Oh no! You’re about to book your flight tickets to Tokyo, but come across two airports - what airport is the most convenient to land at? What’s the easiest way to get to your hotel or what if you need to stay the night? What can you do with your spare time if you’ve got a layover?
These are the last things you want to panic over after a long flight. So for a stress-free start (and end) to your holiday in Japan, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about the two key airports in Tokyo.
Here's everything you need to know about Narita vs Haneda Airport
If you're scouring for flights to Tokyo, you'll soon realize that the names Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) will pop up quite frequently. Wait … two airports?!? Well, it's not actually as daunting as it sounds, so let's break down the main differences and find out which one is more convenient for you.
Narita Airport
The main airport in Tokyo and the one you'll most likely fly into and out of is Narita International Airport (NRT). Both domestic and international flights operate here, though there are definitely more connected international flights. Major airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and United all operate in this airport. You'll get the most convenience with more options in airlines, flight schedules, and pricing here.
One of the main cons (albeit only a small one) is that it's a lot further from the city of Tokyo than Haneda Airport. NRT is situated 70km away in the adjacent Chiba prefecture. However, easy and abundant access to public and private transport makes traveling to and from Japan's capital city convenient.
Some of the most popular options for getting to Tokyo are by airport limousine bus or by Shinkansen. If you're taking the latter, your best bet is the Keisei Skyliner Express. It takes just over 30 minutes to reach downtown Tokyo. Heading beyond Tokyo? You can pre-purchase Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Japan's major cities including Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka on Klook, too!
If you're traveling in a larger group and prefer your own vehicle, you can check out private transfers from Narita below.
Haneda Airport
While Haneda Airport (also known as Tokyo International Airport) offers several international destinations, it is more commonly used as a hub for domestic flights.
Haneda Airport is a lot closer to central Tokyo, located just 20km outside the city. It is also continuously increasing its flights and airline operators internationally, so it is still an option you might consider - especially if you're traveling with Qantas, Japan Airlines, ANA, or Singapore Airlines.
So basically in a nutshell, Narita is the Heathrow of Japan and Haneda is more like Luton or Stansted!
What to expect at Narita Airport
Passenger terminals
First and foremost, Narita Airport is split into three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the largest, with a North and South Wing. On the other hand, Terminal 3 is home to more low-cost carriers and has a modest space. Terminal 2 is in between in terms of both size and amenities.
Dining options
Narita Airport's terminals have plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars sprawled across the three terminals, meaning there are more than enough options to suit everyone's tastebuds. Some of our favorites include:
- IPPUDO - 3rd Floor, Terminal 1
One of the most well-known ramen restaurants in the country, you can still get your noodle fix in before you fly off.
- Japanese McDonalds - 4th Floor Terminal 2
Suppose you're craving familiar flavors while in Terminal 2, you're in luck! Try out Japanese McDonald's, which has country-exclusive items to expand your culinary palette with. We recommend the Mega Teriyaki Burger and the Samurai Mac.
- Terminal 3 Food Court - 4th Floor, Terminal 3
If you're in Terminal 3, check out the food court for amazing Japanese takeaway options such as udon noodles, ramen, gyoza, and BBQ dishes.
Shopping and entertainment
Photo from Pokemon official website
Narita Airport also has a large offering of duty-free and souvenir stores in Terminal 1 & 2, where you can pick up an assortment of Japanese snacks and iconic manga/anime characters as a token of your trip to Japan!
Klook Tip: Pokemon fans shouldn't miss out on the official Pokemon store located at Terminal 2 4F.
One of the many duty free stores in Narita International Airport. Credits @narita.airport_official
Transfer between terminals at Narita Airport
Looking to stretch your legs, take the coloured walkways between Terminal 2 & 3. Credits @narita.airport_official
One of the most common ways to travel from terminal to terminal at Narita Airport is by the free shuttle buses. The shuttle buses are connected to all the terminals and are conveniently located outside each terminal.
Walking is also a viable option to travel between Terminals 2 and 3 as they are a little more than 500 meters apart. Colored walkways make this an extremely easy path to navigate.
Airport Transfer for Narita
Ready for that 70km trip into Tokyo? There are more than a few ways to get to the city center. For ease of mind, before you land, you can book your Narita airport transfers directly on Klook.
The limousine bus is one of the most popular options, though we also break the potential costs of your other options down below to help you budget better.
In case you aren't able to plan a transfer ahead of time, don't worry because taxis and shuttles are always in abundance just outside the terminals! Just expect to pay a little more in price. If you already have a JR Pass with you, you're in luck as it covers the Narita Express (N'EX) into Tokyo.
Cost Estimates:
- Airport Limousine Bus on Klook from $USD 9.75 for adults, $USD 4.89 for children (total depends on chosen pickup/drop-off locations)
- Private Airport Transfer on Klook from $USD 103.45 (4 pax)
- Shared Airport Transfer on Klook from $USD 28.09/person
- JR Pass inclusion - free!
