Haneda or Narita?
Tokyo has two main international airports. Haneda is much closer to the city; Narita is farther away but has the wider choice of cheap flights. All fares and times below are approximate, so confirm them before you travel.
| Airport | Route | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) | Keikyu line to Shinagawa | ~15–20 min | Under ¥500 |
| Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho | ~15–20 min | Under ¥600 | |
| Narita (NRT) | Keisei Skyliner to Ueno | ~40 min | About ¥2,500 |
| Narita Express (JR) to Tokyo/Shinjuku | ~55–90 min | About ¥3,000+ | |
| Keisei Access Express (cheapest) | ~60–80 min | About ¥1,300–¥1,500 |
Combo tip
A Skyliner and 24-hour Subway Ticket combo has been sold at roughly ¥2,890. Check current availability and price before relying on it, and see the pass calculator.
Mind the last train
Trains stop running around midnight. If your flight lands late, plan a taxi, an airport hotel or a night bus. Airport taxis into the city are expensive.
Arriving by Shinkansen
From Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and beyond, the Shinkansen delivers you to Tokyo or Shinagawa station in the middle of the city. Kyoto to Tokyo is about two and a quarter hours on the fastest services. Reserve a seat on busy days, and check the JR Pass calculator before assuming a pass pays off.
Overnight & Highway Buses
Highway buses are the cheapest way between Tokyo and cities like Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. They take much longer, and the seats vary from basic to quite comfortable. Most arrive at Shinjuku, Tokyo Station or Ikebukuro.
Flying In From Elsewhere in Japan
Most domestic flights land at Haneda, which has the fast rail connections above. Low-cost carriers may use Narita. For Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa, flying often beats the train.
Arrival Essentials
🧾 Visit Japan Web
Register your immigration and customs details online before you land to speed up arrival.
💴 Departure tax
An international departure tax of ¥3,000 is generally added to your airline ticket price.
🛍️ Tax-free shopping
From 1 November 2026, Japan moved to a refund system: you pay tax at the till and claim it back at departure. Keep your receipts and passport handy.
📱 Get connected
An eSIM activated before landing saves you hunting for a SIM desk. Compare eSIMs →