The ultimate insider’s guide to Tokyo airports

Trying to decide on which Tokyo airport to fly into? Consider this:

• Haneda is the closest airport to central Tokyo, about 15 km south of the city centre, making it the most convenient for most
• Narita offers more international flight options but is about 60 km from city centre, making it a good choice if you're exploring areas in eastern Tokyo

Tokyo, one of the world’s busiest and most exciting cities, is served by two major international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). With ultra-modern amenities and strategic locations, both Narita and Haneda offer unique strengths that travelers appreciate, but depending on your final destination, one may be a better option. With millions of passengers traveling through Tokyo annually, your airport choice can significantly impact your arrival experience. Choosing the right airport can save time, reduce costs, and enhance your travel experience.

Our travel pros curated a handy guide filled with information and tips on Tokyo airports. It covers everything you need to know about Haneda and Narita, including amenities, flight options, accessibility, and how to select the best airport to fly into Japan based on your travel goals.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Tokyo traveler, we will equip you with all the information needed to make your journey smooth and stress-free. From selecting the best airport to time-saving tips and answers to frequently asked questions, we will help you maximize your Japanese adventure.

Overview of Tokyo airports

Tokyo has two airports offering distinct advantages, travel experiences and airline connections. Whether you’re flying domestically within Japan or arriving from abroad, selecting the right airport can influence everything from your travel time to the overall convenience of your journey.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita International Airport (NRT) is one of Tokyo's two major gateways to the world. Located about 60 km (37 miles) east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, it's been a crucial hub for international travel since its opening in 1978. Originally built to alleviate congestion from the more centrally located Haneda Airport, Narita quickly became the primary international gateway for Tokyo due to its long runways, expanded facilities and capacity for large aircraft. Narita remains vital to Tokyo's air transport infrastructure despite its distance from the city centre.

Key features of Narita International Airport include:

• Three passenger terminals
• Two runways
• Extensive international flight network
• High-speed rail connections to Tokyo
• Major hub for All Nippon Airways and Japan's flag carrier, Japan Airlines
• Hosts a wide variety of global carriers from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Oceania
• Budget airlines and long-haul carriers often use Narita due to lower landing fees and ample slots

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport (HND), officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is the closest of the two main airports to central Tokyo. Located just 15 km (9 miles) south of the city centre in the bustling district of Ota City, Haneda has become increasingly popular among both domestic and international travelers. Built in 1931, Haneda initially served as Tokyo's main domestic airport, but since 2010, it has undergone significant upgrades to support international flights. Due to its proximity to the city and modern facilities, it is now a preferred choice for many travelers.

Notable aspects of Haneda Airport include:

• Three passenger terminals (two domestic, one international)
• Four runways
• Excellent domestic flight network
• Convenient access to central Tokyo

Comparison of passenger traffic and destinations

To provide a clear picture of how these two airports compare, let's look at their passenger traffic and destinations:

Narita International Airport (NRT) vs Haneda Airport (HND): How to choose which is best for you

Choosing between Narita and Haneda airports for your Tokyo trip ultimately depends on your priorities and travel plans. Your decision may be influenced by the purpose of your trip, arrival and departure times, and airline preferences.

Domestic flights

When considering domestic travel within Japan, both Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport offer excellent options. However, Haneda Airport holds a distinct advantage for domestic flights. As Japan's primary hub for air travel, Haneda provides a wider range of domestic destinations and more frequent flights. With over a dozen daily connections within the country, it is easier to get to major cities like Osaka, Sapporo, or Fukuoka from Haneda. In contrast, Narita offers limited domestic services and focuses more on international operations. While a few connections are available to regional Japanese cities, they tend to be infrequent and generally more expensive.

International flights

Both airports serve as major gateways to Japan for international travel. Narita has long been Tokyo's primary international airport, offering many flights to destinations worldwide. However, Haneda has been expanding its global operations, making it an increasingly attractive option for overseas travelers.

You'll find that:

• Narita remains Tokyo’s largest international airport in terms of the number of destinations and airline diversity. It has traditionally focused more on long-haul international flights but has been increasing its domestic routes.
• Haneda has expanded its international operations in recent years and now offers convenient flights to cities like Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, and Sydney. Its popularity with business class travelers is due to quick connections and minimal transfer hassle.

Location

The location of the two Tokyo airports can significantly impact your travel plans. Here’s a comparison of the two:

• Haneda Airport is just 15 km (9 miles) south of Tokyo, making it incredibly convenient to access the city centre. Depending on your mode of transport, you can reach downtown Tokyo in about 30–45 minutes from Haneda.
• Narita is about 60 km (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. The journey to the city centre can take anywhere from 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic and your chosen transportation method. While this might seem like a drawback, Narita's location can be advantageous if you plan to explore areas east of Tokyo, such as Chiba Prefecture.

Amenities

Both Haneda and Narita airports offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience.

Both offer:

• Duty-free shopping
• Restaurants and cafes
• Currency exchange
• Wi-Fi access
• Premium lounges
• Children’s play area
• Luggage storage

Narita has a more extensive selection of shopping, cultural displays, dining areas, and duty-free stores, particularly in its international terminals. Travelers will find Japanese-themed souvenirs, tea houses, and even capsule hotels. Narita's first-class lounges are known for unique features like made-to-order sushi stations.

Haneda, while smaller, has been modernising its facilities and now offers a comparable experience, especially in its international terminal. You will find a more modern airport experience with luxury boutiques, fine dining options, quiet zones, and smart boarding gates. Haneda's first-class lounges feature made-to-order teppanyaki bars. Traditional Japanese architecture is also in parts of the international terminal, enhancing the travel experience.

