Narita vs Haneda: Which Airport is Better?

When traveling to Tokyo, one of the most common questions visitors face is: Narita or Haneda — which airport should I choose? Both serve as major gateways to Japan’s capital, but each has distinct advantages in terms of location, flight options, cost, and convenience. This guide compares Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) in detail, helping you decide which one best fits your travel plans.

Overview of Narita and Haneda Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, Narita is Japan’s main international hub. It handles a large portion of long-haul international flights from Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Narita has three terminals:

Terminal 1 for major international carriers (ANA, Star Alliance)
Terminal 2 for Japan Airlines and Oneworld members
Terminal 3 for low-cost carriers (LCCs)

Although it’s farther from Tokyo, Narita offers excellent facilities, shopping, and lounges, especially for international travelers.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda, officially known as Tokyo International Airport, is located much closer to central Tokyo — only about 15 kilometers south of the city center. Traditionally serving domestic flights, Haneda has expanded international routes in recent years, offering more long-haul services than ever. The airport has three main terminals:

Terminal 1 for JAL and domestic flights
Terminal 2 for ANA and domestic routes
Terminal 3 for international flights

Haneda is renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and easy access to Tokyo’s urban core.

Accessibility to Central Tokyo

One of the biggest differences between the two airports is travel time to Tokyo.

From Haneda Airport

By Train: The Tokyo Monorail connects Haneda to Hamamatsucho Station in about 13 minutes, and from there, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station.
By Keikyu Line: This line takes you directly to Shinagawa in 11 minutes and to Asakusa or Ueno in about 35–40 minutes.
By Taxi: Expect to pay around ¥6,000–¥9,000 to central Tokyo, depending on traffic.

Haneda clearly wins in convenience and travel time — most visitors can reach their hotel within 30–40 minutes.

From Narita Airport

By Train: The Narita Express (N’EX) runs to Tokyo Station in about 55 minutes and to Shinjuku in about 75 minutes.
By Skyliner: Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno or Nippori in around 40 minutes — a great option for those staying in northern or eastern Tokyo.
By Bus: Limousine buses serve major hotels, taking 70–100 minutes depending on traffic.
By Taxi: Expect fares between ¥25,000–¥30,000, which can be prohibitive for most travelers.

While Narita offers excellent public transport options, it’s much farther away, making Haneda the more convenient choice for city access.

Flight Options and Airlines

Narita

Narita remains Japan’s primary hub for international long-haul flights, hosting major carriers such as ANA, JAL, Emirates, Delta, and Lufthansa. It also serves many low-cost airlines (LCCs) like Jetstar Japan, Cebu Pacific, and Scoot. For travelers flying intercontinentally or seeking cheaper tickets, Narita often has more flight variety and competitive fares.

Haneda

Haneda has significantly expanded its international operations, especially since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It now offers flights to major global destinations like New York, London, Singapore, and Sydney. However, some low-cost or secondary routes still operate only from Narita.
If you’re connecting domestically within Japan, Haneda is ideal because it’s the main base for domestic flights operated by ANA and JAL.

Facilities and Passenger Experience

Haneda Airport

Haneda consistently ranks among the world’s best airports for cleanliness, punctuality, and passenger comfort. Travelers praise its easy layout, short security lines, and modern design.

Excellent shopping and dining, including Edo-themed areas and observation decks.
Multiple hotels on-site (The Royal Park Haneda, First Cabin).
24-hour operations for late-night arrivals or early departures.

Narita Airport

Narita is larger and slightly more spread out, but still offers a premium travel experience.

Extensive duty-free shops, local souvenirs, and global brand outlets.
Capsule hotels and traditional lounges.
More space for international travelers, but terminals are connected by buses, which can add time.

Overall, Haneda is easier to navigate, while Narita offers a classic airport experience for global connections.

Cost Considerations

Airfare

Narita flights are often slightly cheaper, particularly on budget carriers. Many low-cost airlines operate exclusively from Narita due to lower landing fees. If you’re on a tight budget, flying into Narita may save you money.

Transportation

However, transportation costs to and from Narita can offset those savings. The Narita Express costs about ¥3,000 to Tokyo Station, while Skyliner fares are around ¥2,600.
In comparison, Haneda’s Monorail or Keikyu Line fares are typically under ¥500.

If convenience and time matter more than a small ticket discount, Haneda usually offers better overall value.

Accommodation Near Each Airport

Both airports have nearby hotels for travelers with early flights or overnight layovers.

Near Haneda

The Royal Park Hotel Haneda (connected to Terminal 3)
Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport (luxury option within Haneda Innovation City)
First Cabin Haneda (compact capsule-style hotel)

Near Narita

Narita Airport Rest House (inside airport grounds)
Hotel Nikko Narita and Marroad International Hotel (shuttle access)
Budget-friendly stays in Narita City near Keisei or JR stations

Haneda’s hotels are more modern and convenient, while Narita offers a broader range of prices.

