airports in Tokyo japan

51% Boarding Area
49% Altitude Yes

Tokyo is served by two main airports: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita International Airport was established in 1978 to alleviate congestion at Haneda. It is located approximately 60–75 km east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. The airport was originally built to handle international flights and now serves as one of Japan’s primary international gateways for long‑haul routes to Europe, North America and beyond.

Transportation Options from Narita

  • The Narita Express (N’EX) limited‑express train connects the airport to major Tokyo stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya, taking roughly 53 minutes to reach Tokyo Station.
  • The Keisei Skyliner provides a fast link to Ueno Station in about 41 minutes, with onward connections via the JR Yamanote Line.
  • Limousine buses offer direct services to major hotels and districts throughout Tokyo, though travel times can vary with road traffic.
  • Taxis and private transfers are available for door‑to‑door service, albeit at higher cost due to the distance.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport opened in 1931 and is situated about 14–23 km south of Tokyo’s city centre. Historically the airport focused on domestic flights, but the opening of a dedicated international terminal in 2010 expanded its international operations. Today Haneda provides a blend of domestic and international flights, offering quicker access to downtown Tokyo and modern amenities.

Access Considerations for Haneda

  • While Haneda’s proximity makes it a convenient choice for many travelers, it does not have a dedicated airport train line; passengers typically use regular commuter trains and may need multiple transfers, which can add travel time.
  • The airport’s modern facilities include a wide range of restaurants, shops and lounges, especially in Terminal 3 where many international carriers operate.

Choosing Between Narita and Haneda

  • Convenience: Haneda’s closer distance to central Tokyo generally provides faster city access, but Narita’s well‑connected train services (N’EX and Skyliner) can make the overall journey comparable.
  • Flight Options: Narita offers a broader selection of long‑haul international flights, while Haneda handles a growing number of international routes alongside its extensive domestic network.
  • Amenities: Both airports feature modern facilities, but Haneda is noted for a larger variety of restaurants and shops within the terminal areas.
  • Transportation Preferences: Travelers with heavy luggage or a need for door‑to‑door service may prefer taxis or private transfers from Narita despite the longer distance, whereas those seeking quick public‑transport links might opt for Haneda’s bus and commuter‑train options.
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Tokyo’s Airports: A Comprehensive Guide to Narita vs Haneda
When planning a trip to the vibrant and sprawling city of Tokyo, one of the first decisions to make is selecting the airport that best suits your travel needs. Tokyo is unique in that it is served by not just one but two major international airports: the bustling Narita International Airport (NRT) and the conveniently located Haneda Airport (HND). Both airports act as vital gateways into Japan’s capital, each offering a distinct set of features and benefits. This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of Narita and Haneda, comparing everything from proximity to the city center to flight options and
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Haneda vs Narita: Why Narita Airport Can Be More Convenient For Tokyo
A while ago I made a post comparing Tokyo’s two main airports, Haneda and Narita Airport. In the article, I mentioned how for most travelers, Haneda Airport will usually be the more convenient option. However, that comes with an asterisk. From my experience having lived in and since visited the city many times, Narita Airport has appeared to be more convenient for my travels. Now you may be thinking, “But Shawn, every other travel blog and adviser says that Haneda is the better airport!” And you’d be right. I rarely come across travel sites praising the convenience of Narita
Miles to Memories
Japan Airlines Giving Away 50,000 Free Round-trip Flights for Tokyo Olympics
Japan Airlines is giving away 50,000 round-trip domestic tickets for international tourists. These Japan Airlines free flights come with some restrictions. The “Win a Trip with JAL” campaign is set to begin in late February 2020 for flights departing on or after July 1, 2020. The routes will leave from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) and Osaka (Osaka International Airport or Kansai International Airport). Travel must end by Sept. 30, 2020. The promotion is related to the Olympics and targeted at those visiting the country during that period. The Tokyo Summer Olympics will be held July 24 through Aug. 9. But Japan Airlines wants to explore more of the country. Japan Airlines will give the ticket winners four travel destination options within Japan. Those destinations will be revealed when the promotion is launched in February. Here’s some of the restrictions for the free tickets: Let us know if you will be in Japan during the Olympics.
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Haneda vs Narita: Which Airport Is Better For Tokyo?
Tokyo is served by 2 major airports: Haneda and Narita. This can make the flight booking process confusing for some, or make the trip to and from the city confusing. Whether you have an upcoming trip to Japan or you’re here out of curiosity, keep reading for my thoughts on these two airports! Japan is well known for their precise and extensive public transportation. No matter which airport you end up in, you will still be greeted by their trains, buses, and other modes of transit. Based on pure distance, however, Haneda airport is much closer to central Tokyo.

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