Airlines

The choice of airlines can also influence your decision, depending on your travel destination.

Here is how HND and NRT stack up:

• Narita is the go-to airport for a broader range of international and budget airlines. It hosts most international carriers and is a central hub for international flights – from Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).
• Haneda is the primary base for JAL and ANA's domestic operations, with an increasing number of international carriers.

Comparison of airlines at HND and NRT:

Connections and transportation

When it comes to ground transportation, both airports excel at offering multiple transportation options.

• Haneda is served by the Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, airport limousine buses, and taxi services. It’s also connected to central Tokyo rail hubs like Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa, making transfers simple. Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Airport Line provide quick access to major Tokyo stations like Hamamatsucho (for transfer to JR Yamanote Line) and Shinagawa, respectively.
• Naritahas several rail options, including the Narita Express (N’EX), Keisei Skyliner, and highway buses. While more distant, the fast, and punctual trains help ease the journey.

Comparison of transportation of HND vs NRT

Security and Immigration

Both airports maintain high standards of security and efficiency in their immigration processes. However, you may notice that Haneda often has shorter queues due to a more balanced distribution of domestic and international flights throughout the day.

• Narita can occasionally face longer wait times during peak international arrival hours.
• Haneda generally features more streamlined and modern immigration facilities, which leads to shorter waiting times and quicker customs processing.

Best Tokyo airport to fly into: Considerations worth mentioning

When deciding which is the best airport to fly into Tokyo, a few factors may sway your choice. When planning your trip to Tokyo, consider your arrival airport carefully. Haneda's proximity to the city centre makes it ideal for business travelers or those with tight schedules. While further out, Narita often offers more international flight options and can be a good choice if you're planning to explore areas east of Tokyo.

A few considerations to factor in to ensure a smooth start to your Japanese adventure:

1. Location and accessibility
2. Flight options and frequencies
3. Airport facilities and services
4. Travel time to your accommodation
5. Overall cost

Location and accessibility

The distance from the airport to your accommodation or planned activities in Tokyo is crucial. Here's how the two airports’ locations compare:

• Consider flying into Narita if you are heading to eastern Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, or even northern Tokyo Prefecture.
• Haneda's proximity to the city centre offers a distinct advantage if you stay in Tokyo proper. Most parts of the city can be reached within 30–45 minutes from Haneda compared to 1–2 hours from Narita.

Flight options

Consider your travel destination when choosing between the two Tokyo airports, as they differ for international or domestic flights.

• Narita provides a broader selection of international flights, particularly for long-haul and low-cost carriers.
• Haneda offers more convenient domestic flight connections within Japan. If you plan to explore other parts of Japan, Haneda’s extensive domestic connections might be more convenient.

Tips: Check flight availability, prices and airline options for your origin and destination. Business class and premium flights often favour HND for its night arrivals and early departures.

Costs

Because of their extensive line of low-cost carriers, Narita airport may offer more budget-friendly airfare options, particularly with carriers like AirAsia X, Scoot, and Jetstar. Compare your itineraries from both airports before booking flights. When comparing costs, you'll need to consider both flight prices and transportation expenses from the airport to your destination.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Flight costs: Prices can vary, but flights to Narita are often slightly cheaper due to higher competition and capacity.
2. Airport transportation: While flights to Narita may be cheaper, the higher transportation costs and longer travel time could offset these savings. Haneda's proximity to the city centre often results in lower overall costs, especially when factoring in time and convenience.
3. Time costs: Factor in the value of your time when considering the longer journey from Narita.

Frequently asked questions about Tokyo airports

Is Tokyo Haneda or Narita better?

The answer typically depends on your needs. If you're visiting Tokyo for the first time or traveling with young children, Haneda Airport is generally the better option due to its proximity to Tokyo and convenience for domestic travel. Narita often offers more international flight options and potentially lower fares, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers or those on long-haul routes. Your choice depends on your specific needs and itinerary, but they are both winners.

Which is the main airport in Tokyo?

Though Narita was once considered the main airport for international arrivals, that role has shifted. Haneda now accommodates most Tokyo-bound traffic, especially for premium and domestic segments. In terms of passenger traffic, Haneda has surpassed Narita, handling more passengers each year. However, Narita still manages a significant number of international flights.

Which airport in Tokyo is closer to the city centre?

Haneda Airport is significantly closer to Tokyo's city centre. It is about 15 km and only 30–45 minutes from central Tokyo by train or monorail. It's highly integrated with the city's infrastructure, providing quick access to key neighbourhoods. Narita is approximately 60 km from central Tokyo.

Does Tokyo have two airports?

Yes, Tokyo is served by two international airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Each airport offers unique advantages regarding location, connectivity and airline partnerships. Choosing the right one depends on your specific route and travel plans. However, it's worth noting that a third airport serves the greater Tokyo area. Ibaraki Airport (IBR) is a smaller airport located about 85 km northeast of Tokyo. While Ibaraki is sometimes considered a Tokyo airport, it is quite far from the city centre and mainly serves budget airlines and some charter flights.

Tokyo's airports provide travelers a gateway to one of the world's most vibrant cities. Whether you choose Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport, both offer unique advantages. Although most travelers select Haneda for its location in the heart of Tokyo, consider factors such as your final destination in Tokyo, flight schedules and transportation options when making your decision. Remember to utilize time-saving tips, such as pre-booking airport transfers or express train services, to enhance your journey. No matter which you choose, Japan’s transportation efficiency ensures that your trip will start on the right foot for an unforgettable Tokyo adventure.「良い旅を！(Safe travels!)