When to Choose Haneda

Haneda is the best choice if:

You want to reach Tokyo quickly and easily.
You have domestic connections within Japan.
You prefer modern, efficient facilities.
You’re arriving late at night or leaving early in the morning.

Haneda minimizes travel fatigue and lets you start exploring Tokyo almost immediately.

When to Choose Narita

Narita is the better option if:

You find significantly cheaper international tickets.
You’re traveling on a low-cost carrier.
You’re connecting to destinations outside Japan in Asia or the Pacific.
You prefer a quieter airport with spacious lounges and shopping areas.

Despite the longer transfer time, Narita can offer better deals and a more relaxed airport experience.

Verdict: Which Is Better?

For most travelers, Haneda Airport is the clear winner. Its proximity to central Tokyo, improved international connections, and excellent facilities make it the best all-around choice for convenience and comfort.

However, Narita still plays an important role — especially for budget-conscious travelers and those flying intercontinental routes. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: cost vs. convenience.

If your goal is to get into Tokyo quickly after a long flight, choose Haneda.
If you’re seeking affordable fares and don’t mind a longer journey, Narita remains a solid alternative.

In short:

For convenience: Haneda
For cheaper flights: Narita
For connections abroad: Narita
For domestic transfers: Haneda

Both airports are world-class gateways that represent Japan’s hospitality, efficiency, and dedication to quality — whichever you choose, your journey to Tokyo will start smoothly.

What are the main differences between Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)?

Narita is larger and historically focused on long-haul international routes, located about 60 km east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Haneda sits roughly 15 km south of central Tokyo and has expanded its international network while remaining the primary hub for domestic flights. In practice, Haneda wins for proximity and quick transfers into the city; Narita often wins for flight variety (especially some long-haul and low-cost carriers) and, at times, lower airfares.

Which airport is closer to central Tokyo?

Haneda. By rail, you can reach major transfer hubs like Shinagawa or Hamamatsuchō in around 10–15 minutes, then continue on the JR Yamanote Line. From Narita, the Narita Express to Tokyo Station takes roughly an hour, and the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno/Nippori takes about 40 minutes, not counting transfers to your final destination.

Which airport is better if I value the fastest door-to-door time?

Haneda. Shorter travel distance, more frequent trains, and generally smoother late-night and early-morning options make it the best pick when speed and convenience outweigh everything else. Travelers often reach hotels in central neighborhoods within 30–45 minutes from touchdown, depending on immigration lines and baggage claim.

Where will I likely find cheaper flights: Narita or Haneda?

It depends on your route and season, but Narita sometimes offers lower fares, particularly on low-cost or leisure-focused carriers. That said, any savings on the ticket might be reduced by longer and pricier transfers into Tokyo. Always compare total trip cost (airfare + ground transport + time value).

Which airport is best for domestic connections within Japan?

Haneda. It is the main domestic hub for ANA and JAL, with dense frequencies to major and regional cities. If you’re landing in Tokyo and continuing to places like Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, or smaller regional airports, Haneda typically provides simpler same-airport transfers and more schedule flexibility.

Is immigration and security quicker at Haneda or Narita?

Both are efficient, but many travelers report consistently fast processing at Haneda due to newer facilities and optimized passenger flows. However, times vary by arrival banks, staffing, and day of week. Enrolling in Japan’s Visit Japan Web process and preparing documents in advance improves speed at either airport.

How do I get from Haneda to central Tokyo?

Common options include the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō (for JR connections) and the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa or Asakusa Line through-services. Airport buses serve many hotels and neighborhoods directly. Taxis and ride services are viable due to shorter distance, especially late at night or with bulky luggage.

How do I get from Narita to central Tokyo?

The Narita Express (N’EX) connects to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama on limited-stop runs. The Keisei Skyliner reaches Nippori/Ueno quickly, ideal for northern and eastern Tokyo. Limousine buses link major hotels and hubs. Taxis are available but are typically costly for the long distance.

Which airport is better if I’m staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Roppongi?

Haneda. You’ll likely transfer at Shinagawa or Hamamatsuchō and be in western/central Tokyo faster. From Narita, the Narita Express does serve Shinjuku/Shibuya directly, but total travel time and variability are greater.

Which airport is better if I’m staying in Ueno, Asakusa, or the northeast side of Tokyo?

It can be a toss-up. Haneda still offers the shortest distance, but the Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Ueno/Nippori is very fast, and from there local transfers are simple. If you find a significantly cheaper fare into Narita and your base is Ueno/Asakusa, Narita can be quite competitive on time.

Is there a big difference in late-night or early-morning flight convenience?

Haneda is generally better. It has 24-hour operations with more practical ground transport windows. While both airports offer late buses/taxis, the shorter distance from Haneda reduces cost and stress if your flight arrives after most trains have stopped or departs very early.

