Haneda is 14 kilometres from central Tokyo, much closer than Narita. Three transport options, all fast and affordable. Here is the comparison.
Haneda International Airport is significantly closer to central Tokyo than Narita, at around 14 kilometres compared with Narita’s 60 kilometres. This makes the transfer faster, cheaper, and less complicated. If you have a choice between airports, Haneda is almost always the better option for first-time Tokyo visitors. See the Narita vs Haneda guide for the full comparison.
Quick answer: Keikyu Line to Shinagawa (13 minutes, 310 yen) or Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (18 minutes, 500 yen). Both are fast and inexpensive. The Keikyu Line provides better access to southern and western Tokyo, including Shinjuku.
Option 1: Keikyu Line -Most Versatile
A private railway running from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa, with through-service onto the Tokyo Metro Asakusa Line for onward connections.
- Journey time: 13 minutes to Shinagawa, around 30 minutes to central Tokyo stations
- Cost: 310 yen to Shinagawa. Additional subway fares for onward journeys.
- Suica: Accepted tap in and out
- JR Pass: Not covered, separate fare required
From Shinagawa (a major JR hub), you can reach Tokyo Station in 6 minutes, Shinjuku in 30 minutes, and most central destinations quickly. The Keikyu Line also offers direct through-service to Asakusa via the Asakusa Line, which is useful for travellers staying in that area.
Option 2: Tokyo Monorail
The most famous Haneda transfer route is a monorail running from the international terminal to Hamamatsucho on the JR Yamanote Line.
- Journey time: 18 minutes to Hamamatsucho (limited express), 25 minutes all-stops
- Cost: 500 yen
- Suica: Accepted
- JR Pass: Covered by JR Pass for pass holders free
From Hamamatsucho, the JR Yamanote Line loops through all major Tokyo stations, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Akihabara—a good option for JR Pass holders.
Option 3: Airport Limousine Bus
- Journey time: 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and destination
- Cost: Around 1,300 to 2,000 yen per person, depending on route
- Routes: Cover Shinjuku, Shibuya, major hotels, and other Tokyo districts
Significantly less useful from Haneda than from Narita because the train options are so fast and affordable. Best for travellers with very heavy luggage wanting a direct hotel drop-off.
Option 4: Taxi
- Journey time: 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic
- Cost: Around 5,000 to 8,000 yen to central Tokyo, expensive but far more reasonable than from Narita
Worth considering for groups of 3 or 4, splitting the cost, late-night arrivals when train frequency drops, or travellers with significant luggage.
Getting a Suica Card at Haneda
Get your Suica IC card immediately on arrival, available from machines and counters in the international arrivals hall. Load 3,000 to 5,000 yen. The Suica works on both the Keikyu Line and the Monorail (though some specific services require separate tickets) and on all Tokyo trains, subways, and buses for the rest of your trip. See the Suica guide for everything you need to know.
Also complete your Visit Japan Web registration before your flight to speed through immigration and customs.
Haneda Airport Terminals
Haneda has three terminals. Terminal 3 is the international terminal where most long-haul flights arrive. Terminals 1 and 2 handle domestic and some international flights for Japan Airlines and ANA. Check which terminal your flight uses; a free shuttle monorail connects them, but it adds 10 minutes.
