When planning a trip to Tokyo, one important decision travelers often overlook is which airport to fly into: Narita or Haneda. While both are international gateways to Japan’s capital, they offer very different experiences in terms of location, convenience, cost, and services. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for business, tourism, or a layover, understanding the pros and cons of each airport can help you choose the one that best fits your travel needs. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice between Narita or Haneda.
Location, Location, Location
When asking yourself “Narita or Haneda?”, the first major difference is distance from central Tokyo.
Haneda Airport (HND) is located in Ota City, just 14 kilometers south of Tokyo Station. You can reach central Tokyo in as little as 20 to 30 minutes by train, monorail, taxi, or bus. It’s incredibly convenient for early morning or late-night flights and offers fast access to business districts like Shinagawa and Shibuya.
Narita Airport (NRT), on the other hand, is about 60 kilometers east of Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. A train ride to central Tokyo takes between 60 to 90 minutes depending on the service, and it can be even longer during peak travel times. This means additional travel time and potentially more fatigue after a long-haul flight.
Verdict: If you’re prioritizing easy access to the city, Haneda wins.
Flight Availability and Airlines
When choosing between Narita or Haneda, consider the availability of flights and which airlines operate at each airport.
Haneda is increasingly popular for international flights, especially since its expansion and upgraded terminals. It is Japan Airlines’ and All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) primary hub for domestic and international flights. Many major carriers like Delta, United, and Air France now also fly in and out of Haneda.
Narita has historically been Tokyo’s main international airport and still handles a large number of long-haul flights, especially to and from North America, Europe, and Asia. Budget carriers such as Jetstar, Zipair, and Scoot primarily operate out of Narita, making it a hub for low-cost international travel.
Verdict: If you’re flying a full-service international carrier, either airport may be an option. But if you’re on a budget airline or flying from less common destinations, you may only find service through Narita.
Cost and Transportation Options
Between Narita or Haneda, transport costs can make a noticeable difference in your overall travel budget.
From Haneda, a ticket on the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line costs around ¥500–¥600. Taxis are also relatively affordable, with fares to central Tokyo ranging from ¥6,000–¥10,000.
From Narita, train options include the Narita Express (N’EX) and Keisei Skyliner. The N’EX costs around ¥3,000 to Tokyo Station, while the Skyliner to Ueno or Nippori costs about ¥2,500. Taxis are significantly more expensive from Narita, with fares starting at ¥25,000, depending on your destination and time of day.
Verdict: For budget-friendly and quick transportation, Haneda is the better choice.
Customs and Immigration Speed
One often overlooked factor when deciding between Narita or Haneda is how long it takes to get through customs.
Haneda, being newer and more modernized, often provides faster immigration and customs processing. It’s also smaller and less crowded than Narita, leading to shorter lines.
Narita can be busy, especially during peak travel times. The airport handles a high volume of international passengers, which can lead to longer wait times at immigration and customs, although improvements have been made in recent years.
Verdict: Haneda generally offers a smoother arrival and departure experience.
Amenities, Food, and Shopping
When it comes to airport facilities, both airports are well-equipped but differ in style.
Haneda features a beautifully designed Edo Market that recreates the feel of old Tokyo. It offers high-end shops, sushi bars, and even an onsen (hot spring). Its newer international terminal is sleek, modern, and convenient.
Narita has a broader range of duty-free options and international brands due to its long history with global travelers. There are also capsule hotels and nap lounges inside the terminal, which can be helpful during long layovers or late-night arrivals.
Verdict: Narita may offer more options for long-haul travelers, but Haneda wins in charm and ease of use.
Domestic Flight Connections
If your journey continues beyond Tokyo to cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Sapporo, the choice between Narita or Haneda becomes even more important.
Haneda is the main domestic hub for flights within Japan, offering frequent and fast connections. If you’re planning to hop on a domestic flight right after arriving in Tokyo, Haneda is the ideal choice.
Narita does have domestic flights, but they are fewer and mainly serviced by low-cost carriers. Transferring from Narita to a domestic airport can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Verdict: For domestic transfers, Haneda is far superior.
Which Airport Do Locals Prefer?
Ask a Tokyo resident about Narita or Haneda, and chances are they’ll say Haneda. The convenience, short travel time, and increasing number of international flights make it the go-to choice for Tokyoites. Many business travelers and frequent flyers opt for Haneda when given the option.
However, budget-conscious travelers and those flying specific international routes may still need to use Narita.
Final Verdict: Narita or Haneda?
To wrap it up, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Distance to Tokyo | Haneda |
| Transportation Cost | Haneda |
| Flight Variety | Tie |
| Budget Airline Access | Narita |
| Domestic Connections | Haneda |
| Customs Speed | Haneda |
| Amenities | Tie |
| Local Preference | Haneda |
If you’re still wondering Narita or Haneda, here’s a general rule:
- Choose Haneda if you value convenience, speed, and a short commute to the city.
- Choose Narita if you’re flying with a low-cost airline or arriving from a country that only services Narita.
In the end, both airports are efficient, clean, and safe. But for most travelers, Haneda is the better choice thanks to its location and modern infrastructure. Just make sure to check which airport your flight actually uses before booking, as Tokyo has two very different gateways waiting to welcome you.
