Complete Airport Access Guide for Tokyo

How This Guide Works

This is your starting point for airport transfers. Below you will find a comparison of every major option, plus links to detailed step-by-step guides for specific routes. If you already know your destination, jump directly to the route guide.

Route guides:

• Narita to Shinjuku — N’EX, Limousine Bus, Skyliner + transfer
• Narita to Shibuya — N’EX, Limousine Bus, Skyliner + transfer
• Haneda to Tokyo Station — Monorail, Keikyu, late-night options
• First 30 Minutes After Landing — SIM, IC card, cash

Narita Airport: All Options at a Glance

Narita is 60-80 km east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Plan for 60-90 minutes of travel time.

Option	Time	Cost	Best for
Keisei Skyliner	36 min to Nippori	¥2,470	Speed to northeast Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa)
Narita Express (N’EX)	60 min to Tokyo Sta.	¥3,070	Direct to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya
Keisei Access Express	60 min to Asakusa	¥1,270	Budget travelers
Airport Limousine Bus	85-120 min	¥3,600	Hotel door-to-door, heavy luggage
Keisei Main Line	75 min to Ueno	¥1,060	Cheapest option
Shared shuttle	90-150 min	¥3,000-5,000	Door-to-door, multiple stops
Taxi / flat-rate	60-90 min	¥20,000-30,000	Groups of 3-4, late night

Skyliner (Keisei)

The fastest train from Narita. Reaches Nippori in 36 minutes and Keisei-Ueno in 41 minutes at speeds up to 160 km/h. All reserved seating with luggage space, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. Runs every 20-40 minutes.

To reach Shinjuku or Shibuya, transfer at Nippori to the JR Yamanote Line (about 20 min additional). Combined trip: roughly 55-60 minutes, ¥2,700-2,800 total.

Narita Express (N’EX)

JR East’s airport express with direct service to Tokyo Station (60 min, ¥3,070), Shinagawa, Shibuya (90 min, ¥3,250), and Shinjuku (90 min, ¥3,250). All reserved seats, luggage racks, Wi-Fi, and USB charging.

Tourist deal: The N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket costs ¥5,000 for a round trip (valid 14 days, passport required). This saves over ¥1,000 compared to two one-way tickets.

Note: A fare revision of approximately +7.8% is expected from March 2026.

Keisei Access Express

The budget option. Runs along the Keisei Sky Access Line to Aoto, then continues to Asakusa and central Tokyo via through-service to the Toei Asakusa Line. ¥1,270, about 60 minutes to Asakusa. No reserved seats, no surcharge beyond the base fare. Less luggage space than the Skyliner.

Airport Limousine Bus

Direct buses to major hotels and stations. ¥3,600 to Shinjuku or Shibuya, roughly 85-120 minutes depending on traffic. Comfortable seats, large luggage compartments. Book online for guaranteed seats.

Downsides: unpredictable travel time during rush hour. Best for hotel-to-hotel travel with heavy luggage.

Taxi / Flat-Rate Service

A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo costs ¥20,000-30,000. Some companies offer flat-rate fares if booked in advance. Only recommended for groups of 3-4 people late at night, or if cost is no concern.

Haneda Airport: All Options at a Glance

Haneda is 15 km south of central Tokyo, making it far more convenient than Narita.

Option	Time	Cost	Best for
Keikyu Line	11 min to Shinagawa	¥327	Speed, budget, south/west Tokyo
Tokyo Monorail	13 min to Hamamatsucho	¥520	JR Yamanote connection
Airport Limousine Bus	30-60 min	¥1,000-1,300	Hotel door-to-door
Taxi	20-40 min	¥5,000-8,000	Groups, late night

Keikyu Line

Fast, frequent, and cheap. From Terminal 3 to Shinagawa in 11 minutes for ¥327. Through-service on the Toei Asakusa Line reaches Shimbashi (21 min, ¥505), Asakusa (32 min, ¥599), and Oshiage/SKYTREE (35 min, ¥599). Transfer at Shinagawa for JR lines to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya.

Tokyo Monorail

Connects Haneda to Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line) in 13 minutes for ¥520 (IC: ¥519). Trains run every 4-5 minutes. First train from Terminal 3: 5:09 AM. Last train: 12:10 AM.

Deal: Monorail & Yamanote Line Discount Ticket — ¥540 to any Yamanote Line station (weekends/holidays only).

Late-Night Arrivals (After Midnight)

Both airports have flights arriving after the last train. Your options:

1. Taxi — The only 24-hour option. From Haneda ¥5,000-8,000, from Narita ¥20,000-30,000.
2. Pre-booked shuttle — Several companies offer shared rides booked in advance.
3. Airport hotel — Sleep at the airport and take the first train around 5:00 AM. Haneda has capsule hotels and rest areas inside the terminal. Narita has the 9h capsule hotel in Terminal 2.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

If you have a choice of flights:

• Haneda is better for most Tokyo destinations — closer, cheaper transfers, more late-night options.
• Narita is fine if you are heading to eastern Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa), if you got a significantly cheaper flight, or if you plan to use the Skyliner.

Before You Leave the Airport

Do not rush to the exit. Complete these three tasks first:

1. Get a SIM or activate eSIM — You need mobile data for maps and translation. See First 30 Minutes After Landing.
2. Get an IC card — Buy a Welcome Suica or set up Mobile Suica. See Suica & PASMO 2026 Guide.
3. Withdraw cash — Use 7-Bank ATMs in the terminal. Many small shops and restaurants are still cash-only.

Troubleshooting

Missed the last train? Check departure boards carefully. If you have already missed it, go to the taxi stand. At Haneda, flat-rate taxis to central Tokyo start around ¥5,000. At Narita, consider the 9h capsule hotel in Terminal 2 (from ¥1,500 for a few hours).

Train is delayed or cancelled? Ask at the JR or Keisei information counter. They will advise on alternative routes. If N’EX is cancelled, the Skyliner or Access Express may still be running (and vice versa).

Do not have enough cash for the train? All major airport train ticket machines accept credit cards. The Limousine Bus counter also accepts credit cards. Keikyu and Monorail ticket machines accept IC cards and cash.

Heavy luggage? Use the Limousine Bus (large luggage compartment) or N’EX (overhead luggage racks). Alternatively, use a luggage delivery service (Takkyubin / 宅急便) at the airport to ship bags to your hotel — they arrive next day for about ¥2,000-3,000 per bag.