What is the difference between Haneda and Narita Airport?

Learn how Tokyo's two main airports differ in distance, train times, terminals and flight mix, so you can choose the better one for your trip.

Published October 20, 2026 at 6:18 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Haneda sits about 15 km south of Tokyo Station and is reached in roughly 20 to 30 minutes by train, while Narita lies in Chiba Prefecture, around 50 to 60 km east, and usually takes about an hour or more. Both handle international flights. Haneda is far closer to the city; Narita typically offers more varied airline options.

Two airports, two very different locations

Tokyo is served by two major international airports, and the biggest difference is geography. Haneda Airport is in Ota Ward, inside the city of Tokyo itself, about 15 km from central Tokyo according to the Tokyo tourism organization. Narita International Airport is in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, an old temple town to the east of the capital, roughly 50 to 60 km from central Tokyo.

That gap shapes almost everything else. From Haneda, most of the city's major neighborhoods are described as less than an hour away. From Narita, the same trip is typically an hour or longer, and the exact time depends on which train or bus you pick. Narita also opened much later than the older Haneda, in 1978, which is one reason it was built so far out of town.

Size also differs. Haneda handled about 85.9 million passengers in 2024, which Wikipedia lists as third in the world, and much of that traffic is domestic. Narita is smaller but remains a major gateway for long-haul and low-cost flights. Both airports offer English signs, information desks and currency services, so neither is difficult for a first-time visitor.

Getting into the city from each airport

Haneda has two rail lines. The Keikyu Line runs from the airport to Shinagawa Station in about 11 minutes by Rapid Express or about 20 minutes by Limited Express or Express trains, according to the Tokyo tourism organization. From Shinagawa, the JR Yamanote Line (the loop line around central Tokyo) reaches Tokyo Station in about 13 minutes. The Tokyo Monorail takes about 13 minutes to Hamamatsucho, then about 7 minutes by the Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station.

Narita offers the Narita Express, a JR East limited express train that takes about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and about 90 minutes to Shinjuku. The Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 45 minutes, and seats are reserved. Airport buses also run to central Tokyo, with times that vary with traffic. Fares for all of these change over time, so check the operator's official page before you travel.

Terminals and the kind of flights each airport handles

Haneda has three terminals. Terminal 3 opened in 2010 as the international terminal, and Terminal 2 also has an international area. Terminals 1 and 2 handle mostly domestic flights for Japan's two largest carriers. A free shuttle bus links all three terminals, and Terminals 1 and 2 are joined by an underground walkway. Haneda was mainly a domestic airport until international service expanded, and it now flies to most major Japanese cities.

Narita has three terminals as well. Terminals 1 and 2 are the main international buildings, and Terminal 3, which opened in 2015, is mainly used by low-cost airlines. Narita has long been called the gateway to Japan because most of its flights are international. Which airport your airline uses depends on the route and the carrier, so look at your ticket before comparing ground transport.

Costs, timing and late arrivals

Fares change, so no single number is reliable, but the pattern is steady. Airport-to-city trains from Haneda are short and usually cost less than the longer rides from Narita, and the Skyliner and Narita Express carry seat charges that are separate from the base fare. A bus ticket from Narita to central Tokyo was listed by the Tokyo tourism organization at 1,500 yen, with a higher fare for late-night and early-morning rides.

Timing matters as much as price. Narita has no aircraft operations between midnight and 6 a.m., so late-night connections can be limited. Haneda's Terminal 3 and the international area of Terminal 2 are open around the clock, according to Wikipedia. If your flight lands very late or leaves very early, check the last trains and first trains from the airport's official access page, and consider whether a hotel near the airport is worth it.

Who each airport suits

Haneda suits travelers who want to reach their hotel quickly: families with young children, older travelers, people landing after a long flight, and anyone with a short stay. It is also the easier option for a quick domestic connection, since many flights to other cities leave from there.

Narita suits travelers who find a cheaper or more convenient fare, who are connecting between international flights, or who are heading east of Tokyo. Travelers who stay near Ueno, Nippori or Tokyo Station can reach those areas without much trouble. For someone with a Japan Rail Pass, the Narita Express is a JR line and is accepted on the pass, according to the Tokyo tourism organization; confirm current pass terms on the official pass site.

Common mistakes when comparing the two

The most frequent mistake is judging only by ticket price. A cheaper fare into Narita can be offset by the extra time and cost of the ride into the city, particularly if you arrive late. Another is assuming that Narita is "in Tokyo." It is in Chiba Prefecture, so trains and buses take noticeably longer.

Some visitors also overlook the terminal. At Haneda, international flights mostly use Terminal 3, so arriving at the wrong terminal wastes time. At Narita, the three terminals are separate buildings with their own train stations or stops, so confirm the terminal on your booking. Another misunderstanding is expecting both airports to be connected by a quick link: the trip between them typically takes well over an hour and a half.

A third point is luggage. Large suitcases are easier to manage on the shorter Haneda rides, while a longer Narita transfer can feel tiring with heavy bags. Either airport also has counters where bags can be sent ahead to a hotel, which can make the ride into the city much easier.

Choosing between the two

Start with your flight times. If you land in the evening or leave in the early morning, check the last and first trains and buses from the official airport pages. Then compare total travel time, not only the fare. Many travelers find Haneda the easier arrival airport and either airport fine for departure.

If you are flying into one and out of another, an open-jaw ticket (arriving at one airport, leaving from a different one) can save backtracking. Check the current rules and timetables on the airport and rail operator pages before you travel, and keep a little time in reserve for connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors travel between Haneda and Narita directly?

Yes. A direct train service links the two airports, and airport buses also run between them. Wikipedia describes the trip as about 1.5 to 2 hours by rail or bus, and the Tokyo tourism organization lists a rail option of roughly two hours. Times vary by service and time of day, so check the operator's timetable.

Is one airport safer or better equipped for international travelers?

Both are major international airports with English signs, information desks and plenty of services. The practical differences are location, terminals and available routes rather than quality. Neither is a bad choice, and the better option is usually the one your airline uses and the one closest to your hotel.

Can travelers rely on Haneda for late-night arrivals?

Terminal 3 and the international area of Terminal 2 stay open around the clock, but trains and buses do not run all night. After late flights, travelers often use taxis, which can carry a surcharge between 22:00 and 5:00, or stay in an airport hotel. Check current late-night options on the official airport page.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Tokyo, Made Simple is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: What is the Yamanote Line and which stops are most useful for visitors?, Are domestic flights in Japan cheaper than the Shinkansen? and Tokyo Monorail: The Elevated Ride Between Haneda and Hamamatsucho.

Going through Haneda? For the full insider version, with terminal-by-terminal food, rest spots and things to do before you leave the airport, read my book, A Tokyo Airport Mania's Guide to Haneda.