The ultimate insider’s guide to Tokyo airports

Tokyo, one of the world’s busiest and most exciting cities, is served by two major international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). With ultra-modern facilities and strategic locations, both Narita and Haneda offer unique strengths that travellers appreciate, but depending on your origin, final destination, budget and travel itinerary, one may be a better option. With millions of passengers travelling through Tokyo annually, your airport choice can significantly impact your arrival experience. Choosing the right airport can save time, reduce costs and enhance your travel experience.

Our travel pros curated a handy guide filled with information and tips on Tokyo airports. It covers everything you need to know about Haneda and Narita, including facilities, flight options, accessibility and how to select the best airport to fly into Japan based on your travel goals.

From selecting the best airport to time-saving tips and answers to frequently asked questions, we will help you maximise your Japanese adventure.

Tokyo has two airports offering distinct advantages, travel experiences and airline connections. Whether you’re flying domestically within Japan or arriving from abroad, selecting the right airport can influence everything from your travel time to the overall convenience of your journey.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita International Airport (NRT) is one of Tokyo's two major gateways to the world. Located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, it's been a crucial hub for international travel since its opening in 1978. Originally built to alleviate congestion from the more centrally located Haneda Airport, Narita quickly became the primary international gateway for Tokyo due to its extensive international flight networks gathered from all over the world. Narita remains vital to Tokyo's air transport infrastructure despite its distance from the city centre.

Key features of Narita International Airport include:

• Three passenger terminals

• Two runways

• Extensive international flight network

• High-speed rail connections and airport shuttle buses to Tokyo

• Hosts a wide variety of global carriers from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Oceania

• Budget airlines and long-haul carriers often use Narita due to lower landing fees and ample slots

• Unavailable flight options between 0:00 and 6:00 due to an airport curfew

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport (HND), officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is the closest of the two main airports to central Tokyo. Located just 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of the city centre in the bustling district of Ota City, Haneda has become increasingly popular among both domestic and international travellers. Built in 1931, Haneda initially served as Tokyo's main domestic airport, but since 2010, it has undergone significant upgrades to support international flights. Due to its proximity to the city and modern facilities, it is now a preferred choice for many travellers.

Notable aspects of Haneda Airport include:

• Three passenger terminals 

• Four runways

• Excellent domestic flight network

• International flight network from major cities and business hubs 

• Convenient access to central Tokyo

• Available overnight options and early-morning flights

Comparison of passenger traffic and destinations

To provide a clear picture of how these two airports compare, let's look at their passenger traffic and destinations:

Choosing between Narita and Haneda airports for your Tokyo trip ultimately depends on your priorities and travel plans. Your decision may be influenced by the purpose of your trip, origin, arrival and departure times and airline preferences.

Domestic flights

When considering domestic travel within Japan, both Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport offer excellent options. However, Haneda Airport holds a distinct advantage for domestic flights. As Japan's primary hub for air travel, Haneda provides a wider range of domestic destinations and more frequent flights. With over a dozen daily connections within the country, it is easier to get to major cities like Osaka, Sapporo or Fukuoka from Haneda. 

In contrast, Narita  offers limited domestic services and focuses more on international operations. While a few connections are available to major regional Japanese cities, they tend to be infrequent and generally more expensive. 

International flights

Both airports serve as major gateways to Japan for international travel. Narita has long been Tokyo's primary international airport, offering many flights to destinations worldwide. However, Haneda has been expanding its global operations, primarily focusing on major global cities and business hubs to become an increasingly attractive option for overseas travellers.

You'll find that:

• Narita remains Tokyo’s largest international airport in terms of the number of destinations and airline diversity. It has traditionally focused more on long-haul international flights but has been increasing its domestic routes.

• Haneda has expanded its international operations since 2010 and now offers convenient flights to cities such as Los Angeles, London, Shanghai and Sydney. Its popularity with business class travellers is due to quick connections and minimal transfer hassle.

Location

The location of the two Tokyo airports can significantly impact your travel plans. Here’s a comparison of the two:

• Haneda Airport: It is just 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Tokyo, making it convenient to access central Tokyo. Depending on your mode of transport, you can reach downtown Tokyo in about 30–45 minutes from Haneda.

• Narita Airport: It is about 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. The journey to the city centre can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your chosen transportation method. While this might seem like a drawback, Narita's location can be advantageous if you plan to explore areas east of Tokyo, such as Chiba Prefecture.

Facilities

Both Haneda and Narita airports offer a range of facilities to enhance your travel experience.

Both offer:

• Duty-free shopping

• Restaurants and cafes

• Currency exchange

• Wi-Fi access

• Premium lounges

• Children’s play area

• Luggage storage

Narita has a more extensive selection of shopping, cultural displays, dining areas and duty-free stores, particularly in its international terminals. There are Japanese-themed souvenirs, tea houses and even capsule hotels available. Narita's first-class lounges are known for unique features like made-to-order sushi stations.

Haneda, while smaller, has modernised its facilities and offers a comparable experience, especially in its international terminal. You will find a more modern airport experience with luxury boutiques, fine dining options, quiet zones and smart boarding gates. Haneda's first-class lounges feature made-to-order teppanyaki bars. Traditional Japanese architecture is also in parts of the international terminal, enhancing the travel experience.

