Tokyo has two international airports and choosing the wrong one can cost you 90 minutes and a lot of unnecessary stress on arrival. Here’s how to make the right call before you book.
How Far Are They From the City?
Haneda sits just 20 kilometres from central Tokyo. The train into the city takes between 15 and 30 minutes and costs around 500 yen. Narita is a different story. Located 70 kilometres from the city centre, the journey takes 50 to 90 minutes and costs around 3,000 yen on the Narita Express. After a 10-hour flight from Australia, that difference is significant.
What About the Ticket Price?
Haneda flights tend to be more expensive, while Narita handles the majority of budget carrier routes. As a general rule, if the fare difference between the two airports is under around $100 AUD, choose Haneda. The time and money saved on the transfer makes it worth paying a little more upfront. If Narita is significantly cheaper, factor the longer transfer into your plans and budget accordingly.
Does a JR Pass Change the Decision?
Yes, it does. If you’re travelling with a JR Pass, the Narita Express is covered at no extra cost. That removes one of Narita’s biggest drawbacks and makes it a much more competitive option. If you already have a pass, the maths shifts considerably in Narita’s favour.
The Bottom Line
Haneda is the more convenient airport for most travellers flying into Tokyo. But Narita can absolutely make sense depending on your fare, your itinerary and whether you’re carrying a JR Pass. Know the trade-offs before you book and you won’t be caught out on arrival.
Which airport did you fly into for Tokyo? Comment HANEDA or NARITA below. Follow 5 Star Trip for more practical travel tips that make your trips run smoother.