Narita and Haneda to Central Tokyo: Which Train or Bus to Take
Published: 2026-10-04 · Last verified: 2026-10-04
The easiest way from each airport to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza and Tokyo Station, plus tips on tickets and luggage.
Narita or Haneda?
Tokyo has two airports. Haneda is close to the city, while Narita is further out, so it pays to pick the right train or bus.
| Narita (NRT) | Haneda (HND) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo | On Tokyo Bay, close to the city |
| Getting to the center | Longer: an express train is the easiest | Short: regular trains work well |
| Easiest for | Ueno, Asakusa, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku | Shinagawa, Ginza, Shibuya, Roppongi |
Not sure which line to take? Try our airport route finder: choose your airport and area, and the lines light up on the map.
From Narita
Keisei SkylinerThe fastest train to Nippori and Keisei Ueno. All seats are reserved, with space for luggage.
Narita Express (N'EX)JR's airport express to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama with no change. All seats are reserved.
Airport Bus TYO-NRTThe budget option to Tokyo Station and Ginza.Which one for your area?
| Going to | Easiest option | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ueno / Nippori | Keisei Skyliner | No change needed |
| Asakusa | Keisei Access Express | Runs onto the Toei Asakusa Line |
| Tokyo Station | N'EX or Airport Bus TYO-NRT | The bus is the budget choice |
| Ginza | Access Express (Higashi-ginza) or the bus | The bus stops near Ginza Station |
| Shinjuku / Shibuya | N'EX | No change needed |
| Ikebukuro | N'EX to Shinjuku, then the JR Yamanote Line | N'EX no longer runs to Ikebukuro |
JR East sells a discounted N'EX round-trip ticket for overseas visitors. Check JR East's website for the latest details.
From Haneda
Keikyu LineTo Shinagawa for the JR Yamanote Line. Some trains run straight onto the Toei Asakusa Line toward Higashi-ginza, Nihombashi and Asakusa.
Tokyo MonorailTo Hamamatsucho, where you change to the JR Yamanote Line.
Airport Limousine busDirect buses to major stations and hotels, such as Shinjuku. Handy with heavy luggage.Which one for your area?
| Going to | Easiest option | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shinagawa | Keikyu Line | No change needed |
| Ginza / Asakusa | Keikyu Line | Some trains run straight through; otherwise change at Sengakuji |
| Shibuya / Shinjuku | Keikyu to Shinagawa, then the JR Yamanote Line | Or the limousine bus |
| Tokyo Station / Akihabara / Ueno | Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho, then the JR Yamanote Line | Or Keikyu to Shinagawa |
| Roppongi | Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho, walk to Daimon, then the Toei Oedo Line | Hamamatsucho and Daimon are connected |
Tickets and IC cards
Welcome SuicaAn IC card for visitors, sold at the airports. Tap in and out on trains, subways and buses.- You can also add Suica or PASMO to an iPhone's Wallet. Most Android phones bought outside Japan can't add them, so get a card at the airport.
- On regular trains such as the Keisei Access Express, Keikyu and the Monorail, you can just tap your IC card.
The Skyliner and N'EX need a seat ticket as well as the fare. Buy it at the ticket counter or machine at the airport station, or online, before you board.
Good to know
Try to avoid weekday morning rush hours with big suitcases. Trains into the city get very crowded.
Landing late at night? Check the last trains and buses before your flight. Taxis wait at both airports.
- At Haneda, most international flights use Terminal 3. Narita has three terminals, so check which one your airline uses.
- Signs at both airports are in English, Chinese and Korean.
- More on getting around: transport guide.
