO-NRT: the cheapest way to Tokyo Station and Ginza.
- Full guide: Narita Airport to Tokyo.
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Which airport should you choose?
- Landing late at night: Haneda is much easier. From Narita, check the last trains and buses before you fly, or book a hotel near Narita.
- Early flight: sleep at the airport. Three hotels at Haneda are connected to the terminal buildings.
- Staying in Ueno or Asakusa: Narita works well with the Skyliner, and Asakusa has direct trains to both airports. See where to stay in Tokyo.
- Price difference: if a Narita flight is much cheaper, the extra travel time can be worth it.
FAQ
Is Narita or Haneda closer to Tokyo?
Haneda. Trains reach Shinagawa in about 13 minutes. Narita is about 60 km east, about an hour to Tokyo Station.
Which airport is better for Shinjuku?
Haneda is closer: take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and the JR Yamanote Line (about 37 minutes). From Narita, some Narita Express trains go to Shinjuku without a change.
What is the cheapest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT to Tokyo Station or Ginza, ¥1,500 during the day, or the Keisei Access Express train.
Can I get from the airport to Tokyo late at night?
From Haneda, trains run until around midnight and taxis have fixed fares to many areas. From Narita, trains and buses stop in the late evening, so check the last departure before you fly.
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Sources
Times and fares come from our airport guides, based on the official information below (checked October 23, 2026). Fares and timetables change, so please check before you travel.
