Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda (HND), close to the city, and Narita (NRT), about 60 km east. Both have excellent train links, but the best option depends on which airport you land at and where your hotel is.
This guide compares every way to get from Narita and Haneda to central Tokyo in 2026 — Narita Express, Skyliner, cheaper trains, limousine buses and taxis — with fares in yen, journey times, which option suits which area, how to pay with Suica or PASMO, and tips for the trip back. Fares come from Watabi’s 2026 Tokyo airport transport guide and the official GO TOKYO site.
Narita Airport to Tokyo: all options compared
| Option | Fare | Time | Goes to | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner | ¥2,580 | about 41 min to Nippori | Nippori, Keisei Ueno | Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara |
| Narita Express (N’EX) | ¥3,140–3,330 (round trip for foreigners ¥5,200) | 75–80 min | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro | West & central Tokyo, JR Pass holders |
| Airport Limousine Bus | ¥3,200–3,600 | traffic-dependent | Major hotels and stations | Big luggage, hotel door drop-off |
| Keisei Main Line | ¥1,060 | about 73 min to Nippori | Nippori, Ueno | Budget |
| JR Sobu Rapid | ¥1,340 | about 90 min to Tokyo Station | Tokyo Station | Budget |
| Taxi (fixed rate) | ¥23,500–38,500 + tolls | 60–90 min | Door to door | Groups, after the last train |
Source: Watabi, 2026. Low-cost shared buses to Tokyo Station and Ginza are another cheap option — check current fares when you book.
Narita Express or Skyliner?
- Staying in Ueno, Asakusa or Akihabara? The Skyliner is faster and cheaper.
- Staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya or near Tokyo Station? The Narita Express goes there directly with no change.
- Have a JR Pass? The Narita Express is covered; the Skyliner isn’t (see our JR Pass guide).
- Money-saving combo: a Skyliner ticket plus a 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket is sold as a combo for ¥3,100 (source).
Haneda Airport to Tokyo: all options compared
| Option | Fare | Time | Goes to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keikyu Line | ¥330 to Shinagawa | 14 min to Shinagawa | Shinagawa; direct trains to Asakusa |
| Tokyo Monorail | IC card fare | about 35 min to Shinjuku (with JR change) | Hamamatsucho, then JR Yamanote Line |
| Airport Limousine Bus | ¥1,400–2,000 | traffic-dependent | Hotels and stations, incl. late-night services |
| Taxi | about ¥6,000–12,000 | 20–45 min | Door to door |
Source: Watabi, 2026. Haneda is so close that a taxi is reasonable for 3 or more people (source).
Haneda or Narita: which airport is better?
Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo. For trips of 4 days or fewer, a slightly more expensive Haneda flight is often worth it because you save about an hour each way and ¥1,000–1,500 in transport (source). Narita is often cheaper for long stays and budget airlines.
Paying for trains: Suica, PASMO and passes
- Suica / PASMO: rechargeable IC cards for trains, subways, buses and convenience stores. Standard cards have a ¥500 deposit (source).
- Welcome Suica: a tourist version with no deposit, valid for 28 days (source). Availability at airports has varied — check before you travel.
- Mobile Suica / PASMO: add a card to your phone’s wallet and top up in the app.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: unlimited Tokyo Metro and Toei subway rides — ¥800 (24h), ¥1,200 (48h), ¥1,500 (72h) for adults (source).
IC cards work on the Keikyu, Monorail and local JR trains, but not for reserved limited-express seats like the Skyliner or Narita Express (source).
Best option by Tokyo area
| Staying in | From Narita | From Haneda |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Narita Express | Keikyu or Monorail + JR, or Limousine Bus |
| Shibuya | Narita Express | Keikyu to Shinagawa + JR Yamanote |
| Ginza / Tokyo Station | Narita Express or low-cost bus | Keikyu or Monorail |
| Asakusa | Skyliner to Ueno + subway | Keikyu direct to Asakusa |
| Ueno / Akihabara | Skyliner | Monorail + JR |
Still choosing a base? See where to stay in Tokyo.
Getting back to the airport
- Allow about 2.5 hours before international departures from Narita and 2 hours from Haneda (source).
- Tax-free shopping: from 1 November 2026, tax refunds for purchases require confirmation at a kiosk in the landside departures hall before check-in and bag drop (source) — leave extra time.
- Reserve Skyliner or N’EX seats in advance during busy seasons.
Tips for arriving in Tokyo
- Get online immediately: a Japan eSIM makes route planning easy.
- Carry some cash — Japan is more card-friendly than before, but small shops and some ticket machines still prefer yen.
- Use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) from the airport to your hotel if you have big bags.
- Last trains: trains stop around midnight; late arrivals at Haneda can use late-night limousine buses or taxis.
More Tokyo guides
- Tokyo itinerary
- Is the JR Pass worth it?
- Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo travel guide
- Travel eSIM guide
Still to book: flights to Tokyo and travel insurance for Japan.
FAQ: Narita and Haneda to Tokyo
What is the fastest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The Keisei Skyliner reaches Nippori in about 41 minutes (¥2,580). For Tokyo Station, Shibuya or Shinjuku, the Narita Express is direct (75–80 minutes).
How much is the Narita Express?
About ¥3,140–3,330 one way. Foreign visitors can buy a round-trip ticket for ¥5,200.
What is the cheapest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The Keisei Main Line (¥1,060) or the JR Sobu Rapid (¥1,340), both slower than the express trains.
How do I get from Haneda to Tokyo?
Take the Keikyu Line (¥330 to Shinagawa in 14 minutes) or the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and change to the JR Yamanote Line.
How much is a taxi from Narita to Tokyo?
Fixed rates of about ¥23,500–38,500 to central Tokyo, plus tolls.
Can I use Suica from the airport?
Yes, on the Keikyu Line, Tokyo Monorail and local JR trains — but not for reserved express seats like the Skyliner or Narita Express.
Which is better, Haneda or Narita?
Haneda is closer and saves about an hour each way; Narita often has cheaper flights.
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