(Ginza, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya & Shinjuku)
Coming next: Ueno, Asakusa, Nippori & Ikebukuro

Choosing the Right Airport for Tokyo Travel

When you search for “Tokyo,” you’ll notice there are two major airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT).

Haneda Airport is located very close to central Tokyo and offers excellent access to the city. However, because it primarily handles domestic flights, availability depends on your route and airline.

Narita Airport, on the other hand, serves the majority of international flights and is considered Japan’s main international gateway. What many travelers don’t realize is that Narita Airport is not actually in Tokyo — it’s located in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. As a result, getting from Narita to central Tokyo takes more time and planning.

If your budget allows and flights are available, Haneda Airport is strongly recommended.
That said, many travelers will arrive at Narita — so choosing the right transfer method is key.

Transportation Options from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo

Below is a breakdown of the main transportation options to Ginza, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, with pros and cons for each.

🚆 Train: Narita Express (N’EX, JR)

Pros

  • Reaches major Tokyo stations in about 1 hour
  • Multilingual announcements (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
  • Runs approximately every 30 minutes

Cons

  • Ticket purchasing can be confusing for first-time visitors
  • Seats may sell out during peak travel seasons
  • You may still need to transfer with large luggage after arrival

Price

  • ¥3,000–¥4,000 (approx. $20–26 USD)

🚌 Airport Bus (Limousine Bus)

Pros

  • Often the most affordable option
  • More specific drop-off points than trains

Cons

  • Limited number of departures
  • Seats may sell out in busy seasons
  • Travel time is longer: 1.5–2 hours
  • You may still need local transport after drop-off

Price

🚕 Taxi (On-Demand)

Pros

  • Direct drop-off at your hotel

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Travel time: 1.5–2 hours
  • Extra charges or waiting time if you have large luggage

Price

  • ¥25,000–¥40,000 (approx. $170–270 USD)

🚘 Private Airport Transfer (Pre-Booked)

Pros

  • Door-to-door service
  • No luggage stress or ride refusal
  • Ideal for late-night arrivals or long-haul flights

Cons

  • Higher cost than public transport
  • Travel time: 1.5–2 hours

Price

  • ¥8,000–¥30,000 (approx. $53–200 USD)

Our Recommendation

If you value comfort, safety, and saving your energy, a private airport transfer is the best option — especially after a long international flight.
Japan’s public transportation is excellent, but it can be overwhelming when you’re tired and handling large luggage.

If your hotel is located within a 5-minute walk of Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku, the train or bus can also be a good choice.

Recommended Airport Transfer Services

If you want a private, stress-free transfer, we recommend Airport Taxi.
They offer transparent pricing, accept overseas bookings, and monitor flight delays — so you won’t need to worry if your arrival time changes.

For a more budget-friendly option, Near Me is a shared airport transfer service.
It offers hotel drop-off at a lower price while still saving you the hassle of navigating public transport.



Transportation options may vary depending on your hotel location. Always confirm details based on your accommodation before booking.

Bus Haneda Japan Narita Taxi Tokyo Train