What You Need to Know
Tokyo has two main international gateways. Narita (NRT) is farther but has fast express trains; Haneda (HND) is close, quick, and easy with children. Pick a route by arrival time, hotel area, and luggage volume. All options accept IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and have elevator access.
USD amounts are approximate for comparison.
Step‑by‑Step Guide
From Narita (NRT)
1) Narita Express (N’EX) → Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya Details:
- Time: ~60–90 min depending on stop
- Cost: ~¥3,200 ($22) adults; discounts for round‑trips at times
- Luggage: Overhead + luggage areas; reserved seats
- Best for: Hotels near Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku
How: Follow N’EX signs at the basement station; buy a reserved seat at JR ticket machines or counters.
2) Skyliner → Ueno/Nippori (then JR/Metro) Details:
- Time: ~41–55 min to Ueno
- Cost: ~¥2,600 ($18) adults
- Luggage: Dedicated racks; reserved seats
- Best for: Ueno/Asakusa/Akihabara or JR Yamanote connections at Nippori
How: Take Keisei Skyliner to Ueno; transfer to JR/Metro for your final stop.
3) Keisei Access Express (budget) Details:
- Time: ~70–90 min to Asakusa/Nihombashi area
- Cost: ~¥1,300–¥1,600 ($9–$11)
- Luggage: Standard metro cars; avoid peak rush
- Best for: Low‑cost daytime travel with light bags
4) Limousine Bus / Taxi Details:
- Time: ~75–120 min (traffic‑dependent)
- Cost: Bus ~¥3,200 ($22); taxi ¥25,000+ ($170+)
- Best for: Door‑to‑door convenience when trains feel overwhelming
From Haneda (HND)
1) Tokyo Monorail → Hamamatsucho (JR) Details:
- Time: ~20 min
- Cost: ~¥500 ($3.50)
- Best for: JR Yamanote Line connections; hotels near Tokyo/Ginza/Shinbashi
2) Keikyu Line → Shinagawa (JR) or Asakusa Line Details:
- Time: ~18–25 min
- Cost: ~¥300–¥500 ($2–$3.50)
- Best for: Shinagawa, Asakusa Line through‑runs to Nihombashi/Asakusa
3) Limousine Bus / Taxi Details:
- Time: ~25–60 min
- Cost: Bus ~¥1,100–¥1,400 ($8–$10); taxi ¥7,000–¥12,000 ($50–$85)
- Best for: Late nights, heavy luggage, or door‑to‑door with kids
Which Should We Choose?
- Staying near Ueno/Asakusa? Narita → Skyliner; Haneda → Keikyu to Asakusa Line.
- Staying near Shinjuku/Shibuya? Narita → N’EX; Haneda → Monorail (Hamamatsucho) → JR Yamanote.
- Late arrival or many bags? Consider Limousine Bus or a taxi/minivan.
Cost Breakdown (one‑way, adult)
- Narita Express: ~¥3,200 ($22)
- Skyliner: ~¥2,600 ($18)
- Keisei Access Express: ~¥1,300–¥1,600 ($9–$11)
- Haneda Monorail: ~¥500 ($3.50)
- Keikyu (Haneda → Shinagawa): ~¥300–¥500 ($2–$3.50)
- Limousine Bus: ~¥1,100–¥3,200 ($8–$22)
- Taxi: ¥7,000–¥12,000 ($50–$85) from Haneda; ¥25,000+ ($170+) from Narita
USD amounts are approximate for comparison.
Tools and Resources
- IC Cards: Suica/Pasmo (station machines and convenience stores)
- Route Planning: Google Maps, Jorudan
- Tickets: JR counters/machines; Keisei ticket centers; Limousine Bus counters
Troubleshooting Guide
- Missed last train: Use Limousine Bus if running; otherwise, airport taxi counters can arrange flat‑rate taxis.
- Too many bags with kids: Pick bus or taxi over multiple transfers.
- Strollers: Elevators signed in English; station staff can help.
- IC card issues: Purchase paper tickets for that ride; resolve card at the next major station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closer to the city?
Haneda is much closer (20–30 minutes). Narita is ~60–90 minutes away.
Can I use the JR Pass from the airport?
The JR Pass does not cover private lines like Skyliner; N’EX can be used if you activate at the airport.
Is it easy with a stroller?
Yes. Use elevators and allow a few extra minutes for transfers.
What if we arrive very late?
Check the last train time; if missed, use Limousine Bus or taxi.
Booking Shortcuts
- Transport passes & transfers: Klook – Tokyo
- Hotels: Booking.com – Tokyo
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Travel Insurance: WorldNomads
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