Tokyo Vs Osaka: Comparing Japan's Top Airports

Japan has four main international airports: Narita, Haneda, Osaka, and Nagoya. However, Narita and Haneda offer the most long-distance flights, such as to London or New York. Narita Airport is the biggest in Japan and one of the busiest in the world. It is also farther from the centre of Tokyo than Haneda, which is located in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Narita offers more international flights, while Haneda offers more domestic connections across Japan. Haneda is also closer to the business districts of Marunouchi, Shinagawa and Shinjuku. However, if you're planning to be in Asakusa, Ueno or elsewhere in northeastern Tokyo, Narita is much more convenient.

Haneda vs Narita: Location and Basic Information

Tokyo is served by two large airports: Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. While Narita was built in 1978 to become Tokyo's international airport, Haneda is the older airport, located in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, about 23 kilometres south of the city. Narita, on the other hand, is situated about 75 kilometres east of Tokyo, in the neighbouring prefecture of Chiba.

Haneda is Tokyo's longest-serving airport, having opened in 1931 as Tokyo Haneda Airfield. It is also the busiest airport in Japan, handling over 78 million passengers in 2023. Narita, meanwhile, is the country's busiest international gateway, having handled over 15 million passengers in 2022.

Both airports cater to international and domestic traffic, but Haneda offers more domestic connections across Japan, with 50 destinations across the country. Narita, meanwhile, offers more international flights, with direct flights from 20 airports in the US alone.

In terms of transportation to and from the airports, Haneda is the clear winner. It is much closer to the city centre, and offers more limousine bus options to neighbourhoods around Tokyo. Getting into the city from Haneda is also cheaper, whether by rail, bus, or private car. That being said, Narita has more flight options, especially for long-haul international routes.

Both airports have some 24-hour areas, and some restricted areas. They also both have three terminals, and Japan's two major airlines, JAL and ANA, operate out of both airports. Narita is largely considered the more popular international airport, with slightly more shopping and restaurant options. However, Haneda has been catching up in recent years.

Haneda vs Narita: Travelling into Tokyo

Tokyo is served by two airports: Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. Both cater to international and domestic flights, but which one is better for travellers?

Distance to Downtown Tokyo

Haneda Airport is located in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, about 23 kilometres south of the city. Narita International Airport, on the other hand, is approximately 75 kilometres east of the city. This makes the journey into downtown Tokyo from Narita longer and relatively more expensive. Haneda is part of Tokyo's metropolitan area, whereas Narita is further out, in a small city called Narita.

Transportation Options

Haneda is much closer to the city centre, making it easier to get into the city. The Keikyu-Kuko line can get you to your hotel in as little as 20 minutes. Driving to Shibuya Crossing from Haneda will take 30-45 minutes, while the same journey from Narita will take at least an hour and a half. Public transport is cheaper than a taxi for both airports, but the journey time is not much shorter.

Airlines and Flight Options

Narita offers more long-haul international flights, especially to the US, whereas Haneda offers more domestic connections across Japan. However, both airports handle international and domestic operations, and many airlines serve both airports. Narita has typically been considered the more international airport, but Haneda is gaining ground, with dozens of new flights launching to the US. Narita has more daily flights overall, but Haneda has faster transport to central Tokyo.

Airport Amenities and Perks

You'll find first and business class lounges for both ANA and JAL at both airports. Narita might have the upper hand for passengers who aren't travelling in a premium cabin, as it offers five Priority Pass lounges, while Haneda has none. Narita also has a slight edge when it comes to plane spotting, as the size and variety of planes you'll see makes for some great organic entertainment.

Overall Recommendation

Haneda is generally considered the better option for most travellers flying into Tokyo, due to its proximity to the city centre and the greater number of domestic connections. Narita is better suited for international-to-international connections and is the preferred choice for those travelling to northeastern parts of Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Ueno, or Nippori. Narita also tends to be preferred for those travelling by train, while Haneda is more convenient for those travelling by car or bus.

Pros and cons of each airport

Haneda Airport (HND)

Pros

• Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, at 18km/11 miles from Tokyo Station compared to 69km/43 miles.
• Haneda offers faster transport to central Tokyo, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.
• Haneda has excellent amenities and facilities, including a brand-new Delta Sky Club lounge.
• Haneda is easy to navigate and hardly ever feels crowded.
• Haneda has a convenient train connection to downtown Tokyo.
• Haneda offers a wide variety of flights and is an essential hub for domestic air travel in Japan.
• Haneda has a larger number of domestic connecting flights.
• Haneda does not have any curfew hour restrictions.
• Haneda is the perfect airport for visiting the Chiba or Narita area.

Cons

• Haneda is not in central Tokyo, so it will still take some time to get to the centre.
• Haneda is not the best option if you are staying in Asakusa, Ueno, or elsewhere in northeastern Tokyo.
• Haneda's domestic terminals are physically detached from the international terminal.
• Haneda's facilities are not as good as Narita's.
• Haneda does not have as many international flights as Narita.
• Haneda's shops will close between midnight and 6 am.

Narita Airport (NRT)

Pros

• Narita is Japan's primary international airport, with more international flights than Haneda.
• Narita has excellent facilities.
• Narita is a more prolific international connecting hub.
• Narita is the best option if you are staying in Asakuka, Ueno, or northeastern Tokyo.
• Narita has more flight choices overall, especially flights that depart/arrive at a reasonable hour.
• Narita has more shopping and restaurant options than Haneda.
• Narita has strict curfew hours, with flights only operating between 6 am and 11 pm local time.
• Narita is a larger airport with more transportation options.

