Jazmin Li
Tokyo is served by two airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Both airports are used for international flights from the United States, but Haneda is closer to the city centre, making it a more convenient option for many travellers. Narita is located 69km (43 miles) from Tokyo Station, while Haneda is just 18km (11 miles) away. This makes a significant difference in travel time, with Narita around an hour's commute by car or bus, and Haneda less than 20 minutes. Haneda is also the busiest airport in terms of passengers, handling more than 78 million passengers annually compared to Narita's 30 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Tokyo Station | Haneda: 11 miles; Narita: 43 miles |
| Travel time to Tokyo Station by car or bus | Haneda: 17-20 minutes; Narita: 53 minutes-1 hour |
| Travel time to Tokyo Station by train | Narita: 50 minutes-1.5 hours |
| Travel time to Yokohama by car | Haneda: less than 20 minutes; Narita: 1 hour |
| Location relative to Tokyo | Haneda: closer to central and western Tokyo; Narita: more convenient for eastern parts of Tokyo |
| Number of passengers | Haneda: 78 million+; Narita: 30 million |
| Number of domestic connections | Haneda: significantly more; Narita: fewer |
| Number of international connections | Narita: more; Haneda: fewer |
| Cost of taxi to Tokyo | Narita: $160-209 (¥30,000); Haneda: likely cheaper |
| Cost of train to Tokyo | Narita: ¥1,340 |
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What You'll Learn
Haneda is closer to the city centre
Tokyo is served by two airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo's city centre, being just 18 km or 11 miles from Tokyo Station, whereas Narita is 69 km or 43 miles from the same point. This distance makes a significant difference in travel time by car or bus, with Haneda offering a minimum commute of 17 minutes to the city centre, compared to a minimum of 53 minutes from Narita. Haneda is also a better option for those travelling onwards to Yokohama, the second-largest city in Japan, which is located south of Tokyo along the coast.
Haneda's proximity to the heart of the city is a major factor in why many travellers choose to fly in and out of this airport when visiting Tokyo. This is especially true for business travellers, who often use taxis or car services to access the city. Haneda is also closer to Tokyo's financial district, and to central and western Tokyo, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. The airport also has a much larger number of domestic connecting flights and is served by more than double the number of limousine bus options to neighbourhoods around the city.
While Narita is not central to the city, it is still a perfectly acceptable entry point to Japan, particularly if you are travelling by train. The Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner trains can take you to Tokyo Station in around 50 minutes, and the airport also has more international connecting flights. Narita is also more convenient for travellers headed to the eastern parts of Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Ryogoku, Ueno and Nippori, particularly if travelling by the Keisei Skyliner.
Tokyo is the world's most populated city, with over 37 million residents, and covers roughly 800 square miles. Its sheer size makes defining a true city centre difficult, as the metropolis has over 20 wards, each comprising several different districts.
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Narita is better for international connections
When it comes to choosing the best airport for international connections in Tokyo, Narita International Airport (NRT) stands out as the preferred option. Here are several reasons why Narita is the ideal choice for travellers seeking seamless international connections:
Prolific International Hub:
Narita Airport has established itself as a prolific international connecting hub. It serves as a gateway for most low-cost international flights to Japan, attracting travellers seeking affordable travel options. The airport's efficient systems and processes ensure a smooth and straightforward transfer experience for passengers.
Efficient Connection Procedures:
Narita Airport offers straightforward and efficient connection procedures for international travellers. When connecting between international flights, passengers can avoid immigration procedures by remaining in the departure area until their next flight. This streamlined approach simplifies the transit process, making it convenient for those with tight connection schedules.
Comprehensive Shuttle Services:
The airport provides comprehensive shuttle services to facilitate seamless connections between terminals. Shuttle buses are readily available to transport passengers between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), ensuring efficient transfers for those with connecting flights on different terminals. The clear signage and accessible shuttle bus gates further enhance the overall connection experience.
Strategic Location for Northeast Tokyo:
While Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo, Narita Airport holds an advantage for travellers headed to northeastern areas of the city, such as Asakusa, Ueno, and Nippori. The Keisei Skyliner provides a convenient transportation option from Narita to these destinations, making it a strategic choice for those visiting northeastern Tokyo.
Wide Range of International Flight Options:
Narita Airport offers a vast array of international flight options, catering to travellers from around the world. Its extensive network of airlines and destinations ensures that passengers can conveniently connect to their desired international locations. This diversity of flight choices enhances Narita's appeal as an international gateway to and from Tokyo.
In summary, Narita International Airport excels in providing efficient international connections, offering a seamless and stress-free experience for travellers. Its status as a prolific international hub, coupled with convenient connection procedures and transportation options, makes Narita the preferred choice for those seeking to connect to destinations beyond Tokyo.
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Haneda has more domestic connections
When it comes to choosing the best airport for Tokyo, the decision often comes down to Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports. While both serve Tokyo, there are some significant differences that travellers should consider. One of the most notable distinctions is that Haneda offers a much larger number of domestic connecting flights than Narita.
