How to Get from Narita & Haneda Airport to Tokyo — Cheapest Options (2026)

You just landed in Japan. You're tired, excited, and probably wondering: what's the cheapest way to get from the airport to my hotel? Good news — Tokyo's airport transport is excellent, and you've got options ranging from ¥300 ($2) to ¥3,200 ($22). Let's break them all down.

Before anything else: grab a Suica or Pasmo IC card (or set up mobile Suica) at the airport. You'll need it for trains, buses, and basically everything in Tokyo.

Use our Japan Trip Cost Calculator to estimate your full transport budget.

From Narita Airport

Narita Airport (NRT) is about 60–80 km east of central Tokyo. It's the farther of the two airports, so getting into the city takes 40–90 minutes depending on your transport choice. Here are your options from cheapest to most expensive:

Keisei Access Express — ¥1,270 (~$9) 🏆 Budget Pick

• Cost: ¥1,270
• Time: ~80 minutes to Asakusa / Nihombashi
• Runs: Every 20–40 minutes
• IC card: Yes — just tap and ride

This is the cheapest train from Narita to central Tokyo, and it's perfectly comfortable. It's a regular commuter train (not a limited express), so no reservation needed. It runs on the Keisei Line and connects directly to the Asakusa subway line. If you're staying near Asakusa, Ueno, Nihombashi, or Shinagawa, this is a no-brainer.

The catch? It's slower than the premium options, and seats aren't guaranteed during rush hour. But for ¥1,270 vs ¥3,070, most budget travelers won't mind.

Keisei Skyliner — ¥2,520 (~$17)

• Cost: ¥2,520
• Time: ~40 minutes to Ueno / Nippori
• Runs: Every 20–40 minutes
• IC card: No — need to buy a Skyliner ticket

The fastest train from Narita. It blazes to Ueno in 41 minutes and Nippori in 36 minutes. Reserved seats, comfortable, and no stops in between. Great if you're staying near Ueno or can easily connect from there.

Discount tickets are often available online or at travel agencies for around ¥2,300. Check the Keisei website before you go.

Narita Express (N'EX) — ¥3,070 (~$21)

• Cost: ¥3,070 (to Tokyo Station)
• Time: ~60 minutes to Tokyo Station, ~80 min to Shinjuku/Shibuya
• Runs: Every 30–60 minutes
• IC card: Partially — base fare yes, but you need a reserved seat ticket
• JR Pass: ✅ Covered (free with Japan Rail Pass)

The N'EX is JR's premium airport express and the most convenient option if you're heading to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama — it goes directly to all of them. Spacious seats, luggage space, and free Wi-Fi.

If you have a JR Pass, ride the N'EX for free. Just reserve a seat at the JR ticket counter at the airport. This alone can justify the pass on day one.

Airport Limousine Bus — ¥3,200 (~$22)

• Cost: ¥3,200
• Time: 85–120 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Runs: Every 20–30 minutes to major stations and hotels

The bus drops you at major hotels and stations (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, etc.) — sometimes right at your hotel lobby. No dragging luggage through train stations. That's the main selling point.

Downside: traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekday evenings. Late-night discount buses sometimes run for ¥2,000–2,600.

Shared Shuttle — ¥3,000–5,000

• Cost: ¥3,000–5,000 per person
• Time: 90–150 minutes (depends on other drop-offs)
• Book: In advance online

Door-to-door shared vans like Airport Shuttle or nearMe pick you up at the airport and drop you at your hotel. Convenient if you have heavy luggage or are traveling with kids. But they're not cheap, and the route depends on other passengers' destinations.

Best for: families, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals when trains have stopped.

From Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo — only about 15 km south. Getting into the city is faster, easier, and much cheaper than from Narita.

Keikyu Line — ¥300 (~$2) 🏆 Cheapest Option

• Cost: ¥300 to Shinagawa
• Time: ~20 minutes to Shinagawa
• Runs: Every 5–10 minutes
• IC card: Yes

The cheapest way to get from any Tokyo airport to the city. The Keikyu Line runs from Haneda to Shinagawa in about 20 minutes for just ¥300. From Shinagawa, you can connect to the JR Yamanote Line (which circles all of central Tokyo) or take the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Some Keikyu trains run direct to Asakusa via the Toei Asakusa Line — no transfer needed. Check the destination sign on the front of the train.

Tokyo Monorail — ¥500 (~$3.50)

• Cost: ¥500 to Hamamatsuchō
• Time: ~15 minutes
• Runs: Every 4–5 minutes
• IC card: Yes
• JR Pass: ✅ Covered

The monorail connects Haneda to Hamamatsuchō Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It's slightly more expensive than the Keikyu but has nice views of Tokyo Bay. If you have a JR Pass, the monorail is free — it's operated by JR East.

Limousine Bus — ¥1,000–1,300

• Cost: ¥1,000–1,300 depending on destination
• Time: 30–60 minutes
• Runs: Every 15–30 minutes

Same concept as from Narita but cheaper and faster. The bus goes directly to major stations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station) and some hotels. Good if your hotel is on the route and you don't want to deal with train transfers.

Side-by-Side Comparison

From Narita Airport

From Haneda Airport

Which Option Should You Pick?

Tightest budget? From Narita: Keisei Access Express (¥1,270). From Haneda: Keikyu Line (¥300).

Have a JR Pass? Take the Narita Express or Tokyo Monorail — they're free with your JR Pass.

Value your time? Keisei Skyliner from Narita (40 min) or Keikyu from Haneda (20 min).

Heavy luggage + hate stairs? Limousine bus drops you at hotel lobbies. Worth the premium.

Arriving late at night? Check last train times (usually around 11 PM). If you miss them, shared shuttles, night buses, or taxis are your only options. A taxi from Narita runs ¥20,000+ — avoid if possible.

Once you're in the city, get a Suica or Pasmo IC card if you haven't already — it's the easiest way to ride trains, pay at stores, and skip ticket machines entirely. Planning to travel beyond Tokyo? Check our JR Pass guide to see if it's worth it for your itinerary.