Haneda vs Narita: Which Airport Is Better for Tokyo Travelers?
Haneda vs Narita: Which Airport Is Better for Tokyo Travelers?
I live in Kanamachi and help guests navigate airport routes every week. My preference surprises people: I actually recommend Narita more often than Haneda—even though everyone assumes Haneda is better because it's "closer to Tokyo."
The reality is more nuanced. Let me explain when each airport makes sense, especially if you're staying in eastern Tokyo.
Quick Answer
- Staying in eastern Tokyo (Kanamachi, Ueno)? → Narita is often faster
- Staying in central/west Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya)? → Haneda is easier
- Late-night arrival? → Haneda
- Budget airline? → Narita
Details below.
The Quick Comparison
Haneda (HND): 18km from central Tokyo, modern international terminal, runs 24/7.
Narita (NRT): 66km from central Tokyo, more flight options, budget carrier hub.
The distance numbers make Haneda look obviously better. But from eastern Tokyo neighborhoods like Kanamachi, the difference in actual travel time is smaller than you'd expect.
| Airport | Distance | Time to Kanamachi | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narita | 66km | 55-60 min | ~1,300 yen | Budget carriers, eastern Tokyo |
| Haneda | 18km | 75-85 min | ~600-800 yen | Late arrivals, domestic connections |
From Kanamachi Specifically
Here's what matters to my guests:
Narita to Kanamachi: About 55-60 minutes via Keisei Line. Take the Access Express from Narita to Keisei Takasago (one station from us), then transfer. One connection, straightforward route.
Haneda to Kanamachi: About 75-85 minutes. You'll go through central Tokyo, either via the monorail to Hamamatsucho or Keikyu to Shinagawa, then transfer to get to the Joban Line. More connections, more chances to get confused.
Counterintuitive, right? Narita is "farther" but gets you here faster.
When Narita Makes Sense
Budget Carriers
Most low-cost airlines fly into Narita—Jetstar, Peach, Spring Airlines, and others. If you're price-sensitive, Narita often has significantly cheaper options.
A guest recently saved over 30,000 yen per person booking through Narita instead of Haneda. The extra transit time was worth it.
Eastern Tokyo Accommodation
If you're staying anywhere along the Keisei network—Kanamachi, Aoto, Keisei Takasago, even Ueno—Narita access is efficient. The Access Express runs frequently and drops you close to home.
From Shinjuku, Narita is a pain. From our area, it's fine.
Morning Departures
Early flights out of Narita are manageable from here. The first Keisei trains leave early enough to catch most morning departures. From western Tokyo, you'd need to leave unreasonably early or stay at an airport hotel.
When Haneda Makes Sense
Western Tokyo Stays
If you're based in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Roppongi, Haneda is clearly better. The Keikyu Line and monorail get you to central-west Tokyo quickly.
Late Night Arrivals
Haneda handles late arrivals better. The Keikyu Line runs later than Narita's options, and even at 1am, taxi fares from Haneda are less painful than from Narita.
Domestic Connections
If your trip includes domestic flights to Osaka, Sapporo, or Okinawa, Haneda is Japan's primary domestic hub. Easier connections, less running between airports.
Time Sensitivity
When transit time matters most—business trips, tight schedules—Haneda's proximity to central Tokyo usually wins.
Real Scenario: Late Flight
A guest once messaged me at 10pm from Narita. Their flight from Singapore was delayed, they'd just landed, and they were worried about getting to our place.
We worked through it together. They caught the 10:20pm Access Express, arrived at Keisei Takasago around 11:15pm, and made it to our place before midnight. Not ideal, but manageable.
From Haneda with the same delay, they could have taken the Keikyu Line and still made it—but the route would have been more confusing with multiple transfers.
The lesson: both airports work for late arrivals if you know the last train times. Neither works if your flight lands after about 9:30pm and you want public transit.
Transport Options: Narita
Access Express (Keisei): My recommendation for guests. About 50-55 minutes to Keisei Takasago, 1,270 yen. No reserved seating but comfortable enough.
Skyliner (Keisei): Faster (41 minutes to Ueno) but pricier at 2,520 yen. Makes sense if Ueno is your destination.
Narita Express (N'EX): Good for western Tokyo destinations. 55-60 minutes to Tokyo Station, 3,070 yen. JR Pass holders ride free.
Limousine Bus: Direct to various hotels and stations. 85-120 minutes depending on traffic, 1,000-3,200 yen.
Transport Options: Haneda
Keikyu Line: Direct to Shinagawa (11-20 minutes, 300-400 yen) and connections to the rest of Tokyo. Runs later than most Narita options.
Tokyo Monorail: To Hamamatsucho Station (13-18 minutes, 500 yen), connect to Yamanote Line from there.
Limousine Bus: To major hotels and stations, varies by destination.
Total Cost Calculation
When comparing flights, add transit costs:
Narita arrival: ~1,300 yen per person (Access Express) Haneda arrival: ~600-800 yen per person
For a family of four, that's about 2,000-3,000 yen difference. A Narita flight would need to be cheaper by at least that much to break even. Often it is—sometimes by much more.
My Actual Recommendation
For guests staying with us:
Book Narita if you find cheaper flights, if you're arriving before 9pm, or if you're flying budget carriers. The Keisei connection is easy once you know it.
Book Haneda if prices are similar, if you're arriving very late, or if your trip includes domestic flights.
Don't stress too much about it. Both airports get you here. Neither is difficult. The "wrong" choice costs you maybe 20-30 minutes—not a trip-ruining amount.
What matters more is knowing your route before you land. Exhausted travelers make bad decisions at airport train stations. Screenshot your directions while you still have wifi on the plane.
For more arrival tips, see our first-time Tokyo visitor guide. And if you're wondering whether eastern Tokyo suits your travel style, check is Kanamachi right for tourists.
If you're staying in eastern Tokyo, choosing the right airport saves stress on arrival day. Our Kanamachi base has direct Keisei access from Narita and easy JR access from Haneda.
Check booking policies for check-in flexibility if your flight arrives late. We can usually work something out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haneda or Narita closer to Tokyo?
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (18km vs 66km). But "closer" doesn't always mean faster—it depends on your destination. For eastern Tokyo, Narita can actually be quicker via the Keisei Line.
How much is the train from Narita to Tokyo?
The Keisei Access Express costs 1,270 yen and takes about 50-55 minutes to Keisei Takasago. The faster Skyliner costs 2,520 yen and reaches Ueno in 41 minutes.
Can I take the last train from Narita Airport?
The last Keisei Access Express leaves around 10:20pm. (Exact times change seasonally—always check before flying.) Plan your arrival carefully—if your flight lands after 9:30pm, you may miss the last train and need a taxi.