Planning a Tokyo trip? One surprisingly important decision is which airport to fly into. Tokyo has two major international airports:

  • Haneda Airport (HND) — closer to central Tokyo
  • Narita International Airport (NRT) — more flights, but farther away (in Chiba)

If the price and flight options are similar, Haneda is usually the better choice because it saves time and energy—especially right after a long-haul flight.

Tokyo Has Two Airports: Haneda (HND) vs. Narita (NRT)

✈️ Haneda Airport (HND): The “in-Tokyo” airport with the easiest access

Haneda’s biggest advantage is location: it’s essentially inside the Tokyo metro area, so getting to your hotel is fast.

Why travelers love Haneda

  • Reach central Tokyo in about 20–30 minutes (often faster than you expect)
  • Great transport options: trains, monorail, buses, taxis
  • Less travel fatigue after landing
  • Often cheaper in-city transportation than Narita

✈️ Narita Airport (NRT): More international flights, but a longer ride into Tokyo

Narita is often marketed as “Tokyo Narita,” but it’s actually in Chiba Prefecture, not Tokyo.

Pros

  • Many international flights and airlines
  • Sometimes cheaper airfares

Cons

  • Typically 60–90 minutes (or more) to reach Tokyo
  • The extra transfer time can feel long after a long flight

Which Airport Should You Choose?

If you have flexibility, choose Haneda when:

  • The fare difference is small
  • You want to start sightseeing quickly
  • You prefer an easier return trip on departure day

For first-time visitors, simple and fast airport access often improves the whole trip.

How to Get from Haneda Airport to Shibuya (Stress-Free Options)

Below are the best options depending on your luggage, group size, and comfort level.

1) Train (Tokyo Monorail + JR): Fastest & most predictable

Estimated time: ~30–45 minutes
Typical route:
Haneda Airport → (Tokyo Monorail) → Hamamatsuchō → (JR Yamanote Line) → Shibuya

How to pay / buy tickets

  • IC card (Suica / PASMO)
  • Welcome Suica Mobile (iOS) for visitors (issue and top up in-app)
  • Ticket machines (available at the airport and stations)

Pros

  • Often the quickest
  • No traffic risk
  • Easy payment with IC cards
  • Works well even with groups (no “seat limit” like cars)

Cons

  • If you have large suitcases, transfers and crowds can be tiring
  • After arriving at Shibuya Station, you may still need a short taxi/walk to your hotel

Best for

  • Solo travelers or couples
  • Light packers
  • Anyone who wants speed + reliable timing

Bottom line: If you value speed and punctuality, the train is the top pick.

Check Welcome Suica

2) Airport Limousine Bus: Easiest with luggage (and can drop near major Shibuya hotels)

Estimated time: ~45–80 minutes (depends on traffic)
Direct service runs between Haneda and the Shibuya area (including major stops like Shibuya Station and select hotels).

How to buy

  • Airport counter
  • Online booking (recommended if you want peace of mind)

Pros

  • No transfers
  • Luggage goes under the bus (huge comfort upgrade)
  • Great for families and small groups

Cons

  • Traffic can delay arrival
  • Some routes have limited frequency depending on time of day

Best for

  • Travelers with big suitcases
  • Anyone who wants a simple “sit down and arrive” ride
  • Groups who prefer staying together

Bottom line: If you want comfort and simplicity, the bus is hard to beat.

Check availability & current rates

3) Private Airport Transfer (Door-to-door): Most comfortable

Estimated time: ~30–60 minutes (traffic dependent)

A reserved private car picks you up at arrivals and drops you at your hotel—no hauling luggage, no transfers.

Pros

  • Maximum comfort
  • True door-to-door
  • Often becomes good value with 3–5 people splitting the cost

Cons

  • Typically the most expensive option for 1–2 people
  • Usually must be booked in advance

Best for

  • Families, kids, older travelers
  • Groups with multiple suitcases
  • Anyone who wants a smooth arrival experience

Bottom line: If your priority is comfort, this is the “premium” choice.

Check availability & current rates

4) NearMe (Shared Airport Shuttle): A smart middle option (comfort + value)

Estimated time: ~40–70 minutes (pickup order can vary)
NearMe offers shared rides from Haneda with fixed pricing and advance booking.

Pros

  • Much easier than trains with luggage
  • Usually cheaper than private transfers
  • Works well for solo travelers/couples who still want comfort

Cons

  • You’ll share the ride with others
  • Timing can vary based on route/pickups
  • For 4+ people, a private car may be better value

Best for

  • Solo travelers or couples
  • Medium-to-large luggage
  • Anyone who wants convenience without premium pricing

Bottom line: If you want a comfortable ride without paying for a private car, NearMe is worth considering.

Check availability & current rates

Quick Decision Guide (The simplest way to choose)

  • Fastest: Train
  • Easiest with luggage: Limousine Bus
  • Most comfortable: Private Transfer
  • Comfort + value: NearMe

A very practical rule:

  • 1 person: Train or NearMe
  • 2 people: Train or NearMe
  • 3–4 people: Bus or Private Transfer
  • 4+ people: Private Transfer often wins (cost per person drops)

Travel Tip: Your Arrival Day Sets the Tone

Landing day and departure day are usually the most tiring. Choosing the least stressful route to your hotel can noticeably improve your overall Tokyo experience.