Tokyo Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about getting from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo
Tokyo has two airports — Narita (NRT), 60 km east of the city, and Haneda (HND), just 14 km south. Haneda is far more convenient for central Tokyo, while Narita serves most long-haul international flights. Japanese metered taxis from Narita are extraordinarily expensive ($170–240), making pre-booked transfers and trains the standard options. Both airports have excellent rail connections, but a private transfer makes sense for groups, families and late-night arrivals.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) — 60 km to central Tokyo, travel time 60–90 min, transfers from $90.
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) — 20 km to central Tokyo, travel time 25–45 min, transfers from $60.
Here are the most popular areas in Tokyo and what to expect for the transfer from the airport:
Transfer time: 80–120 min from NRT / 30–45 min from HND · Price: $95–150 from NRT / $50–80 from HND
Tokyo's largest entertainment district. Massive station, hotels, department stores, Golden Gai bar alley and Kabukicho.
Transfer time: 80–110 min from NRT / 25–40 min from HND · Price: $95–140 from NRT / $45–75 from HND
Home of the famous Shibuya Crossing. Trendy shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Younger, hipper vibe than Shinjuku.
Transfer time: 60–90 min from NRT / 20–35 min from HND · Price: $85–130 from NRT / $40–65 from HND
Tokyo's luxury shopping district and main transport hub. Elegant department stores, sushi restaurants and the Imperial Palace nearby.
Transfer time: 60–80 min from NRT / 30–45 min from HND · Price: $85–120 from NRT / $45–70 from HND
Traditional Tokyo with Senso-ji temple, old Edo atmosphere and Tokyo Skytree views. Popular budget accommodation area.
Transfer time: 70–100 min from NRT / 20–35 min from HND · Price: $90–140 from NRT / $40–65 from HND
Nightlife hub with international restaurants, art museums (Mori Art Museum, 21_21) and the Tokyo Tower nearby.
From Narita: Narita Express train to Tokyo Station (53 min, ¥3,070), Limousine Bus to major hotels (85 min, ¥3,200), metered taxi (¥25,000–35,000). From Haneda: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (13 min, ¥500), Keikyu train to Shinagawa (11 min, ¥300), metered taxi (¥5,000–8,000 to central Tokyo). Pre-booked transfers offer fixed prices: $95–150 from Narita, $45–80 from Haneda.
From Narita: solo travelers should take the Narita Express; groups of 3+ save money with a pre-booked transfer. From Haneda: the train is quick and cheap for everyone, but a transfer is more convenient late at night when trains stop (midnight–5 AM). For anyone with heavy luggage or children, a door-to-door transfer is worth the premium.
Narita is FAR from Tokyo. Don't underestimate the journey — 60–120 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Haneda is much closer and more convenient. If your airline offers a Haneda option, take it. Tokyo expressway tolls add ¥2,000–3,000 to taxi fares. Rush hour (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–8 PM) adds 30+ minutes to any transfer.