Narita Airport vs Haneda Airport: Tokyo Airport Comparison & Flight Booking Tips

Narita Airport vs Haneda Airport: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose?

When planning your first trip to Tokyo, one of the biggest questions is: Should I fly into Narita Airport or Haneda Airport?
Both are major international airports serving Tokyo, but they differ in location, transportation, routes, and convenience. Choosing the right airport can save you both time and money, depending on your travel style. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Tokyo Narita Airport and Haneda Airport so you can make the best choice for your trip.

Narita International Airport (NRT) 

Narita International Airport is Tokyo’s primary international gateway, located outside the city in Chiba Prefecture.

• Location: About 60 km (37 miles) from central Tokyo

• Routes: Known for long-haul international flights to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia

• Facilities: Larger in size, multiple terminals, wide variety of duty-free shops and services

• Transportation: Getting to Tokyo takes about 1–1.5 hours. Options include the Narita Express (N’EX), Keisei Skyliner, and airport limousine buses. Costs are higher compared to Haneda.

👉 Recommended for:

• Travelers on long-haul international flights

• Budget-conscious travelers looking for cheaper flight deals (Narita often has more discount fares)

• Shoppers who want to explore a larger selection of duty-free stores

Haneda Airport (HND) 

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo and has rapidly expanded its international flight options in recent years.

• Location: About 20 km (12 miles) from central Tokyo

• Routes: Traditionally Japan’s domestic hub, but now offers many international flights

• Facilities: Modern and efficient, though smaller than Narita; shorter wait times at immigration

• Transportation: Very convenient — Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, or limousine bus will get you downtown in 20–30 minutes at a low cost

👉 Recommended for:

• Short trips focused on Tokyo and nearby areas

• Travelers arriving late at night or departing early in the morning (easy access to/from the city)

• Visitors who want quick and affordable transport to central Tokyo

Transportation Time & Cost Comparison

One of the biggest factors when choosing between Narita and Haneda is transportation.

• Narita Airport → Tokyo Station

  • Narita Express (N’EX): ~60 minutes, around ¥3,000

  • Skyliner (to Ueno/Nippori): ~45 minutes, around ¥2,500

  • Limousine Bus: 90 minutes+, around ¥3,000

• Haneda Airport → Tokyo Station

  • Tokyo Monorail + JR: ~30 minutes, ¥500–¥700

  • Keikyu Line: ~30 minutes, ~¥500

  • Limousine Bus: ~40 minutes, ~¥1,000

👉 Key takeaway: Haneda is faster and cheaper to reach downtown Tokyo, while Narita takes longer and costs more.

💡 Travel Tip: When booking your flights to Tokyo, check not only the ticket price but also the airport you’ll arrive at. A cheaper flight to Narita might cost more in total once you add transportation, while Haneda’s slightly higher fare could save you time and money.

👉 Check the latest Tokyo flight deals here: 🔗 Book Flights to Tokyo

Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide for first-time travelers:

• Short trip focused on Tokyo/nearby areas → Choose Haneda Airport for convenience

• Flying long-haul international routes or seeking cheaper tickets → Choose Narita Airport

• Shopping at duty-free stores → Narita Airport has more variety

• Late-night arrivals/early morning departures → Haneda Airport is safer and easier

Final Thoughts & Flight Booking

Both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport are excellent gateways to Tokyo, and the right choice depends on your travel needs.

• For convenience and short trips, choose Haneda Airport

• For more international routes and cheaper fares, choose Narita Airport

Whichever you choose, Tokyo’s world-class airports will make sure your journey begins smoothly.
If you haven’t booked your ticket yet, this is the perfect time to compare fares and pick the option that matches your itinerary best.

👉 Find the best Tokyo flight prices here: 🔗 Book Flights to Tokyo

Safe travels and enjoy your Tokyo adventure!