Haneda is closer to the city and easier to transfer from. Narita has more international routes. Here is how to choose and what it actually means for your trip.
Tokyo is one of the few major cities in the world served by two significant international airports, and the choice between them has a genuine impact on your trip, particularly on the convenience of arrival and departure days. If you are booking flights and have the choice, this guide helps you make the right call.
The Basics: Distance and Transfer Time
Narita (NRT): 60 kilometres from central Tokyo. The transfer to the city takes 60 to 90 minutes by train, costing 3,070 yen on the Narita Express or 1,050 yen on the budget Keisei train. Full options at the Narita Airport to Tokyo guide.
Haneda (HND): 14 kilometres from central Tokyo. Transfers take 13 to 25 minutes via the Keikyu Line or the Tokyo Monorail, costing 310 to 500 yen. Full options at the Haneda Airport to Tokyo guide.
On transfer alone, Haneda wins clearly. The difference in arrival convenience is significant, especially on a long-haul flight when you are jet-lagged and carrying luggage.
International Routes
Narita: Historically, the main international gateway, more airlines fly to Narita, particularly from North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. If you are coming from Canada, the US, the UK, or Australia, your flight likely arrives at Narita rather than Haneda.
Haneda has significantly expanded its international route network since 2020 with additional landing slots. Major carriers, including ANA, JAL, Delta, American, British Airways, and Air France, now operate flights to Haneda. Increasingly, the preference is for airlines that offer city-centre convenience.
Check both airports when searching for flights; the price difference sometimes outweighs the convenience difference.
Airport Facilities
Narita: Three terminals, extensive duty-free shopping (particularly in Terminal 1), a wide range of restaurants, and smoother international arrival infrastructure due to its long experience as the primary gateway. The international terminal has excellent duty-free items, including Japanese whisky, cosmetics, and electronics.
Haneda: The international terminal (Terminal 3) is modern, clean, and efficient. The Edo Koji area on the departure floor has high-quality Japanese restaurants and shopping. Slightly more compact than Narita but well-organized.
JR Pass Holders
The Narita Express to Tokyo Station is covered by the JR Pass, making Narita arrival free for pass holders (reservation still required). The JR Pass also covers the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda. The Keikyu Line from Haneda (faster and more versatile) is not JR Pass covered.
See the JR Pass guide to calculate whether the pass makes sense for your overall Japan route.
Which Airport to Choose
Choose Haneda if: You have the option at a similar price. The transfer convenience is meaningfully better, especially on arrival day when you are tired and want to reach your hotel quickly. Late-night arrivals are significantly less stressful at Haneda because trains run later and taxis are cheaper.
Choose Narita if your preferred airline flies only to Narita. Or if the Narita flight is meaningfully cheaper, say 150 CAD or more, in which case the cheaper airport transfer at Haneda does not offset the airfare savings. Also, choose Narita if you are a JR Pass holder who wants the free N’EX transfer covered.
Departing from a different airport than the arrival airport: This is completely fine and common. Fly into Narita, out of Haneda (or vice versa) for a one-way trip. Just confirm your departure airport in advance, and allow time for the longer transfer at Narita if departing from there.
Practical Notes
- Getting a Suica card: Available at both airports. Get one immediately on arrival, the Suica card guide covers setup.
- Visit Japan Web: Register digitally before your flight at either airport. See the Visit Japan Web guide for how and why.
- Baggage forwarding: Japan’s takuhaibin luggage forwarding service operates from both airports. For around 1,500 to 2,500 yen, your checked bags can be delivered to your hotel the next day, which is useful if you want to travel light on arrival day. Major airports have takuhaibin counters in arrivals.