Haneda Airport is much closer to central and western Tokyo, including popular districts such as Shinjuku and Shibuya. This proximity to the city centre gives Haneda a clear advantage for travellers, especially those on business trips or with tight connections. Haneda is also the preferred option for those travelling to Yokohama, the second-largest city in Japan, located south of Tokyo along the coast. The airport is just 18 kilometres or 11 miles from Tokyo Station, resulting in a minimum travel time of 17 to 20 minutes by car or bus. This makes Haneda the ideal choice for travellers with time constraints or important engagements.
In contrast, Narita International Airport is situated 69 kilometres or 43 miles from Tokyo Station, resulting in a longer commute of approximately 53 to 60 minutes. While Narita may be more convenient for certain destinations in eastern Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Ryogoku, Ueno, and Nippori, it falls short when it comes to domestic connections. Narita primarily serves as a prolific international connecting hub, accommodating most low-cost international flights to Japan.
Haneda Airport, on the other hand, offers a wide selection of onward domestic connections. Passengers at Haneda can easily navigate between terminals using the Keikyu Line, monorail, free shuttle bus, or underground passageway. The airport's efficient connection system enhances its appeal for travellers seeking seamless domestic transfers. Additionally, Haneda's international terminal opened in 2010, and the airport has since become one of the world's busiest, handling over 78 million passengers annually.
In summary, when considering which airport is best for Tokyo, Haneda stands out as a convenient option due to its proximity to the city centre and abundance of domestic connecting flights. Its accessibility and connectivity make it a preferred choice for travellers, particularly those with time constraints or business engagements in central and western Tokyo.
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Narita is cheaper to fly into
If you're looking for a cheap flight to Tokyo, you may want to consider flying into Narita International Airport (NRT). While it's further from the city centre than Haneda Airport (HND), there are several reasons why Narita is a more affordable option.
Firstly, multiple sources suggest that flights to Narita are cheaper than those to Haneda. For example, flights from Los Angeles to Narita start at $235, while flights to Haneda begin at $438. Another source states that ZipAir offers the best rates to Narita, so it's worth checking their prices before booking.
Secondly, while Narita is further from the city centre, it is actually more convenient for certain destinations in Tokyo. If you're headed to the eastern parts of the city, such as Asakusa, Ueno, Nippori, or Ryogoku, Narita is a better option. This is especially true if you plan to use the Keisei Skyliner during your trip.
Additionally, while Haneda has more domestic connections, Narita is a major international hub, with over 88 airlines connecting it to 148 airports worldwide. This means that, depending on your point of origin, you may find more affordable flight options to Narita than to Haneda.
Finally, when it comes to getting from the airport to your accommodation, it's worth considering your options. While cab rides in Japan are quite expensive, with a trip from Narita to the city centre costing between $160 and $209, public transit is a much cheaper alternative. By combining the airport express line with Tokyo's metro system, you can get from Narita to your destination at a much lower cost.
In summary, while Narita is further from the heart of Tokyo, it often offers cheaper flights and can be more convenient for certain destinations within the city. With its wide range of international connections and affordable public transport options, Narita is a cost-effective choice for travellers visiting Tokyo.
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Narita is better for northeastern Tokyo
When it comes to choosing the best airport for Tokyo, the decision often comes down to the specific area of the city you plan to visit and your mode of transportation. If your destination is northeastern Tokyo, including areas like Asakusa, Ueno, Ryogoku, and Nippori, then Narita Airport (NRT) is indeed a more convenient option.
Narita Airport is situated in Chiba Prefecture, approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. While it is farther from the city centre than Haneda Airport, Narita is much closer to northeastern Tokyo. This proximity to the northeast region can be especially advantageous if you plan to use public transportation like the Keisei Skyliner, which provides a direct connection to these areas.
For travellers on a budget, Narita Airport is also a preferred choice. It is often chosen by those seeking budget travel options and is where most low-cost international flights to Japan arrive. Additionally, Narita has long been a significant international hub, and while some international carriers have shifted operations to Haneda, Narita still handles a large volume of long-haul international flights.
Furthermore, if you have some extra time before your flight or encounter a longer connection, Narita offers various attractions nearby. The town of Narita, known for its Edo-period charm, boasts curio shops, eateries serving local specialties like barbecued eel, and the impressive Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, a historic complex that draws over ten million visitors annually. Northeast of Narita is the quaint town of Sawara, preserving the Edo-period townscape and offering botanical gardens and a glimpse into Japan's rich history.
In summary, when considering which airport is best for Tokyo, Narita is a clear choice for travellers headed to northeastern Tokyo. With its proximity to this region, budget-friendly options, abundance of international flights, and nearby cultural attractions, Narita Airport is a convenient gateway to the city and its surrounding areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Tokyo is served by two airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda is closer to the city centre and has more domestic connections, while Narita is better for international connections and is more convenient for travellers headed to eastern parts of Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Ryogoku, Ueno and Nippori.
Haneda Airport is 18km or 11 miles from Tokyo Station. By car or bus, the journey takes a minimum of 17 minutes, but can be longer depending on traffic.
Narita Airport is 69km or 43 miles from Tokyo Station. By car or bus, the journey takes a minimum of 53 minutes, but can be longer depending on traffic.
The cost of getting from Narita Airport to central Tokyo depends on the mode of transport. A taxi will cost upwards of 30,000 yen, while a train ticket costs around 1,340 yen.
Yes, the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner trains go directly to Tokyo Station in around 50 minutes. There are also local trains that are cheaper but slower and more crowded.
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