How Best to Get to Hotels in Tokyo from Haneda or Narita Airport

Is this your first time traveling to Tokyo? Do you know how best to get to the hotel from the airport?

Arriving in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its intricate transportation network, can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how to get from the airport to your hotel.

Thanks to the increasing competitions, there are now multiple transportation options available for travelers to choose from, when traveling from the airport to hotels. It can potentially get a bit confusing though to find the best option that suits your budget, time constraints, and desired level of comfort. Through this post, I hope to help you crack the puzzle.  

Before we delve into the transportation options, it’s important to highlight that Tokyo has two major international airports: Haneda and Narita. You will need to know which airport you will be arriving to.

Haneda International Airport is located near Tokyo city center, making it a more convenient option for travelers with domestic connections or those staying in central Tokyo. It caters to a mix of domestic and international flights, and is often preferred by business travelers for its proximity to city centers and major hotels.  

Narita International Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, approximately 70 kilometers east of Tokyo city center. It serves as the hub for international flights and often used by low-cost carriers (LCCs).

In this post, we’ll explore the various transportation options available from both Haneda and Narita airports, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision and ensure a smooth start to your Tokyo adventure.

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Transportation from Haneda International Airport to Tokyo City Center

Haneda International Airport is located close to Tokyo city center, making it a more convenient option for travelers with domestic connections or those staying in central Tokyo. Here are the most common transportation options to get you to your hotel:

TRAIN:

Fast and Efficient: There are two train routes to choose as you go from Haneda to Tokyo city center. Both the Keihin Kyuko Line and Tokyo Monorail offer quick connections to central Tokyo. Which train to take depends mostly on where your hotel is located. Use Google Map to see which option is most convenient for you to reach your hotel with a minimum number of transfers.

• Keihin Kyuko Line: This train takes you directly to Shinagawa Station on Yamanote / Tokaido Lines in just 15-30 minutes. The train will also take you to Asakusa via the Asakusa Line.  
• Tokyo Monorail: This scenic route by Tokyo Bay takes you to Hamamatsucho Station on Yamanote Line (with transit connection to Daimon Station on Ohedo Line) in 15-20 minutes. 

BUS:

Door-to-Door Convenience: Let a bus handle your luggage and take you straight to your hotel. If you have a large heavy luggage or two, this may be a better option than train.

• Limousine Bus: Provides a comfortable, direct ride in 30-45 minutes, convenient if your hotel is at or near one of the destinations. It also goes to Tokyo City Airport Terminal (TCAT, with transit connection at Suitengu Station), and Yokohama City Airport Terminal (YCAT).  

CAR:

Flexibility and Freedom: Explore Tokyo at your own pace with a car.

• Semi-Private Shuttle Car Service: Share a ride with others for a cost-effective option with potential extra stops. Check out NearMe Airport Shuttle for actual prices.
• Taxi: The quickest option (30-45 minutes) with direct service and luggage assistance, but also the most expensive.
• Rental Car: Offers maximum freedom but can be stressful driving an unknown and complicated roads, especially with Japanese signs and traffic congestion.

Transportation from Narita International Airport to Tokyo City Center

Narita International Airport is the primary gateway for international flights to Tokyo. Here are the most common transportation options to get you to your hotel:

TRAIN:

Narita Express (NEX): The JR NEX is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. It takes you directly to Tokyo Station and other major stations (see below map), making it a great option for travelers who want to get to their destination quickly. However, it is also the most expensive option.

Keisei Skyliner: The Keisei Skyliner is another high-speed train that offers a direct service from Narita Airport to Nippori Station. If you are staying northeast of Tokyo near Nippori and Ueno, this is definately the fastest route. You can also transfer to Yamanote Line to go to Ikebukuro and other stations.

Keisei Access Express and Keisei Express / Semi-Express: These trains are slower but more affordable than the NEX and Skyliner. They stop at several stations along the way, making them a good option for travelers who are staying near those stops such as Asakusa, Oshiage or Aoto.

BUS:

Limousine Bus: The Limousine Bus offers a door-to-door service that takes you directly to your hotel. This is a convenient option for travelers with heavy luggage or staying at the hotels where the Bus stops. However, there is a possibility that you will be affected by a traffic jam especially during the peak hours.

Airportbus Tokyo-Narita: The Airportbus Tokyo-Narita is a more affordable option than the Limousine Bus. It stops first at Tokyo Station, followed by Ginza Station, then goes to Shinonome Aeon.

CAR:

Semi-Private Shuttle Car Service: This is an affordable option than a taxi. It operates on a shared basis, meaning you’ll be sharing the ride with other passengers going to the same destination. You can check for the actual prices below.

NearMe Airport Shuttle

Taxi: Taxis are a convenient option for travelers who want to go comfortably in a private setting without any transfers. However, they are a lot more expensive than other options, and still face the same traffic jam risks especially during peak hours or for longer distances. Potentially a good option for a family and group with small children and elders.

Rental Car: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Tokyo at your own pace. However, it can be a bit daunting to drive in a foreign country especially if you are used to driving right side of the road. It can also be challenging to navigate the city’s traffic with many Japanese traffic signs.

The Wrap

The best way to get from Narita or Haneda Airport to your Tokyo hotel depends on your budget, time, and preferences.

For speed and time management:

• Trains like the JR NEX or Keisei Skyliner (Narita) or Keihin Kyuko Line/Tokyo Monorail (Haneda) are good choices.

For a door-to-door service:

• Limousine Bus or semi-private shuttle are good options.

For comfort and privacy:

• Taxi can offer maximum comfort and privacy, especially a group with small children and elders.  

Additional Tips:

• Check the websites for exact cost as the above cost figures are indicative for comparison purpose. Costs for children would typically be lower.
• Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card, which can be used for transportation throughout Tokyo, including trains, buses, and subways. (or borrow from your friends who recently went to Japan)
• Be aware of peak travel times, especially during rush hour, as this can affect travel times and costs.

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Below is a post that gives you an essential overview of the train systems in Japan. Check it out to help you navigate the vast train systems efficiently for enjoyable trip to Japan!

How to Navigate Train Systems in Japan: A Guide for First Timers

Japan’s world-class train system is essential for exploring the country with ease. This guide helps first-time visitors master the network, from planning trips and buying tickets to understanding local customs, ensuring a smooth and flexible travel experience.

lokeejapan.com

2024.09.25