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How to Get to Tokyo
Everything you need to know about arriving in Tokyo: airports, flights, city transfers, and practical tips to start your trip seamlessly.
Tokyo is one of the best-connected cities in the world. Every year, millions of travelers reach the Japanese capital through its two major international hubs: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT).
The good news? No matter which airport you land at, reaching the city center is fast, smooth, and straightforward thanks to Japan’s famously efficient and punctual public transit network.
In this guide, you’ll learn which airport to choose, how to travel from each airport into central Tokyo, and which transportation option best matches your budget and travel style.
Travel Snapshot
Flight Connections
Ease of Access to City Center
Public Transport System
Car Required?
No
Recommended Airport
Haneda (HND)
In a Nutshell
(If you only have 30 seconds)
Fly into Haneda (HND) if possible: It is located much closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
Seamless connectivity: Both airports offer quick train, subway, and airport bus options into the city.
Skip the taxis: Unless you are traveling in a group or carrying heavy luggage, taxis are by far the most expensive transfer option.
Get an IC Card right away: Pick up a physical Welcome Suica / Pasmo Passport at the airport or load a digital IC card onto your smartphone upon arrival for easy transit payments.
Tokyo’s Two Airports
Tokyo is served by two major international airports. Both offer excellent connections to the city, but each provides a slightly different travel experience.
Haneda Airport (HND)
The Most Convenient Airport
Haneda is located very close to central Tokyo, making it the top choice whenever available.
Reduced transfer times
Frequent connections
World-class amenities
Closer to major districts and top neighborhoods
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, and late-night arrivals.
Narita Airport (NRT)
Japan’s Main International Gateway
Narita is located further from the city center, but it handles a vast number of international long-haul flights and offers highly efficient transit options.
Wide availability of international flights
High-speed express trains to the city center
Full range of airport services and facilities
Often slightly cheaper flight options
Keep in mind: Transfers generally take longer and cost more compared to Haneda.
Haneda or Narita?
Comparison Table: Haneda vs Narita
| Feature | Haneda (HND) | Narita (NRT) |
| Distance from Center | ~15 km (9 miles) | ~65 km (40 miles) |
| Travel Time | 15–30 minutes | 45–90 minutes |
| Average Transfer Cost | Budget-friendly ($4–$7 / €4–€6) | Mid/High ($18–$28 / €18–€25) |
| Major Airlines | ANA, JAL, Delta, United, BA, Lufthansa | Emirates, Air China, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways |
| Convenience Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Our Tip
If you find flights that are similar in price and schedule, choose Haneda. It will make starting your trip much easier and faster.
How to Get to Central Tokyo & Transfer Costs
From Narita (NRT) to the City Center
Narita is located further out, but transit options are frequent and famously punctual.
Narita Express (N’EX)
Operated by JR (Japan Rail), this is the best option if you hold a Japan Rail Pass or are staying near Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama. It features reserved seating, high comfort, and dedicated luggage racks.
Time: ~60–90 min
Cost: ~¥3,000–¥3,200
Keisei Skyliner
The fastest non-JR express train. It connects Narita directly to Ueno and Nippori (eastern Tokyo). If your hotel is in or near these areas, this option will save you valuable time.
Time: ~40–45 min
Cost: ~¥2,570
Limousine Bus
Don’t let the name confuse you—this is a comfortable highway coach. The main perk? It drops you off directly at the doorstep of major hotels. It’s ideal if you have heavy luggage and want to avoid stairs or transfers in crowded train stations.
Time: ~90–120 min (depending on traffic)
Cost: ~¥3,200
From Haneda (HND) to the City Center
Arriving here is easy—you’re practically in the city already.
Tokyo Monorail
A scenic ride elevated above Tokyo Bay. It takes you directly to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to the circular Yamanote Line (the main green loop train connecting Tokyo’s top spots).
Time: ~15–20 min
Cost: ~¥500
Keikyu Line
This train takes you straight to Shinagawa Station or, through through-service trains, directly into districts like Ginza and Asakusa. It is the most budget-friendly option.
Time: ~20–25 min
Cost: ~¥330–¥450
Taxi / Rideshare
Unlike Narita (where a taxi can easily cost $150–$200+), taxis from Haneda are far more reasonable, especially if you are traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people.
Cost: ~¥6,000–¥9,000 ($40–$60 / €40–€60)
How to Get to Tokyo from Other Cities in Japan
If Tokyo isn’t your first stop but the grand finale of your journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, you have access to one of the most advanced transportation networks in the world. Forget delays and travel stress: here, getting around is part of the experience.
The Shinkansen: The Bullet Train
The most iconic and efficient way to reach the capital. The Tokaido Shinkansen line connects Tokyo with major southern cities (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima), arriving directly at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
From Kyoto / Osaka: The fast Nozomi train takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you are using a Japan Rail Pass, you will ride the Hikari or Kodama trains (slightly slower, around 2 hours and 50 minutes).
