For Haneda, stay in Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho; for Narita, stay in Ueno or Nippori. From there a train runs to the airport without changing: the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa in about 11 to 15 minutes, the monorail from Hamamatsucho in about 13 minutes, the Skyliner from Ueno and Nippori in 36 to 41 minutes. If your flight leaves before the first train, a hotel right at the airport is the better choice.
Key takeaways
- Haneda: Shinagawa (Keikyu Line, approx. ¥330) or Hamamatsucho (Tokyo Monorail, ¥520, on average every 5 minutes).
- Narita: Ueno or Nippori (Keisei Skyliner, ¥2,580, all seats reserved) or Tokyo Station (Narita Express, from 53 minutes, from ¥3,140).
- Both airports: Shinagawa has the Keikyu Line to Haneda and the Narita Express to Narita (¥3,330).
- The limit: the first Keikyu train to Haneda leaves shortly after 5 am. For earlier flights, sleep at the airport.
For Haneda, stay on the Keikyu Line or the monorail
Haneda is close to the city, and two rail lines run straight there. Which area suits you depends on where else in Tokyo you want to go.
- Shinagawa: the Keikyu Airport Line reaches the airport in about 11 to 15 minutes for about ¥330. These figures come from the airport website, as the Keikyu website could not be reached during our check.
- Hamamatsucho: the Tokyo Monorail runs on average every 5 minutes, as the Haneda Express in about 13 minutes to Terminal 3 and 16 to 19 minutes to Terminals 1 and 2. The fare is the same from every terminal: ¥520, or ¥519 with an IC card. At Hamamatsucho you change to the JR Yamanote Line.
- Asakusa: Keikyu trains run through towards Asakusa, about 40 minutes according to the airport. It is further, but without changing.
To Shinjuku or Shibuya the train takes about 45 to 50 minutes. The Limousine Bus is often easier there; fares and stops are in the guide Haneda Airport to Tokyo.
For Narita, stay in Ueno, Nippori or near Tokyo Station
Narita is far out, and even the fastest train takes over half an hour. An area on a direct line saves you the most time here.
- Ueno and Nippori: the Keisei Skyliner takes 36 to 41 minutes and costs ¥2,580, or ¥2,567 with an IC card. All seats are reserved. The Keisei Access Express without surcharge is cheaper, from about ¥1,240, but slower.
- Tokyo Station: the Narita Express (N’EX, a JR East train) reaches the airport from 53 minutes, from ¥3,140.
- Asakusa: the Keisei Access Express takes about 50 minutes.
The last trains from Narita leave around 11 pm. The connections are compared in the guide Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Shinagawa works if you use both airports
If you land at Narita and fly on from Haneda, or the other way round, Shinagawa is the most practical base. The Keikyu Line runs to Haneda in about 11 to 15 minutes, the Narita Express to Narita for ¥3,330. If you switch directly between the airports on the same day, the route is in the guide Narita to Haneda (and back).
| Area | Airport | Train | Ride time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinagawa | Haneda | Keikyu Airport Line | approx. 11 to 15 min | approx. ¥330 |
| Hamamatsucho | Haneda | Tokyo Monorail | from approx. 13 min (Terminal 3) | ¥520 |
| Asakusa | Haneda | Keikyu (through train) | approx. 40 min | not checked |
| Ueno, Nippori | Narita | Keisei Skyliner | 36 to 41 min | ¥2,580 |
| Ueno, Nippori | Narita | Keisei Access Express | longer than the Skyliner | from approx. ¥1,240 |
| Tokyo Station | Narita | Narita Express | from 53 min | from ¥3,140 |
| Shinagawa | Narita | Narita Express | not checked | ¥3,330 |
For an early flight, sleep at the airport
A hotel in the city only helps while the trains are running. The first Keikyu train to Haneda leaves shortly after 5 am. If your flight departs around 6 am, that is too tight. Hotels at Haneda and Narita run their first shuttle to the terminal from about 4 am, and some sit right in the terminal. They are listed in the guide Hotels for early flights from Narita and Haneda. Cheap rooms at the airport are compared in Cheap hotels near Narita and Haneda Airport.