If you’re arriving late at night or want to reach your hotel quickly, Haneda is by far the more convenient option .
Transit Options & Duration
Both airports offer multiple transportation methods, ranging from budget-friendly trains to premium airport limousine buses and taxis. Below is a breakdown of how to reach Tokyo from each airport.
From Narita Airport Scrollable
Transportation Route Duration Fare Notes Narita Express (N’EX) NRT → Tokyo Sta. ~55–60 min ~¥3,070 Covered by JR Pass, comfortable reserved seats Keisei Skyliner NRT → Ueno Sta. ~36–41 min ~¥2,570 Fastest option, not covered by JR Pass Airport Limousine Bus NRT → Major hotels/stations ~90–120 min ~¥1,300–¥3,200 Direct to hotels, may be delayed in traffic Taxi NRT → Central Tokyo ~70–90 min ¥20,000–¥30,000 Not recommended unless necessary
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Narita International Airport serves as Japan’s principal hub for international flights, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Located about 60 km east of …
From Haneda Airport
Scrollable
Transportation Route Duration Fare Notes Tokyo Monorail + JR Yamanote Line HND → Hamamatsucho Sta.→ Tokyo Sta. ~20–30 min ~¥500 – ¥700 Fast and efficient, great during peak hours Keikyu Line HND → Shinagawa Sta. → Other areas ~13–25 min ~¥300 – ¥500 Cheap and easy, connects well with JR lines Airport Limousine Bus HND → Major hotels/stations ~30–60 min ~¥1,000 – ¥1,500 Comfortable, especially with luggage Taxi HND → Central Tokyo ~20–40 min ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 Good for groups or late-night arrivals
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Late Night and Early Morning Transport
Haneda Airport operates 24 hours and offers late-night monorail and bus services , making it ideal for early or late flights.
Narita Airport has limited late-night public transit options. Travelers may need to rely on buses or overnight stays nearby if arriving after 10 PM.
Narita Airport vs Haneda Airport – Airport Facilities & Passenger Experience
For many travelers, the airport is not just a point of entry, but part of the overall travel experience. Comparing Narita Airport vs Haneda Airport , both offer modern facilities. But their design, amenities, and overall atmosphere differ in key ways.
Whether you’re in transit, arriving, or departing, here’s how the two airports stack up.
Terminal Layout and Navigation
Both airports have multiple terminals, but their size, layout, and ease of use vary.
Haneda Airport has three main terminals:
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 serve domestic flights.Terminal 3 is for international flights and is directly connected to the monorail and Keikyu Line.All terminals are modern, well-signposted in English, and connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle (5–10 min intervals).
Narita Airport also has three terminals:
Terminal 1 is used mainly by ANA and Star Alliance airlines.Terminal 2 serves JAL and Oneworld members.Terminal 3 caters to low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Jetstar, Peach, and Zipair.
Terminal 3 is smaller and more minimal, but clean and efficient. Transfers between terminals may require shuttle buses or longer walking.
Summary
Security and Immigration Experience For international travelers, the arrival and departure process can leave a strong impression especially when it comes to immigration lines and security checks.
While both Narita and Haneda airports are known for their efficiency and professionalism, there are some differences in speed, comfort, and overall experience that are worth noting.
Haneda Airport
In 2025, ranked as the world’s best airport for security screening by Skytrax.
Offers fast, efficient processing with English-speaking staff and digital kiosks.
Shorter immigration lines due to better design and flow.
Narita Airport
Also ranked in the global Top 10 for security .
Offers smooth and professional service, but immigration can take longer during peak hours.
Some travelers report more walking and waiting.
Summary
Family and Accessibility Services
Traveling with children, elderly family members, or passengers with special needs requires airports to offer thoughtful and accessible facilities. Both Narita and Haneda airports provide a range of services to ensure comfort and safety for all travelers.
From nursing rooms to wheelchair access, each airport is designed to make the journey smoother for everyone.
Haneda
Multiple nursing rooms, children’s play areas, rental strollers, and barrier-free design.
Elevators and wide pathways make moving around easy.
Narita
Similar services but older terminals may have slightly less intuitive layouts.
Long walking distances between gates can be challenging for some.
FAQ About Narita and Haneda Airports
Which airport is better for first-time visitors to Tokyo?
Haneda Airport is generally better for first-time visitors because it’s much closer to central Tokyo, offers smoother transportation options, and has clear English signage. It also has modern facilities and fewer transfer complications.
Is Haneda or Narita closer to central Tokyo?
Haneda is only about 15 to 20 minutes from central Tokyo by train, while Narita takes around 60 minutes or more. If convenience and speed matter to you, Haneda wins easily.
Which Tokyo airport is cheaper to get to?
Haneda is significantly cheaper. A train ride from Haneda costs around ¥500–¥700, while a ride from Narita can cost ¥2,500 or more. Bus and taxi fares are also lower from Haneda.
Do both Narita and Haneda have international flights?
Yes, both airports serve international flights. Narita has more low-cost and long-haul international options, while Haneda offers premium international routes and better domestic connections.
Can I use a Japan Rail Pass from Narita or Haneda?
Yes, you can use the Japan Rail Pass at both airports. Narita has the Narita Express (N’EX), and Haneda connects to the JR system via Hamamatsucho Station. Be sure to activate your pass before travel.
Which airport has better lounges and shopping?
Haneda’s international Terminal 3 offers sleek, modern lounges and high-end shops. Narita also has good amenities, but some travelers say it feels a bit dated. Still, both airports provide solid duty-free options.
Is immigration faster at Haneda or Narita?
In general, Haneda tends to have faster immigration processing thanks to its newer facilities and better layout. However, during peak hours, wait times can vary at both airports.
Which airport should I use if I have a domestic connection?
Haneda is the best choice for domestic transfers. It’s the main domestic hub for both ANA and JAL, offering more frequent and smoother connections to cities like Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.
How long does it take to transfer between Narita and Haneda airports?
Transferring between the two airports takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours by bus or train. It’s not ideal, so try to avoid flights that require inter-airport transfers unless absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts on Narita VS Haneda
For most inbound international travelers staying in Tokyo or its wards, Haneda Airport is likely the best choice. It offers savings in time and transportation, a sleek airport experience, and numerous domestic service options.
Meanwhile, Narita Airport remains a viable second choice especially for flights with specific airlines or for travelers seeking unique layover activities.
