Narita vs. Haneda: Which Airport Should You Choose in 2026?

January 13, 2026June 25, 2019 by Anthony

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Narita International Airport northeast of Tokyo, Japan

First-time visitors to Japan often ask me, “Which airport in Tokyo should I fly into, Narita or Haneda?“

In 2026, the answer is less about which airport is “better” and more about what fits your trip. Your hotel location, arrival time, luggage situation, and budget matter more than ever. Tokyo is easier to navigate with digital arrival tools, mobile transit payments, and fast airport rail options, but the best choice still depends on where you are staying and how you want to start your trip.

Both airports are world-class, but they serve different needs. Here is a practical, updated guide to choosing between Narita vs. Haneda and getting into Tokyo smoothly.

Narita International Airport (NRT) is farther from central Tokyo and remains a major gateway for international flights. You have multiple ways to reach Tokyo, including the JR Narita Express (N’EX), Keisei Skyliner, other rail options, buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo and is the main airport for domestic flights, while also handling many international routes. Rail options are straightforward (Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail), plus airport buses and taxis.

If you are looking for more information about Tokyo and Japan, I highly recommend you pick up a guidebook such as Lonely Planet Best of Tokyo 2020

Before You Fly: The 2026 Checklist

1. Immigration and Customs: Use the QR Code Option

Register on Visit Japan Web before you fly. It lets you pre-register arrival procedures (immigration and customs) online and generate QR codes that can speed up the process on arrival.

Good to know: Paper forms are still available and accepted. Visit Japan Web is optional, but it can make the process faster.

Tip: Keep your phone charged and take a screenshot of your QR code. If you prefer, you can also use paper forms provided on arrival.

2. Connectivity: eSIM and Pocket WiFi

If your phone supports it, installing an eSIM before your trip can save time and skip rental queues. Popular options include Ubigi, Airalo, and Holafly. Holafly sells “unlimited data” Japan eSIMs, but hotspot sharing is limited on many plans, so check the rules if you need tethering for a laptop or other devices.

Prefer pocket WiFi instead? I still use pocket WiFi on some trips. It is an easy option for connecting multiple devices, and you can pick it up at the airport.

Easy booking: Ninja WiFi pocket WiFi on Klook (includes a free power bank).
Sharing: Up to 5 devices.
Data: “Unlimited” plans typically have a high-speed daily allowance depending on the option. After heavy use, speeds can slow until the next day.

Tip: Pocket WiFi is great for groups, but it is one more device to carry and keep charged.

3. The IC Card Situation (Suica and PASMO)

Physical IC card availability is much better than it was during the chip shortage, but stock can still vary by location and week.

iPhone and Apple Watch: You can add a regular Suica to Apple Wallet, or use the official Welcome Suica Mobile app (valid for 180 days). Note that app download and top-ups may be restricted by law in some countries until you arrive in Japan.
Android and physical card users: You can usually buy a standard Suica or PASMO again at major stations and airports, but if machines are sold out, check nearby service counters or try another major station later that day.

4. Late Arrivals: The Last Train Problem

Tokyo trains generally stop running around midnight. If your flight lands late, immigration and baggage claim can push you past the last practical departure.

Risk window: If you land late (especially close to the last scheduled airport train or bus), do not assume you will make it into the city.
Advice: If arriving very late, consider staying at an airport hotel, or confirm late-night bus and taxi costs ahead of time.

5. Luggage Forwarding (Takkyubin) Reality Check

Luggage forwarding is fantastic, but same-day delivery is not guaranteed, especially for afternoon arrivals.

Plan for next-day delivery: Pack a “Day 1” kit (toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes) in your carry-on.
Always confirm cutoffs: Desk cutoff times vary by counter and by airport.

Additional Resources and Official Links

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Terminal 1 at Narita International Airport

If you are flying into Tokyo from the United States or other long-haul international destinations, you will often land at Narita. The airport is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of central Tokyo.

Narita remains one of Japan’s key international gateways, with extensive airline coverage and multiple transport options into Tokyo.

Two companies operate the main airport trains to Tokyo: JR East and Keisei Electric Railway.

Pros of Arriving and Departing at Narita

Strong selection of international flights and airlines.
Multiple train and bus choices depending on your destination.
Direct limited express trains to major Tokyo hubs (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku area, Shibuya area, Yokohama area).

Cons of Arriving and Departing at Narita

Farther from central Tokyo than Haneda.
Train and taxi costs are generally higher than from Haneda.

