If you’re flying into Tokyo, you’ll likely see two airport options when booking your flight: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT).
Choosing the right airport—and the right transfer—can save you a surprising amount of time, energy, and stress after landing.

This guide breaks down the most practical ways to get from Haneda Airport into Tokyo, with clear pros and cons so you can choose what fits your travel style.

1. First Things First: Which Airport Should You Choose?

Tokyo is served by two major airports:

✈️ Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda is located very close to central Tokyo, making it the most convenient option for reaching the city quickly.
While it mainly handles domestic flights, the number of international routes has been steadily increasing.

If your budget allows and your flight options line up, Haneda is hands-down the better choice.

✈️ Narita Airport (NRT)

Narita handles a large number of international flights and is often the default entry point to Japan.
However, Narita is not actually in Tokyo—it’s located in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. Travel time into the city is significantly longer, so careful planning is essential.

2. How to Get from Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo

Below are the main transportation options from Haneda, explained by cost, convenience, and ease for first-time visitors.

🚆 Train (Keikyu Line)

Pros

  • Cheaper than most alternatives
  • Not affected by traffic delays
  • Trains run every 5–10 minutes

Cons

  • You’ll need to handle your luggage yourself
  • Limited areas are reachable without transfers
  • Tickets must be purchased at the airport (no advance purchase)

Price: Up to ¥1,500 (≈ USD 10)
Best Areas: Shinagawa, Yokohama, Asakusa, Higashi-Ginza

Quick Tip:
These four areas are reachable without transfers, making the Keikyu Line one of the most efficient and budget-friendly choices.

🚆 Train (Tokyo Monorail)

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Reliable and traffic-free
  • One of the fastest ways to reach the Yamanote Line area
  • Runs every 5–10 minutes

Cons

  • Luggage must be carried
  • Limited direct destinations
  • Ticket purchase at the airport can be confusing

Price: Up to ¥1,500 (≈ USD 10)
Best Area: Hamamatsucho

Note:
This option is often used for hotels within the Yamanote Line area, but first-time visitors may find the transfer process overwhelming.

🚌 Airport Limousine Bus

Pros

  • Often the most affordable option
  • Direct service to major areas
  • Some routes stop right in front of large hotels

Cons

  • Seats can sell out during busy seasons
  • Limited schedules
  • Travel time can be 1.5–2 hours
  • Depending on your hotel, you may still need to use local trains afterward

Price: ¥1,000–3,500 (≈ USD 7–24)
Best Areas: Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, Ginza and Tokyo Disney Resort

Recommendation:
Highly recommended if you book in advance. Same-day tickets are sometimes available at airport counters, but reservations offer peace of mind.

To Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza and Disney Resort

🚖 Taxi (Street Taxi at the Airport)

Pros

  • Door-to-door convenience

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Travel time: 30–60 minutes depending on traffic
  • Japanese taxis are smaller; large luggage may be refused or incur extra fees
  • Basic Japanese communication may be required

Price: ¥8,000–10,000 (≈ USD 53–70)
Best For: Any location in Tokyo

🚘 Private Airport Transfer (Pre-booked)

Pros

  • Direct hotel drop-off
  • No luggage restrictions
  • Typically uses larger vehicles
  • No need to communicate in Japanese

Cons

  • More expensive than trains or buses
  • Travel time: 30–60 minutes

Price: ¥3,500–8,000 (≈ USD 24–53)
Best For: Any location in Tokyo

Why this option stands out:
You can book online in your own language before arriving, making this the least stressful option, especially after a long flight.

Recommended Private Transfer Services

If you want a private, door-to-door ride, Airport Taxi is a reliable option.
They offer transparent pricing, accept international reservations, and monitor flight delays—so even if your flight arrives late, you’re covered.

Check availability here


If you want to keep costs lower, NearMe is a great alternative.
It’s a shared large-vehicle transfer that groups travelers heading in the same direction and drops you right at your hotel entrance.

👉 Check shared transfer options here

Check availability here

3. Final Thoughts

For major destinations like Shinjuku, Ginza, or Tokyo Disney Resort, the airport limousine bus is usually the easiest option.

For hotels in quieter or less touristy neighborhoods, a private airport transfer is often worth the extra cost.
Many smaller areas lack multilingual signage, and Tokyo’s transport system can feel overwhelming if it’s your first visit.

Always double-check your hotel’s location and access options—and choose the transfer that lets you start your Tokyo stay feeling calm and confident.