Tokyo's Main Airport: A Comprehensive Guide To Haneda Airport

Tokyo is served by two major airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is located within Tokyo prefecture and is the busier of the two airports. It is the primary domestic base of Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, and is much closer to the city centre than Narita Airport. Narita Airport, on the other hand, is located in Chiba prefecture, around 36 miles from the centre of Tokyo. It was built to become Tokyo's international airport after residents complained about aircraft noise from Haneda Airport.

Haneda Airport is Tokyo's main airport

Haneda Airport is the primary domestic base of Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (Terminal 1) and All Nippon Airways (Terminal 2). It is also the base for RegionalPlus Wings Corp. (Air Do and Solaseed Air), Skymark Airlines, and StarFlyer. Haneda handled 87,098,683 passengers in 2018, making it the third-busiest airport in Asia and the fourth-busiest in the world by passenger throughput.

The airport covers 1,522 hectares (3,761 acres) of land and has four runways. It has three passenger terminals with 71 gates with jet bridges. Terminal 1, nicknamed the "Big Bird", is exclusively used for domestic flights within Japan. Terminal 2 is served by All Nippon Airways, Air Do, and Solaseed Air for their domestic flights. Terminal 3, formerly known as the International Terminal, serves most of the airport's international flights, with some international flights departing from Terminal 2.

Haneda Airport is easily accessible from the city centre by train, monorail, bus, or private car. The Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail connect the airport to central Tokyo, while the Haneda Airport Access Line is currently under construction and will provide another transport option once completed in 2031.

It is also known as Tokyo International Airport

Tokyo's main airport is Haneda Airport (IATA: HND, ICAO: RJTT), sometimes referred to as Tokyo-Haneda. It is also known as Tokyo International Airport. Located in Ōta, Tokyo, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport is one of two international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other being Narita International Airport (NRT).

Haneda Airport is the primary domestic base of Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (Terminal 1) and All Nippon Airways (Terminal 2), as well as several other airlines. It covers 1,522 hectares (3,761 acres) of land and can handle 90 million passengers per year following its expansion in 2018. In 2020, it was named the second-best airport in the world and the World's Best Domestic Airport.

Haneda Airport was previously the primary international airport serving Tokyo until 1978. From 1978 to 2010, it handled almost all domestic flights to and from Tokyo, as well as some "scheduled charter" flights to major cities in East and Southeast Asia. In 2010, a dedicated international terminal (Terminal 3) was opened, allowing long-haul flights to operate during the night-time. Haneda resumed long-haul services during the daytime in 2014, and it is now used by several airlines for international flights to and from the United States.

Tokyo International Airport, or Haneda Airport, is much closer to downtown Tokyo compared to Narita Airport, which is located in Chiba prefecture. Haneda is located just south of the city centre and offers spectacular views when arriving or departing. It is easily accessible by train, monorail, bus, or private car, with travel times of around 20-45 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic.

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo than Narita Airport

Tokyo is served by two airports: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Haneda Airport is located in the Tokyo prefecture, whereas Narita Airport is in the Chiba prefecture. This makes Haneda the only airport in the Tokyo district by address.

Haneda Airport is much closer to the city centre than Narita Airport. Haneda is located on a peninsula just south of the city centre, whereas Narita is located near a small city called Narita and is approximately 36 miles from the Imperial Palace at the centre of Tokyo.

The distance between Narita and the city centre means that travelling to and from the airport can be time-consuming and expensive. Driving from Narita to Shibuya Crossing, a reference point in downtown Tokyo, takes at least an hour and a half, but this could be much longer in traffic. A taxi for this journey could cost over $200 USD. Public transport is cheaper, but the journey is only slightly shorter as you have to connect from the airport express line to Tokyo's metro system.

In contrast, Haneda is much closer to the city, with the same journey taking 30-45 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train. A taxi for this journey will still be expensive, but the shorter distance means the fare is more likely to be under $100 USD. Public transport is also cheaper, costing under $7 for the same journey.

The distance from Narita to the city centre means that Narita is better connected to the metro system, with more limousine bus options to neighbourhoods around the city. However, Haneda still has dozens of bus routes to neighbourhoods in Tokyo, and its proximity to the city means that getting into the city is cheaper, whether you choose to travel by rail, bus, or private car.

Haneda is busier than Narita, handling more passengers

Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is one of two airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other being Narita International Airport. Haneda Airport is located in Ōta, Tokyo, 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) south of Tokyo Station, while Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, around 36 miles from the centre of Tokyo.

Haneda Airport is the busier of the two airports, serving as the primary domestic base of Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as several other airlines. In 2018, Haneda handled 87,098,683 passengers, making it the third-busiest airport in Asia and the fourth-busiest in the world. In 2023, it returned to being the second-busiest airport in Asia after Dubai International Airport. Haneda has the capacity to handle 90 million passengers per year following its expansion in 2018.

Haneda Airport has been increasing its number of international flights in recent years. In 2010, a dedicated international terminal (Terminal 3) was opened at Haneda, along with the completion of a fourth runway, allowing long-haul flights to operate during the night-time. Haneda resumed long-haul service during the daytime in 2014, with carriers offering nonstop service to 25 cities in 17 countries. Haneda is now used for long-haul flights to destinations around the world, particularly to the United States.

In addition to its proximity to the city, Haneda's increasing number of international flights makes it a preferred choice for many travellers. Haneda offers more than double the limousine bus options to neighbourhoods around the city compared to Narita. Haneda's proximity to the city also makes getting into the city cheaper, whether by rail, bus or private car.

Haneda has been named one of the best airports in the world

Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, has been named one of the best airports in the world. It is one of the two major airports in Tokyo, the other being Narita International Airport. Haneda is the busier of the two, serving as the primary domestic base for Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

In 2020, Haneda was named the second-best airport in the world, after Singapore's Changi Airport, and was also named the World's Best Domestic Airport. It maintained its second-place ranking in Skytrax's world's top 100 airports for 2021 and 2022. Haneda has also earned a five-star quality rating from Skytrax for six consecutive years, the only airport among the world's five busiest to be awarded this status.

Haneda Airport is renowned for its punctuality, delivering 85.6% of its flights on time in 2018, despite being the fifth busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger demand. This feat is made even more impressive by the fact that the average for an airport of its size was only 77.1%. Haneda's punctuality can be attributed to the dedication of its employees, who are aided by innovative technologies, such as the ATOUN Model Y robotic suit, which assists baggage handlers in their crucial role in ensuring timely flight operations.

In addition to its punctuality, Haneda Airport is also highly regarded for its cleanliness, having been named the World's Cleanest Airport by Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport also received a "Japan Toilet Award" from the government for its accessible and well-kept facilities. Haneda is also known for its convenience, located just 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from Tokyo Station, with easy connections to the city centre via train or bus.

The airport has also undergone recent renovations, introducing excellent shops, restaurants, and attractions, further enhancing the experience for travellers. Haneda Airport offers a variety of dining options, including sushi, yakitori, and tonkatsu, and shopping destinations such as Edo-Koji, a shopping street modelled after early 17th-century Japan. The airport also features observation decks, airline lounges, and other amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers.

With its efficiency, cleanliness, and focus on passenger experience, Haneda Airport has solidified its reputation as one of the best airports in the world, consistently ranking among the top airports in various categories and receiving recognition from travellers and industry experts alike.

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