Narita or Haneda: which to choose and how to get to Tokyo

The most important difference is the distance:

• Narita (NRT): it is in Chiba prefecture, about 60–80 km from central Tokyo. By fast train (Narita Express), the journey to Tokyo Station takes about 60 minutes and to Shinjuku about 80. By shuttle bus, 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. It is the airport with the most long-haul international flights, and where many intercontinental routes land.
• Haneda (HND): it is within Tokyo, on the bay, 15–20 km from the centre. By monorail or train, the centre is 13–35 minutes away. It has several direct international flights to Europe and North America (ANA and JAL operate routes to cities such as London, Paris or Frankfurt), and it is the more convenient airport whenever your flight uses it.

If you have the choice of flight: Haneda to save time and money on the transfer. If your flight arrives at Narita, no problem — just plan your first day with a bit more margin.

There are four main options, from most expensive to cheapest:

Narita Express (N'EX) — the most convenient

The JR fast train runs directly to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and other stations on the Yamanote loop. It takes about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and about 80 to Shinjuku. A one-way ticket costs about 3,070 ¥ (~17 €) to Tokyo Station and about 3,250 ¥ (~18 €) to Shinjuku or Shibuya. For foreign passports there is a discounted round-trip ticket, around 4,070 ¥ (~22 €), which pays off if you are returning via Narita.

If you have a JR Pass, the N'EX is covered — it is one of the few routes within Tokyo that the pass includes.

Keisei Skyliner — the fastest to Ueno and Nippori

The Skyliner on the private Keisei line reaches Nippori in 36 minutes and Ueno in 41. From there, the metro takes you anywhere in Tokyo. Price: about 2,580 ¥ (~14 €) bought at the station, a little less if you book online in advance. It is faster than the N'EX and is best if your hotel is in the north or east of the city.

Shuttle bus (Limousine Bus) — the most convenient with luggage

The Airport Limousine buses go directly to the main hotels in each neighbourhood. Price: around 3,200 ¥ (~17 €). The downside is that traffic can stretch the trip to 90 minutes or more.

Taxi or private transfer — the most expensive

A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo costs between 20,000 and 25,000 ¥ (110–135 €). It only makes sense if there are 3–4 of you with a lot of luggage and time is worth more than money.

The fares of the Tokyo-area trains were revised upwards in March 2026, so confirm the exact price before travelling.

Haneda has much faster and cheaper connections to central Tokyo:

Tokyo Monorail

It connects Haneda with Hamamatsucho, where you change to the Yamanote line. Duration: 13–20 minutes depending on the service. Price: about 520 ¥ (~3 €). Valid with Suica. There is a combined monorail + Yamanote ticket that lets you get off at any station on the loop for about 590 ¥.

Keikyu Line

A direct train from Haneda to Shinagawa (~13 min) and, without changing, towards the Tokyo metro (Asakusa) and Shinjuku (~30 min with one change). Price: about 330 ¥ (~2 €) to Shinagawa, a little more to further destinations. Also valid with Suica and often more direct than the monorail if your hotel is in the south or west of the city.

Taxi from Haneda

Being within Tokyo, a taxi from Haneda to the centre costs 4,000–6,000 ¥ (22–33 €) — much more reasonable than from Narita.

An extra advantage of Haneda: it operates flights at wider hours, including some overnight ones. If you arrive in the early hours and the train is no longer running, a taxi is still affordable (unlike at Narita, where a night taxi soars). Even so, always check the last-train time on your line before landing.

At both Narita and Haneda, the first 30 minutes after landing go more smoothly if you have a couple of things sorted in advance. This is the recommended order:

1. Immigration with Visit Japan Web: the official government system lets you register immigration and customs online before the flight and generate QR codes. Showing them at the control speeds up the process a lot compared with filling in the paper forms by hand.
2. Activate your internet: if you have bought an eSIM, activate it before leaving the arrivals area so you have data from the first minute. If you prefer pocket wifi, the pick-up counters are just after customs.
3. Get or top up your Suica: at the JR machines in the airport. You will need it for the train to the centre and for all the city's transport.
4. Withdraw cash if you need it: the 7-Bank ATMs (the 7-Eleven ones, also present at the airports) accept foreign cards and have an English interface.
5. Consider luggage forwarding: if your first stop is not Tokyo or you arrive heavily loaded, the takuhaibin service (Yamato) sends your suitcases to your hotel for ~1,500–2,500 ¥ and you travel light by train.

Doing these steps in order avoids crowds and leaves you ready to take the train to the centre without wasting time.