Switching Airports In Tokyo: A Seamless Guide

how to switch airports in tokyo

Tokyo has two major international airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, which are located approximately 80 kilometres apart. Changing between the two airports can be a hassle, especially if you have luggage, with travellers recommending spending a night in Tokyo and taking a bullet train to your destination the next day. If you are transferring between the two airports, you can do so by train, bus, or taxi.

Characteristics Values
Distance between airports 80 km
Time to switch airports 2 hours (minimum)
Transport options Taxi, bus, train
Taxi conditions Recommended for groups, off-peak hours, nighttime travel; nighttime surcharges apply
Bus conditions 20-minute intervals during the day, less frequent in early morning and late evening; 65-90 minutes during congestion
Train conditions Direct trains operated by Keisei, Keikyu, and Tokyo Subway depart at 40-minute intervals; 100-minute travel time
Shuttle bus Available for inter-terminal transfers at Haneda Airport

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Transporting luggage between airports

If you are changing airports in Tokyo, you will need to transport your luggage yourself. There are several options for doing this.

One option is to use a luggage forwarding service. These services can ship your luggage between airports, as well as between different cities in Japan. Prices depend on the size of your luggage and the final destination. For example, sending a bag from Narita or Haneda Airport to one of Tokyo's 23 Wards costs around ¥2,500 to ¥3,000 per bag. You can also use these services to send luggage from the airport to your hotel, or between hotels. To use a luggage forwarding service, you will need to provide your contact information, the address of your hotel, and a payment method. You can specify the date, time, and location for delivery, and your luggage will typically arrive by 5 pm if you are staying near the airport.

Another option is to use public transportation to transport your luggage between airports. You can take the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, and then take a train from there to your final destination. However, keep in mind that most trains do not have dedicated luggage storage space, and train stations may not have conveniently located escalators or elevators. There is also the option of taking a bus between airports, but this can be inconvenient if the bus doesn't stop near your destination.

If you are staying in a hotel, another option is to use the hotel's luggage services. Some hotels in Tokyo are registered with Yamato Transport, which provides luggage forwarding services. If your hotel is not registered with Yamato Transport, you can still use their services by going to a nearby sales office or convenience store that offers the service.

Additionally, airports and train stations in Tokyo are equipped with coin-operated left luggage lockers that you can use to store your luggage temporarily. These lockers come in various sizes and can be found at most train stations and some tourist attractions.

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Taking a bus between Narita and Haneda

The bus offers comfortable seating, legroom, and WiFi, and the polite and friendly staff will assist you with your luggage. You can choose a one-way or round-trip ticket and redeem your voucher at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Shinjuku Station, or Yokohama Station.

Compared to other options, such as trains and taxis, the bus is a more cost-effective choice. While the Narita Express train is the fastest way to travel between the airports, taking around 1 hour and 35 minutes, it is only partially covered by the JR Pass. The entire journey by train may take longer, depending on layovers, and can be more expensive, especially if you are not using the JR Pass.

Long-distance taxis are also available, but they are not cheap, with fares starting at 25,000 yen for an Uber and 40,000 yen for a regular taxi. While taxis are convenient for early or late arrivals, operating 24/7, they also add a 20-30% surcharge for rides between 10 pm and 5 am.

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Taking a train between Narita and Haneda

If you are looking to travel between Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo by train, there are several options available. The fastest route is to take the Narita Express (also known as the N'Ex) to Tokyo Station, followed by a short journey on the Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, and then the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport. The whole journey will take around 1 hour and 55 minutes, including layovers. The Narita Express takes 75 minutes from Narita to Tokyo Station, the Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho takes 7 minutes, and the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport takes 18 minutes. This option is fully covered by the JR Pass.