Cons

• Narita is located further from central Tokyo than Haneda, at 75km east of the city.
• The journey into central Tokyo from Narita is longer and more expensive, taking around an hour.
• Narita is not a good option if you are staying in central or western Tokyo (including Shinjuku and Shibuya).
• Narita is not as well-connected to public transport as Haneda, with fewer train options.
• Narita is more expensive to get to by train, with a ticket to central Tokyo costing around $45 return.
• Narita is further from the city, so you will get less opportunity to see Tokyo during your journey.

Transport options and costs

Both Haneda and Narita airports offer bus, train, monorail, car rental, and taxi options to get to central Tokyo.

Haneda Airport

Haneda is located in the Tokyo metropolitan area, about 18-23 kilometres south of the city. It is much closer to the financial district and business districts like Marunouchi, Shinagawa and Shinjuku.

#### By Bus

The budget-friendly option is to take the "Airport Limousine Bus" to Tokyo, which takes about 50 minutes and costs around $7.

#### By Train

There are regular trains from Haneda to Tokyo Station, which take about 40 minutes and cost about $6. The Keikyu Airport Line connects Haneda to Shinagawa Station, where you can transfer to the Yamanote Line to reach stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku. This option takes about 470 yen (without a JR Pass) and around 40 minutes.

Another option is to take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the Yamanote Line, which costs 700 yen without a JR Pass.

#### By Car or Taxi

Taking a taxi from Haneda to central Tokyo can take between 20 and 40 minutes, costing between 3,000-7,000 yen.

Narita Airport

Narita International Airport is located about 75 kilometres east of Tokyo, making the journey into the city longer and more expensive.

#### By Bus

The "Airport Limousine Bus" from Narita to Shinjuku takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around $30.

#### By Train

The Narita Express (N'EX) train from Narita to Tokyo Station takes 53 minutes and costs $30. The Narita Express also connects to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other stations. However, there are only a few trains per day, so it is important to check the schedule beforehand.

The Keisei Skyliner train is another option, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs 2,720 yen without a JR Pass. This train connects to Nippori Station on the Yamanote Line, from where you can transfer to reach other stations.

#### By Car or Taxi

Taking a taxi from Narita to central Tokyo can take about 70 minutes and cost around $200.

Comparison

Haneda Airport is generally quicker and more convenient for reaching central Tokyo, especially for those travelling by car or taxi. The transport options from Narita are more limited and tend to be more expensive, reflecting the greater distance from the city.

It is important to note that the transport costs and times may vary depending on your specific destination within Tokyo and the mode of transport chosen. Additionally, flight schedules and public transport times differ between the two airports, so it is essential to consider these factors when making your decision.

Mistakes to avoid when travelling to/from the airports

When travelling to/from the airports in Japan, there are a few common mistakes that people make which can easily be avoided. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way smoothly:

Choosing the Wrong Airport

Tokyo has two major airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Haneda is the older airport located in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, about 23 kilometres south of the city. Narita, on the other hand, is situated about 75 kilometres east of Tokyo in the neighbouring prefecture of Chiba. Both airports cater to international and domestic flights, but Narita offers more international flights, especially from North America and Europe, while Haneda provides a more extensive domestic network.

When deciding which airport to choose, consider your final destination. If you are headed to the business districts of Marunouchi, Shinagawa, and Shinjuku, Haneda is a better option as it is much closer. However, if you are travelling to Asakusa, Ueno, or northeastern Tokyo, Narita may be more convenient. Additionally, factor in your mode of transport. If you plan to travel by car or bus, the distance between the airports and the city centre becomes more significant. Haneda is about 18 kilometres from Tokyo Station, while Narita is 69 kilometres away.

Not Considering Your Budget

Travelling between the airports and the city centre can vary significantly in cost depending on your chosen mode of transport. Taking a taxi from Haneda to Shinjuku, for example, can cost around $65, whereas the train will cost you about $6 and take just under an hour. Similarly, a taxi from Narita to Shinjuku can take up to 90 minutes and cost around $200, whereas the Narita Express train will cost you $30 for a 53-minute ride. Both airports offer bus services, with "Airport Limousine Buses" providing a comfortable and affordable option for budget travellers.

Forgetting to Check Your Terminal

Both Haneda and Narita airports have multiple terminals, and it is easy to end up at the wrong one, especially on your return journey. At Haneda, international flights usually depart from Terminal 2 or 3, while at Narita, they depart from Terminal 1 or 2. Always check your terminal in advance and be on the lookout for it when travelling to the airport. If you do end up at the wrong terminal, don't panic! Both airports provide easy shuttle bus services between terminals.

Not Allowing Enough Time for Transport

When travelling to/from the airports, it is important to allow enough time for your journey, especially if you need to make connections. While Haneda is generally closer to the city centre, both airports offer express train services that can get you to/from Tokyo Station in around 30 minutes. However, these trains may not always align with your flight times, and you may need to consider other transport options. For example, regular trains from Narita can take up to 54 minutes, and bus services can take up to 90 minutes.

Not Factoring in Traffic Delays

If you choose to travel by taxi or car, be mindful of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours. A journey that might usually take 25 minutes from Haneda to the city centre can easily turn into a 40-minute or longer trip if you're stuck in traffic. Similarly, the journey from Narita to the city centre, which typically takes around 60-75 minutes, can become much longer during busy periods.

Not Researching Your Transport Options

Both Haneda and Narita airports offer a variety of transport options, including trains, buses, monorails, car rentals, and taxis. Researching these options in advance will help you make an informed decision based on your budget, time constraints, and convenience. For example, the Narita Express train from Narita Airport is known for its comfort and spaciousness, while local trains are more affordable but may require multiple changes.

By avoiding these common mistakes and planning your journey in advance, you can ensure a smooth travel experience to and from the airports in Japan.

Frequently asked questions