🔥Stay connected on the go with a Japan eSim!
Even with free WiFi in airports, not having access to WiFi in another country can be nerve-wracking. If you want to skip that stress, we recommend using a Japan eSim since you can purchase and activate it before you land in Tokyo.
eSims work exactly like physical SIM cards, except you don't have to claim a physical card to swap in and out of your phone. They're installed and activated digitally and give you a local phone number on top of reliable internet access.
If you want to see how they compare against Pocket WiFi devices and traditional SIM cards in Japan, check out this article for more information!
What to expect at Haneda Airport
Passenger terminals
Haneda Airport is split into three terminals: Terminals 1 and 2 (which mostly handle domestic flights), and the 3rd International Terminal. All three terminals are equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, showers, and areas to kick your feet up such as Airport Lounges and Transit Hotels. Like Narita, the top Japan airlines are also serviced here.
Dining options
Tonkotsu Ramen from Ramen Setagaya, Photo from Haneda Airport Official Facebook
Travelers can also expect plenty of shopping and dining options, with food kiosks serving traditional Japanese cuisine, oriental meals from wider Asia, and comforting Western dishes.
Our favorite places to dine in Haneda Airport include:
- Yakiniku Champion - 4th Floor, Terminal 3
Only the highest-quality wagyu beef gets served at Yakiniku Champion. Fire up the grill and cook your meat to the desired taste!
- Ramen Setagaya - 4th Floor, Terminal 3
Would it be a trip to Japan without a warm, hearty bowl of ramen? Ramen Setagaya serves up some of the finest ramen for one last great meal before boarding. Better yet, they're open 24 hours!
- Planetarium Starry Cafe - 5th Floor, Terminal 3
After a light meal or some much-needed coffee? Head up to the Planetarium Starry Cafe and gaze up at projections of over 40 million stars and constellations. They're open after 10 PM too, so this is a great option if you're arriving at Haneda pretty late.
Shopping and entertainment
If you've got a bit of yen left to splash or just want to pass the time, check out the wide variety of boutiques, convenience stores, bookstores, and clothing brands at Haneda. Be sure to visit the tax-free Tiat Duty-Free Shop on the 3rd Floor of the International Terminal, which is open 24 hours and has products ranging from alcohol to perfumes and everything in between.
Transfer between terminals at Haneda Airport
Photo from Haneda Airport
The easiest way to travel between the three terminals is by using the Free Shuttle Bus as they're abundant and arrive every 4-8 minutes from 5 AM-12 AM. Just take note that from 12 AM-5 AM, they come at 30-minute intervals for some hours. The shuttle buses can be found in the Arrival Lobby of each Terminal. Inter-terminal Shuttle Buses are located at:
- Bus Stop 8 - Terminal 1
- Bus Stop 9 - Terminal 2
- Bus Stop 0 - Terminal 3
The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu line are also viable options when traveling between terminals. However, keep in mind that both the Monorail and Keikyu Line are only available to travelers who need inter-terminal transfers between Domestic to International flights and vice versa. Boarding tickets are distributed for free, although you will be asked to present your flight tickets for confirmation.
The passageway from Terminal 1 to 2, Photo from Haneda Airport
If you need to stretch your legs, there is an underground passageway with a moving walkway to help you get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The walk itself is 400m, though with the moving walkway, it'll feel like a light stroll. Currently, the walkway is out of order due to construction, but the passage is still open!
For more detailed information about transfers between terminals in Haneda Airport, you can check out their official website.
Airport Transfer for Haneda
Haneda Airport provides the same convenience as Narita Airport when it comes to Airport Transfers. Despite the shorter trip, Private and Shared Airport Transfers - as well as airport limousine buses - are still the most comfortable way to get to your hotel after a long flight. You can already pre-book your Airport Transfers on Klook.
Cost Estimates:
- Airport Limousine Bus on Klook from $USD 9.75 for adults, $USD 4.89 for children (total depends on chosen pickup/drop-off locations)
- Private Airport Transfer on Klook from $USD 71.49 (4 pax)
- Shared Airport Transfer on Klook from $USD 20.19/person
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Hamamatsucho Station) - from JPY 520/$USD 3.70. This is covered by the JR Pass!
- Keikyu Railway (Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Yokohama Station) - from JPY 320/$USD 2.28
For more detailed information on public transportation options from Haneda Airport to Tokyo (including operating hours and timetables), you can check out their official website here. Traveling via train in Japan can get a bit confusing for first-timers, so if you're interested in learning more, we've got you covered with our ultimate guide on trains in Japan.
And that's it for our guide on Narita and Haneda! These two major airports are both serviced by international airlines, so if you're a frequent traveler to Japan (or want to be!) - you'll probably end up visiting both at some point. And before you go, check out our Japan essentials below. Safe travels! 🧡
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
🚅Trains & Airport Transfers
📌Mobile Data & Metro Passes
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