Another option is to take the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Shinagawa, and then transfer to the Keikyu train to Haneda Airport. This journey takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. The Narita Express from Narita Airport to Shinagawa takes 70 minutes, and the Keikyu train to Haneda Airport takes 20 minutes. Direct trains operated by Keisei and Keikyu companies depart every 40 minutes and the journey costs 1760 yen. This service is sometimes known as the "Access Express" or "Airport Kaitoku". Please note that this service is not covered by the JR Pass.

Additionally, you can take a train from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 to Keisei-Narita via Monorail Hamamatsucho, Hamamatsucho, and Nippori. This journey will take approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes.

For those looking for a more scenic route, you can take the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and then explore the city by transferring to other train lines. However, this option will likely take longer than the direct routes mentioned above.

It is important to note that long-distance taxis in Japan are not a cheap option for airport transfers. The journey will take around 60-80 minutes, but the time and cost can vary depending on traffic. Taxi fares are very expensive compared to trains and buses, starting at 40,000 yen, and prices can vary greatly. However, most taxis accept credit cards, and it is a useful option if you are arriving or departing very early or late as taxis operate 24/7. Visitors should be aware of the 20-30% surcharge for rides between 10 pm and 5 am.

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Taking a taxi between Narita and Haneda

Tokyo has two airports, Narita and Haneda, which are 70 km and 19 km from the city, respectively. Switching between the two airports can be done in several ways, one of which is taking a taxi.

The journey between the two airports by taxi takes around 60-80 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is expensive, costing at least 40,000 yen, and prices may vary depending on the time of day and your destination. For example, Haneda Airport has varying prices depending on your destination, even within Tokyo. It is important to note that taxis add a 20-30% surcharge for rides between 10 pm and 5 am. Most taxis accept credit cards, but it is always good to check with the driver before starting your journey.

If you prefer a flat-rate fare, some taxi services offer fixed prices indicated in advance. This eliminates the worry of unexpected costs due to heavy traffic or detours, which can drive regular taxi fares higher. Flat-rate taxis can be booked in advance and can pick you up at designated locations, such as hotels or tourist sites.

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Changing terminals at Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport in Tokyo has three terminals, and there are a few ways to get between them. The first option is to use the free shuttle bus, which operates between all three terminals. The boarding area for the free shuttle bus is located at Bus Stop 0 on the first floor of the passenger terminal. The shuttle bus runs on the following schedule:

  • Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: First departure at 4:23 am, last departure at 1:23 am
  • Terminal 1 to Terminal 3: First departure at 4:32 am, last departure at 1:32 am
  • Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 and 3: First departure at 4:28 am, last departure at 1:28 am
  • Terminal 3 to Terminals 1 and 2: First departure at 4:15 am, last departure at 1:15 am.

Another option for travelling between the terminals is the Keikyu Line or the Tokyo Monorail. Transit Boarding Tickets are available free of charge at the Information Counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These tickets are only available for passengers transferring between domestic and international flights or between international flights. Please note that your passport and boarding pass will be checked.

Additionally, an underground passageway connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This is a moving walkway that is approximately 400 meters long. However, please note that the underground walkway is currently out of service due to construction in the connecting area.

Frequently asked questions

The Tokyo Narita Airport and the Tokyo Haneda Airport are approximately 80 km apart.

The travel time between the two airports depends on the mode of transport and traffic conditions. It can take anywhere from 65 to 90 minutes by bus during off-peak hours, and up to 2 hours during peak hours or in case of congestion. By train, it takes about 100 minutes.

You can travel between the two airports by bus, train, taxi, or even a combination of train and bus.

Taking a taxi is the best option if you are travelling with a group, during off-peak hours, or need to get to the other airport quickly. Taking a bus is the easiest and most convenient way, as it is a direct service that runs throughout the day. However, it is best avoided during peak hours and public holidays to avoid potential traffic jams. Taking a train is the most economical option, but it involves transfers and can be confusing.

You can buy bus tickets inside both the Narita and Haneda Airport terminals. You can also make a reservation online to secure a seat on the bus that suits your schedule.

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