It is highly likely that Haneda Airport will be your first point of contact with Japan and its people.
There’s not much to worry about if you prepare everything in advance, although many travelers often focus solely on the flight itself and overlook the transport from the airport to the hotel, which is equally important.
Arriving in a place as different as Japan, with a unique language and culture, can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here we provide essential information about the airport and how to get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo, something you’ll want to plan before you leave home.
Useful Information about Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport has three terminals: the first two are for international flights, and the third one is for domestic flights.
Its facilities are well-maintained and designed to help people from different languages and nationalities communicate more easily.
Although Japanese is the primary language for all signs, there is always English and Spanish available, so you won’t have trouble reading the signs.
The airport is divided into multiple floors, each offering services and amenities to make your time there as comfortable as possible.
On the 4th and 5th floors, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants for last-minute or essential shopping needs.
On the 5th floor, there are observation decks which are highly recommended if you have time to spare; rather than waiting on a chair, you can enjoy some fantastic views. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
After arriving at Haneda Airport, you’ll face the thrilling task of exploring Tokyo. For a smooth transition from the airport to the city, consider the Tokyo: 24, 48, or 72-hour Metro Ticket.
This ticket will not only make getting around the metropolis easier, but it will also allow you to dive into the vibrant life of Tokyo from the very start.
How to get from Haneda to Tokyo?
Haneda Airport offers a wide and varied range of transportation options to get passengers to their destinations.
Some transport services go directly to Tokyo Station, while others will take you directly to the hotel you’re staying at.
Available options include monorail, train, bus, and taxi, with some companies even offering private transfer services.
Each option is recommended for different reasons, and the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Here are all the options in detail to help you choose the one that best suits your travel style:
Private Transfer
Private transfer is one of the most recommended options if you want to leave Tokyo Airport stress-free and with ease. The service offers extra attention to detail, such as having a Japanese driver meet you upon arrival, assist with luggage, and take you directly to your hotel.
The price reflects this level of service, but it is well worth it. As expected, it is a safe, fast, and comfortable option.
The schedule is always tailored to meet the user’s needs, minimizing any time lost and helping you make the most of your time.
Monorail
Tokyo’s International Airport offers a unique monorail transport option, which is not commonly available at other airports.
This makes the monorail a popular choice for many travelers who want to try something new from day one.
Of all the transportation options, this is the fastest because:
- It reaches Tokyo in just 20 minutes, thanks to a direct connection from Terminal 2 to Hamamatsucho Station.
- If you take the monorail from the international terminal, the journey is reduced to only 13 minutes.
It’s worth mentioning that the monorail is included in the Tokyo Rail Pass, so if you have one, there’s no additional charge. Without the pass, the price is around €4 per person.
Train
The train is always an excellent transportation option in Japan, and Haneda Airport is no exception.
To leave the airport, you’ll need to take the Keikyu Line trains to reach Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, a journey of about 14 minutes.
Pay close attention during the ride, as it’s easy to miss your station.
The Tokyo Rail Pass covers this trip, so if you have one, there’s no extra charge. Otherwise, be sure to check the ticket cost, as it may vary.
Bus
The Tokyo Airport bus service from Haneda is highly efficient.
The Limousine Bus company provides excellent service at both Haneda and Narita Airport.
Buses depart every 40 minutes from the airport, arriving at Tokyo Station in around 35 minutes.
They are very comfortable and safe, making them a great option if you prefer an alternative to the train or monorail.
- Bus fare is €7.30 for adults and €3.70 for children.
- The service is available 24 hours a day, but fares double from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
Keep in mind that late at night, trains are not in service, which is why bus fares increase—they’re often the only available transport option.
Taxi
The Tokyo Airport taxi service is highly convenient if you are traveling with a group of 4, as fares can be somewhat high. It is best suited for those seeking comfort and who can make full use of the taxi space.
The fare to Shinjuku from the airport is around €56, although rates vary by destination, so it’s advisable to check the fare before boarding.
Similar to buses, taxi fares increase after 10:00 p.m. (and until 5:00 a.m.), sometimes even doubling.
Additionally, if your journey includes toll highways, these costs will be added to the fare and are not included in the base taxi price.
As you can see, taking a taxi is probably the least advisable option, and it would only be worth considering if specific travel conditions make it viable.
Sightseeing Bus
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience from your first day in the city, the Tokyo: Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour could be an excellent choice.
This tour gives you a unique perspective on the city, allowing you to explore its main attractions comfortably right from Haneda Airport.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Tokyo and Why?
To determine the best way to travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo, you’ll need to consider the conditions of your journey.
Everything matters, from how much luggage you have to your flight’s arrival time. But most importantly, you need to think about the number of people traveling with you.
- If you’re in a group of 4 people, regardless of other factors, the best option is a private transfer that you can book through this link.
- For one or two travelers, the bus is the best option if you don’t have the Tokyo Rail Pass or if your hotel is far from train stations, as the bus might pass through areas closer to your hotel, saving you time on your journey.
- However, if you do have the Tokyo Rail Pass or your hotel is near a station, the best option is the train or monorail.
Haneda Airport: Shared Transfer
A great way to leave Tokyo International Airport and head to your hotel in the city center is by using a shared transfer service.
Have you heard about it?
This option is a mix of private and shared service, as it’s a small group transport that is typically faster than other options since it only stops at the necessary drop-off points, meaning only where passengers are exiting.
The advantage of this service is that, while semi-exclusive, it is far more affordable than a taxi, for example.
While taxis are safe, and all vehicles dedicated to passenger transport are well-maintained, there’s nothing quite like riding in a car that feels almost exclusively for you and no one else.
Transfers can be booked both to and from the airport, and reservations are accepted up to a year in advance. Bookings must be made at least 72 hours ahead of time.
The service costs €20 per person, and the journey from the airport to Tokyo takes about 80 minutes.
Additionally, consider that this shared transfer is especially convenient for solo travelers or pairs who prefer a budget-friendly yet efficient transport option without compromising comfort. The service also often allows a bit more luggage flexibility than buses or trains, making it a great choice if you have additional bags or belongings.