Which airport has better lounges and shopping?

Both have strong offerings. Narita’s scale provides a wide range of duty-free shops and spacious international lounges across multiple alliances. Haneda’s international terminal is modern with excellent lounges and a curated retail/dining area (including Edo-themed streets). If you value sprawling shopping before a long-haul flight, Narita may edge ahead; for modern design and ease of layout, Haneda shines.

Are hotel options better at Haneda or Narita for overnight layovers?

Haneda has on-site and attached properties that are very convenient for odd-hour flights, plus quick access to city hotels if you prefer staying in town. Narita offers a mix of on-airport and nearby hotels (often with shuttles) and can be more cost-effective for families or budget travelers needing a simple overnight.

If I’m traveling with a lot of luggage, which airport is easier?

Haneda reduces the physical burden because transfers are shorter. You’ll also find plentiful luggage carts and straightforward wayfinding. From Narita, consider luggage delivery (takkyubin) services that send bags to your hotel—this can make the longer rail journey painless. Airport buses from both airports are luggage-friendly if they stop near your accommodation.

Which airport is better for first-time visitors to Tokyo?

Haneda. Its proximity minimizes uncertainty, and signage is exceptionally clear. Even if your hotel is not on a direct train line, short taxi hops from Shinagawa or Hamamatsuchō are affordable compared with late-night taxi rides from Narita.

Does either airport work better for day-of travel changes or delays?

Haneda’s dense domestic network and proximity to central Tokyo can make rebooking or rerouting less stressful. That said, both airports handle irregular operations professionally. If you anticipate competitive standby lists or tight connection windows, Haneda’s frequency and closeness can provide more options.

How do costs compare for ground transportation from each airport?

Haneda’s rail options (Monorail or Keikyu) are inexpensive and fast. Narita’s premium trains (N’EX or Skyliner) cost more and take longer, and taxis can be notably expensive due to distance. When evaluating a “cheap ticket” to Narita, add the round-trip airport transfer cost and time to your total trip calculation.

Which airport is better for families with kids?

Haneda’s shorter journey means less time wrangling strollers and bags on trains. Family restrooms, nursing rooms, and play spaces are available at both airports. If you must use Narita, the Skyliner’s reserved seating and luggage space can make the ride comfortable; airport buses can also be a stress-free door-adjacent option.

Is Wi-Fi and connectivity reliable at both airports?

Yes. Free airport Wi-Fi is widely available at both, with strong coverage in terminals and near gates. eSIMs and physical SIM cards are sold in-terminal, and major rental counters for pocket Wi-Fi operate at both airports.

Can I store luggage or send it from the airport?

Yes. Both airports provide coin lockers, manned luggage storage, and courier counters for same- or next-day delivery to hotels or residences. This is particularly helpful if you’re heading into the city during rush hour or planning a side trip before checking into your accommodation.

Which airport should I choose for connecting to regional airports with smaller aircraft?

Haneda. The sheer volume of domestic flights—including to secondary and remote airports—means more options and often shorter connections within the same terminal complex (or with easy airside transfers).

If I plan to visit Tokyo and then continue internationally, does the choice matter?

Potentially. Narita remains a major international hub with diverse long-haul options and alliance-aligned schedules. If your onward long-haul route only departs from Narita, flying in and out of the same airport simplifies logistics. However, if your long-haul flight is available from Haneda, staying Haneda-only keeps transfers minimal.

How do accessibility and assistance services compare?

Both airports offer robust services for travelers with disabilities or reduced mobility: wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, tactile paving, priority lanes, and service counters. Request assistance through your airline in advance to ensure a smooth experience at either airport.

Which airport is more “forgiving” if I don’t speak Japanese?

Both. Signage, announcements, and wayfinding are multilingual, and staff at information counters commonly speak English and other languages. Haneda’s compact layouts and short transfer distances can feel less intimidating for newcomers, but Narita’s clear signage keeps navigation straightforward as well.

What’s the bottom-line recommendation for most travelers?

If convenience, speed, and simple transfers matter most, choose Haneda. If you find a meaningfully cheaper fare or your airline only serves Narita—and you don’t mind a longer transfer—Narita is perfectly fine. Both airports are clean, organized, and traveler-friendly; your best choice comes down to balancing total cost, schedule, and the value of your time.

Quick decision checklist: Haneda vs. Narita

I want to reach my hotel fast: Haneda
I’m connecting to a domestic flight: Haneda
I found a much cheaper international fare: Likely Narita
I’m staying in western/central Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya): Haneda
I’m staying around Ueno/Asakusa: Either; Narita’s Skyliner is strong
I land after most trains stop: Haneda (shorter taxi/bus options)
I want the widest alliance lounge choices before a long-haul: Often Narita

Tokyo Transportation Guide: Getting Around the City with Ease