How to Get to Tokyo from Narita by JR East

JR East offers two common approaches from Narita Airport:

Narita Express (N’EX): Faster, reserved seating, luggage-friendly, direct to major stations.
Rapid services (Narita Line and Sōbu Line Rapid): Slower but cheaper, fewer “comfort” features.

Narita Express (N’EX)

Narita Express train (N'EX) passing through a station in Tokyo — Narita Express train (N’EX) passing through a station in Tokyo

The Narita Express (N’EX) is one of the most comfortable ways to reach Tokyo from Narita. If you are staying in Shinjuku or near Tokyo Station, it is often the simplest option with luggage.

N’EX stops at major stations including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro. Some trains continue toward Yokohama and beyond.

Onboard a Narita Express train — On board a Narita Express train

Expect comfortable seats, luggage space, overhead bins, and onboard screens.

Japan Rail Pass note: JR Pass prices increased significantly in October 2023, so many travelers doing only Tokyo plus one other city no longer “break even.” Calculate your expected rail spend before buying a pass.

If you still want a pass, you can purchase through JRailPass.com.

Typical one-way N’EX fares (ordinary reserved seat) from Narita Airport:

Destination	Typical Travel Time	Typical One-Way Fare
Tokyo Station	About 60 min	3,070 yen
Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku area	About 70 to 90 min	About 3,250 yen
Yokohama Station	About 90 min	About 4,370 yen

N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket

If your flights arrive and depart from Narita, the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket can save money compared to buying two one-way tickets.

Adult: 5,000 yen
Child (6 to 11): 2,500 yen
Valid: 14 days from first use
Seats: Reserved seats in ordinary cars

Official details: JR East N’EX page.

Important notes:

Not every N’EX train stops at every major station. Confirm your train on the official schedule or a reliable route planner.
For platform numbers and real-time updates, Google Maps and the Navitime app are both commonly used.

JR Narita Line and JR Sōbu Line Rapid (Budget Option)

JR Sōbu Line train between Chiba Station and Tokyo Station

If you want to save money, you can use rapid services that connect through Chiba and continue toward Tokyo. It is slower than N’EX but costs much less.

Typical travel time: about 90 minutes to Tokyo Station
Typical fare: around the low 1,000 yen range (varies by route and ticket type)
Frequency: commonly about once per hour

Tip: Use a route planner for your exact time and destination. Rapid services can be great, but they are less “airport traveler focused” than N’EX.

How to Get to Tokyo from Narita by Keisei Electric Railway

Keisei operates three common rail options from Narita:

Skyliner: fastest limited express to Nippori and Keisei-Ueno (reserved seats).
Access Express: direct services to parts of eastern Tokyo and sometimes through-services, but slower than Skyliner.
Main Line Limited Express: slowest, cheapest, more stops, and often requires transfers for many destinations.

Keisei Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner is one of the fastest ways into Tokyo from Narita. It connects Narita Airport to Nippori and Keisei-Ueno.

Tip: If you plan to transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for Shinjuku or Shibuya, Nippori is usually the easiest transfer. Ueno can be convenient too, but the transfer path depends on exactly where you are going.

Typical travel times: about 40 minutes to Nippori, about 45 minutes to Keisei-Ueno. Trains commonly run multiple times per hour.

One-way Skyliner fares:

Adults: 2,580 yen (2,310 yen when purchased online)
Children: 1,290 yen (1,150 yen when purchased online)

Round-trip Skyliner fares:

Adults: 5,160 yen (4,500 yen when purchased online)
Children: 2,580 yen (2,240 yen when purchased online)

Official discount tickets and current pricing: Keisei Skyliner e-ticket page.

The full Keisei Skyliner timetable: View the timetable here.

Keisei Narita Sky Access Line (Access Express)

Keisei Access Express route map — Keisei Narita Sky Access Line (Access Express) route map

The Access Express is slower than the Skyliner but can be convenient for certain destinations, including parts of eastern Tokyo and through-services depending on the train. Always confirm your specific train’s destination and stopping pattern.

Fares vary by destination, so the most reliable approach is to check the official route and fare tools before you travel: Keisei official site.

Keisei Main Line (Limited Express)

The Keisei Main Line Limited Express is the slowest and typically the cheapest rail option from Narita. It makes more stops and often requires transfers depending on where you are going.

How to Get to Tokyo from Narita by Bus

One of the many buses that depart from Narita Airport

Important Drop-Off Note: The AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT drops passengers at the Tokyo Station Yaesu side. If your hotel is on the Marunouchi side (near the Imperial Palace), you will need to cross through or around Tokyo Station with luggage.