Airlines

The choice of airlines can also influence your decision, depending on your travel destination. 

Here is how HND and NRT stack up:

• Narita is the go-to airport for a broader range of international and budget airlines. It hosts most international carriers and is a central hub for international flights –  from Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

• Haneda is the primary base for JAL and ANA's domestic operations, with an increasing number of international carriers.

Connections and transportation

When it comes to ground transportation, both airports excel at offering multiple transportation options.

• Haneda is served by the Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, airport limousine buses and taxi services. It’s also connected to central Tokyo rail hubs like Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa, making transfers simple. Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Airport Line provide quick access to major Tokyo stations like Hamamatsucho (for transfer to JR Yamanote Line) and Shinagawa, respectively.

• Narita has several rail options, including the Narita Express (N’EX), Keisei Skyliner and highway buses. While more distant, the fast and punctual trains help ease the journey.

Comparison of transportation of HND vs NRT

Security and Immigration

Both airports maintain high standards of security and efficiency in their immigration processes. However, Haneda often has shorter queues due to a more balanced distribution of domestic and international flights throughout the day. 

When deciding which is the best airport to fly into Tokyo, a few factors may sway your choice. When planning your trip to Tokyo, consider your arrival airport carefully. Haneda's proximity to the city centre makes it ideal for business travellers or those with tight schedules. While further out, Narita often offers more international flight options and can be a good choice if you're planning to explore areas east of Tokyo.

A few considerations to factor in to ensure a smooth start to your Japanese adventure:

1. Location and accessibility

2. Flight options and frequencies

3. Airport facilities and services

4. Travel time to your accommodation

5. Overall cost

Location and accessibility

The distance from the airport to your accommodation or planned activities in Tokyo is crucial. Here's how the two airports’ locations compare:

• Narita is located east of Tokyo in Chiba prefecture, and requires more travel time and costs more to reach central Tokyo. There are airport shuttle buses and direct trains to the major cities, making onward travel relatively convenient. It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to get to Tokyo. Consider flying into Narita if you are heading to eastern Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki or even the northern part of Tokyo.

• Haneda's proximity to the city centre offers a distinct advantage if you are staying in central Tokyo.  Most parts of the city can be reached within 30 to 45 minutes from Haneda.

Flight options

Consider your travel destination when choosing between the two Tokyo airports, as they differ for international or domestic flights.

• Narita provides a broader selection of international flights, particularly for long-haul and low-cost carriers. 

• Haneda offers more convenient domestic flight connections within Japan. If you plan to explore other parts of Japan, Haneda’s extensive domestic connections might be more convenient.

Tips: Check flight availability, prices and airline options for your origin and destination. Business class and premium flights often favour HND for its night arrivals and early departures.

Costs

Because of its extensive range of low-cost carriers, Narita Airport may offer more budget-friendly airfare options, particularly with carriers like AirAsia X, Scoot and Jetstar. However, the total cost for using either airport varies depending on the season, departure time and choice of airline. Compare flight options  from both airports before booking flights. When comparing costs, it’s essential to consider both flight prices and transportation expenses from the airport to your destination.

Here's a breakdown:

• Flight costs: prices can vary, but flights to Narita are often slightly cheaper due to lower competition and higher capacity.

• Airport transportation costs: Narita typically requires higher transportation costs and longer travel time. Haneda's proximity to the city centre often results in lower overall costs, especially when factoring in time and convenience.

Is Tokyo Haneda or Narita better?

The answer typically depends on your needs. If you're visiting Tokyo for the first time or travelling from the major cities, Haneda Airport is generally the better option due to its proximity to Tokyo and convenience for domestic travel. Narita often offers more international flight options and potentially lower fares, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travellers or those on long-haul routes. Your choice depends on your specific needs and itinerary.

Which is the main airport in Tokyo?

Haneda accommodates most Tokyo-bound traffic, especially for premium and domestic segments. In terms of passenger traffic, Haneda has surpassed Narita, handling more passengers each year. However, Narita still manages a significant number of international flights.

Which airport in Tokyo is closer to central Tokyo?

Haneda Airport is significantly closer to Tokyo's city centre. It is about 15 kilometres and only 30–45 minutes from central Tokyo by train or monorail. It's highly integrated with the city's infrastructure, providing quick access to key neighbourhoods. Narita is approximately 60 kilometres from central Tokyo.

Does Tokyo have two airports?

Yes, Tokyo is served by two international airports: Haneda (HND) in Tokyo and Narita (NRT) in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. Each airport offers unique advantages regarding location, connectivity and airline partnerships. Choosing the right one depends on your specific route and travel plans. 

Tokyo's airports provide travellers a gateway to one of the world's most vibrant cities. Whether you choose Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport, both offer unique advantages. Although most travellers select Haneda for its location in the heart of Tokyo, consider factors such as your final destination in Tokyo, flight schedules and transportation options when making your decision. No matter which you choose, Japan’s transportation efficiency ensures that your trip will start on the right foot for an unforgettable Tokyo adventure.