Tokyo Narita vs Haneda Airport: Which One Should You Fly Into?

If you're planning a trip to Japan and flying into Tokyo, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to book a flight to Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Both serve the Tokyo metropolitan area, but they’re very different in terms of location, convenience, cost, and travel experience.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between Narita and Haneda to help you choose the best airport for your itinerary—and your budget. We'll also share transport tips, smart card options, and local sightseeing suggestions to make your arrival and departure smoother and more enjoyable.

✈️ Narita Airport (NRT): More Flights, Lower Fares,

Farther from the City

✔️ Pros:

• Often cheaper international flight options

• Good for budget travelers

• Direct access to key Tokyo districts via express trains

  
  

❌ Cons:

• Located ~60 km (37 miles) from central Tokyo

• Longer travel time to the city (around 1 hour)

Narita Airport is a popular hub for international travelers, especially long-haul flights from the U.S., Europe, and Australia. It typically offers more affordable flight options, making it a go-to for budget-conscious globetrotters.

But what you save on airfare, you might spend in time and transportation costs. Narita is located in Chiba Prefecture—not Tokyo itself—so getting to downtown Tokyo requires a bit more planning.

🚄 The Ultimate Comfort ~ Narita Express (N’EX)

You've arrived in Japan, hop on a fast train to start experiencing Tokyo's fast life.

If you're heading to major Tokyo hubs like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinagawa, and want a smoother, more luxurious ride into the city, the Narita Express (N’EX) is a fantastic option. With reserved seating, onboard Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a quiet, spacious cabin, it's the perfect choice for travelers who want to relax after a long-haul flight.

The trip takes about 50–60 minutes and delivers you directly to central Tokyo without transfers.

📝 [FULL GUIDE ON All the Ways to Get to Tokyo (city center) from Narita]

🚌 Want a Door-to-Door Option? Take the Airport Limousine Bus

For a stress-free, no-transfer journey from Narita to your hotel or a major station in Tokyo, the Airport Limousine Bus is an excellent choice. These long-distance, air-conditioned coaches run frequently throughout the day and connect Narita Airport directly to popular areas like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza, Roppongi, and even specific hotels and landmarks.

This is especially ideal for travelers with large luggage or those who want to avoid stairs and train transfers after a long flight.

🚆 Budget-friendly way to get to Tokyo from Narita:

For travelers heading to areas like Asakusa, Ueno, or eastern Tokyo, we recommend the Keisei Sky Access Line. It offers a fast and direct train ride from Narita to Asakusa Station, one of Tokyo’s most charming historical districts.

💳 Where to Buy a Visitors’ Suica Card at Narita:

Best Travel Tip for Tokyo is to get an IC card for seamless local train transfers. Upon arrival, pick up a Welcome Suica Card at the JR East Travel Service Center, located in the basement level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The Welcome Suica is a prepaid IC card that makes traveling around Tokyo on trains, buses, and even vending machines seamless.

📝 [Read more: “Suica vs PASMO – Which Tokyo IC Card Is Right for You?”]

✈️ Haneda Airport (HND): Close to the Action, Quickest Access to Tokyo

✔️ Pros:

• Only ~14 km (9 miles) from central Tokyo

• Fast and affordable transport options to city center

• Ideal for short stays or business trips

  
  

❌ Cons:

• Sometimes more expensive flight options

• Fewer international long-haul flights than Narita (though this is changing fast)

If convenience is your priority, Haneda Airport is hard to beat. It’s just a 30-minute train or taxi ride from central Tokyo, making it perfect for travelers who want to hit the ground running—especially those staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Even if your flight costs a bit more, the time and money you save on transportation can more than make up for it.

🚆 Transit Options from Haneda Airport: Fast, Easy, and Budget-Friendly

Getting from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo is fast and affordable, with several excellent transit options. The Tokyo Monorail connects Haneda to Hamamatsucho Station in under 20 minutes, making it ideal if you're transferring to the JR Yamanote Line. Alternatively, the Keikyu Line offers a direct, low-cost ride to popular areas like Shinagawa, Asakusa, and Yokohama. Both options are IC card-friendly (Suica or PASMO), and trains run frequently throughout the day. For a more relaxed journey with luggage, the Airport Limousine Bus is also available, offering direct service to major hotels and districts across Tokyo.

📝 [FULL GUIDE ON Getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Train, Bus & Taxi Options]

🧭 Bonus Tip: Got Time to Spare at Haneda?

If your outbound flight is later in the day, consider spending a few hours exploring the Toyosu area, just a short ride away. One must-see spot is the iconic teamLab Planets Tokyo, a mind-bending, immersive digital art museum that's been wowing visitors from around the globe.

📝 [“How to Spend a Perfect Day in Toyosu – teamLab Planets & More”]

🆚 Narita vs Haneda: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Narita (NRT)	Haneda (HND)
Distance to Tokyo	~60 km (~1 hr travel time)	~14 km (~30 min travel time)
Flight Costs	Usually cheaper	May be higher
Transport Cost	Higher (approx ¥1,200–¥3,000)	Lower (approx ¥300–¥1,000)
Best for	Budget travelers, long-haul flights	Convenience, short stays
Transit Tip	Keisei Sky Access to Asakusa	Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line

🧳 Final Thoughts: Which Airport is Right for You?

• Choose Narita if you're looking for cheaper international flights and don't mind the longer commute into the city. Perfect for travelers staying near Asakusa or Ueno.

• Choose Haneda if you want to maximize your time in Tokyo with quick, easy access to the city—especially for shorter trips or business travel.

Whichever airport you choose, Tokyo’s excellent public transportation system and well-organized terminals ensure a smooth start to your Japan adventure.

🛫 Ready to Book Your Trip to Tokyo?

Looking for the best flight deals to Narita or Haneda? Check out our trusted flight booking partners for exclusive deals on airfare to Japan.

👉 [BOOK NOW]

🔗 More Japan Travel Resources

• 🗼 [How to Get from Narita to Tokyo City Central]

• 💳 [Suica vs PASMO: Which Tokyo IC Card Is Right for You?]

• 🌸 [Spending a Day in Toyosu – teamLab Planets & More]

• 🛏️ [Best Places to Stay Near Haneda & Narita Airports]

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