Bus options range from premium limousine buses to the popular low-cost option:

AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT: 1,500 yen one-way (late-night and early-morning services cost more). Official fares: TYO-NRT fare page.
Other bus routes: Use the official Narita Airport bus page to find your exact destination, timetable, and fare.

Buses departing from Narita leave from the bus lanes on the first floor of each terminal.

How to Get to Tokyo from Narita by Taxi

One of the many taxis at Narita International Airport

Taking a taxi from Narita to Tokyo is convenient but expensive.

Fixed-fare taxis to Tokyo typically fall in the 21,500 to 35,500 yen range plus highway tolls, depending on your destination zone and route. Late-night surcharges may apply.

Tip: For the latest fixed-fare details (including late-night notes and route differences), check the official Narita Airport taxi page.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Tokyo International Airport, or more commonly known as Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo, roughly 8 miles (14 kilometers) south of Tokyo Station. It is the primary airport for domestic flights and also handles many international routes.

Update for 2026: Haneda international flights can use Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Terminal 3: The main international terminal for many airlines.
Terminal 2: ANA operates many international flights from Terminal 2.

Always check your ticket and your airline’s terminal guidance before you travel to the airport.

Helpful links:
Haneda official terminal info,
ANA Haneda airport guide.

Haneda Airport Garden (Onsen and Hotel)

Connected to Terminal 3, Haneda Airport Garden includes Hotel Villa Fontaine, shops, and Izumi Tenku no Yu, an onsen facility. Official facility information: Izumi Tenku no Yu site.

Tip: The baths close daily for cleaning. Also note that tattoo rules can apply. Always check the current facility policy before visiting.

Pros of Arriving and Departing at Haneda

Much closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
Cheaper and faster ground transport for most Tokyo neighborhoods.

Cons of Arriving and Departing at Haneda

Some international routings may be limited compared to Narita depending on your origin.
Rail routes are easy, but you often transfer once to reach your final neighborhood.
Very busy airport, especially at peak hours.

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda by Keikyu Line

The Keikyu Line is a fast, inexpensive way to reach Shinagawa, and from there you can connect to JR lines (including the Yamanote Line). Some services also through-run onto the Toei Asakusa Line, which can be handy depending on where you are staying.

Shinagawa transfer tip:
If you used an IC card, you usually just tap through at transfers. If you used a paper ticket, follow the signs for transfer gates and insert your ticket where required so the fare is handled correctly.

Typical fare: about 330 yen (about 327 yen with an IC card) from Haneda to Shinagawa, depending on terminal and exact service.

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda by Tokyo Monorail

The Tokyo Monorail connects Haneda to Hamamatsuchō, where you can transfer to JR lines. It is simple and frequent.

Transfer note: Hamamatsuchō can be busy with luggage. Follow signs for the JR transfer and give yourself a few extra minutes if traveling during rush hour.

Typical fare to Hamamatsuchō: about 520 yen (about 519 yen with an IC card).

Airport Bus Options from Haneda

Airport buses are great if you want fewer transfers and more luggage space. Routes vary by time of day and can change seasonally.

For the most reliable schedules and routes, start here: Haneda official bus access page.

How to Get from Haneda to Tokyo by Taxi

A taxi can be worth it for late-night arrivals, heavy luggage, or groups splitting the fare.

Haneda offers flat-rate taxi options for many Tokyo areas.
Late-night premiums can apply, and expressway tolls are typically extra.

For the latest flat-rate fare tables by area, use this official access guide: Haneda Taxi (access guide).

Summary: Tokyo Airport Transportation Comparison

Use this quick chart to match the airport and transport to your travel style.

Route	Transport Mode	Typical Time	Typical Cost	Best For
Narita (NRT)	Skyliner	About 40 min (to Nippori)	¥2,580 (¥2,310 online)	Speed. Fastest route to Ueno or Nippori connections.
	Narita Express (N’EX)	About 60 min (to Tokyo Station)	¥3,070 (round trip ¥5,000)	Comfort. Luggage-friendly, direct to major hubs.
	AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT	About 65 min	¥1,500 (¥3,000 late-night)	Budget. Simple ride to Tokyo Station (Yaesu side).
Haneda (HND)	Keikyu Line	About 15 to 25 min (to Shinagawa)	About ¥330	Value. Cheap and fast, easy transfers to JR.
	Tokyo Monorail	About 13 to 20 min (to Hamamatsucho)	¥520 (¥519 with IC)	Convenience. Frequent service and easy JR connections.
	Taxi	About 30 to 45 min	Varies (often ¥6,000+ before tolls and late-night premium)	Groups and ease. Door-to-door or late-night arrivals.

Last Updated on January 13, 2026