From Kanazawa: Thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you’ll arrive in the heart of the metropolis in roughly 2.5 hours.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, book a seat on the left side (Seat E). On a clear day, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji zooming past your window!
Overnight Buses: The Budget Choice
For backpackers or travelers looking to save on a night’s hotel stay, long-distance night buses (Highway Buses) are a reliable alternative.
Routes: They connect Tokyo with almost every corner of the country (Osaka, Kyoto, Sendai, and even northern regions).
Cost: Very affordable, usually between ¥3,000 and ¥7,000 ($20–$45 / €20–€45).
Arrival: Most buses arrive at the massive Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), located directly above Shinjuku Station.
Domestic Flights: When Do They Make Sense?
Japan has dozens of regional airports. Flying into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) makes sense if you are coming from distant regions such as:
Kyushu (Fukuoka/Kagoshima) or Hokkaido (Sapporo).
Okinawa: Flying is the only practical option.
Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers like Peach Aviation or Jetstar Japan often offer cheaper rates than the train when booked in advance.
Quick Guide: Which Transport Option Should You Choose?
Quick Guide: Which Transport Option Should You Choose?
| Departure From | Recommended Option | Duration | Why Choose It? |
| Kyoto / Osaka | Shinkansen (Bullet Train) | ~2h 30m | High speed and drops you directly in the city center. |
| Kanazawa | Shinkansen (Bullet Train) | ~2h 30m | Maximum comfort and absolute punctuality. |
| Sapporo (Hokkaido) | Flight | ~1h 40m | The train journey would take over 8 hours. |
| Hiroshima | Shinkansen (Bullet Train) | ~4h | Relaxing experience with scenic countryside views. |
Local Warning: If you are traveling during major Japanese holiday periods (such as Golden Week in early May, Obon in mid-August, or New Year), book your train seats well in advance. Even with a JR Pass, you risk standing or missing out on seats on faster trains!
Insider Tips
Factor in airport transfer costs: Landing at Haneda can save you over an hour of travel time and around $20/€20 in train fares compared to Narita. Sometimes paying slightly more for a flight into Haneda saves you money overall.
Book an Open-Jaw (Multi-City) Ticket: If your itinerary includes Kyoto and Osaka, consider flying into Tokyo and departing out of Osaka Kansai (KIX). This saves time and avoids paying for an extra high-speed train ticket back to Tokyo.
Monitor HND vs NRT: Don’t just search for “Tokyo” when booking flights. Search the specific airport codes (HND and NRT). A flight to Narita might look $100 cheaper, but remember to factor in the higher transit cost into central Tokyo!
Check Domestic Flight Add-ons: If you fly internationally with ANA or JAL, look out for domestic flight add-on deals. You can often add a local flight (e.g., Tokyo–Okinawa or Tokyo–Hokkaido) for a fraction of the usual price.
Choose your airport based on hotel location: If your hotel is on the east side of Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa), Narita is very convenient via the Keisei Skyliner. If you’re staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or near Tokyo Station, flying into Haneda will save you from navigating busy subway transfers with heavy luggage!
Get a Welcome Suica or Pasmo: Purchase a prepaid IC card as soon as you arrive (or add a digital IC card to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet). You can use it to pay for trains, subways, buses, and even drinks at vending machines with a single tap.
Luggage Delivery (Takkyubin): If you land in the morning and don’t want to haul your bags around before check-in, look for the luggage delivery counter featuring the black cat logo (Yamato Transport). For about $15–$20 / €15–€20 per bag, they will ship your luggage directly to your hotel.
Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM: Order it online in advance and pick it up at the airport. Navigating Tokyo’s mega-stations without online maps can be challenging, even for seasoned travelers.
Practical Tips
Always double-check your arrival airport before booking flights.
Choose Haneda Airport whenever available.
Minimize transfers if you are carrying heavy luggage.
Allow extra commute time if arriving during peak rush hours (around 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM).
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Assuming Narita Airport is located near downtown Tokyo.
Taking a standard taxi without checking fixed rates or distance first.
Not checking which train/subway station is closest to your accommodation.
Forgetting to set up an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) right after arrival.
Your First Impressions of Tokyo
Landing in Tokyo feels like stepping into a new world: flawless signage, perfectly punctual trains, smoothly moving crowds, and remarkable organization. Don’t feel rushed to do everything at once—your first transfer from the airport to your hotel is already part of the adventure. Enjoy the view from the window, take a moment to find your bearings, and let the capital introduce itself at its own unique pace.
FAQ
Which is the best airport to fly into Tokyo?
Haneda (HND) is generally the best choice due to its proximity to the city center and shorter transfer times.
Is Haneda or Narita better?
If flight prices and schedules are similar, Haneda is more convenient. However, Narita remains a great alternative with a wider selection of long-haul international flights.
Is it worth taking a taxi from the airport?
In most cases, no. Public trains and airport limousine buses are significantly cheaper, fast, and highly reliable.
Is it easy to reach the city center using public transportation?
Yes! Both airports feature direct express trains and buses connecting straight to Tokyo’s main districts and transport hubs.