Narita or Haneda: Getting Into the City Like a Local

Tokyo's two main airports each offer fast, affordable rail links into the city. From Haneda (HND), the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line reach central Tokyo in 13–20 minutes. From Narita (NRT), the N'EX or Keisei Skyliner take 36–60 minutes. Knowing which train matches your destination saves time, money, and luggage stress.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Airport Limousine Bus a good option from Narita?

Yes, especially if your hotel is near a bus stop. The Airport Limousine Bus (Tokyo Airport Transport) runs to dozens of major hotels and stations across Tokyo, with a typical one-way adult fare of ¥3,200 from Narita. Journey time is 70–120 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Book online or buy at the airport counter.

Which Haneda train is better — Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line?

The Keikyu Line to Shinagawa (~¥330, ~11 min on the Airport Limited Express) is better if you're heading to central/south Tokyo or need the JR Yamanote or Shinkansen. The Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō (~¥520, ~13 min on the Haneda Express) is ideal if you're connecting to the JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku lines from that station.

What is the cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

The cheapest option is the Keisei local/Access Express train at ¥1,280, taking 63–69 minutes to Ueno/Nippori. The low-cost Airport Bus TYO-NRT costs ¥1,500 for adults (daytime) with stops only at Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit), Ginza, and Shinonome — no advance booking accepted.

What is the fastest train from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest option, reaching Nippori or Keisei Ueno in as little as 36–41 minutes from Narita Terminal 2·3. It runs three services per hour and requires a reserved seat. The fare with an IC card (Suica/PASMO) is ¥2,465 to Ueno.

Can I use a Suica or PASMO IC card on all airport trains?

Yes — Suica and PASMO are accepted on the N'EX, Keisei lines, Tokyo Monorail, and Keikyu Line. You can pick up a Suica card at the arrival hall of Haneda Airport. Note that the N'EX still requires a separate seat reservation even if you tap in with an IC card.

How do I get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo by train?

Two rail options serve Haneda: the Tokyo Monorail (runs daily 5 am–11:30 pm, ~¥520 to Hamamatsuchō, ~13–20 min) and the Keikyu Airport Line (~¥330 to Shinagawa, ~11–17 min). Both lines depart from B1F at Terminals 1 and 2, or from the 2F arrival lobby at Terminal 3.

How much does the N'EX (Narita Express) cost and does it need a reservation?

A one-way adult ticket from Narita to Tokyo Station costs ¥3,020 (standard car), or ¥4,560 for the Green Car. Seat reservations are mandatory — passengers without one cannot board. Foreign passport holders can buy the N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket for a flat ¥5,200, valid for 14 days.

Can I use my Japan Rail Pass on the N'EX or Skyliner?

Yes — the N'EX is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass (seat reservation still required, but free). The Keisei Skyliner is not a JR line and is not covered by the JR Pass; you must purchase a separate Skyliner ticket.

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