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Narita & Haneda to Central Tokyo: 2026 Airport Access Guide
From Narita or Haneda to central Tokyo: compare every train, bus, and taxi by fare and time (Skyliner ¥2,470, N'EX ¥3,140+, Keikyu ¥327) and pick the best route. 2026 fares.
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Narita & Haneda to Central Tokyo: Fare and Time at a Glance
- For Nippori & Ueno: Keisei Skyliner (as fast as 36 min to Nippori, ¥2,470)
- For Shinjuku & Shibuya: Narita Express (¥3,140 to Tokyo Station, ¥3,330 to Shinjuku/Shibuya)
- Cheaper rail: Access Express (¥1,235 IC / ¥1,240 ticket to Ueno)
- Bus to Tokyo Station: TYO-NRT (¥1,500 standard fare, Tokyo Station to Narita in as little as 65 min)
- For Shinagawa: Keikyu Line (as fast as 14 min from Terminal 3 to Shinagawa, ¥327 IC / ¥330 ticket)
- Along the Yamanote Line: Tokyo Monorail (about 13–19 min to Hamamatsucho, ¥520)
- Direct to your hotel: Limousine Bus — check stops, times, and fares on the official search
- Late-night or groups: Fixed-rate taxi (from ¥7,600 to Chiyoda Ward)
What’s New in 2026
- Fixed-rate taxi fare increase (April 20, 2026): Fixed-rate taxi fares from Haneda Airport have been revised. Chiyoda Ward is now ¥7,600 (Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association, effective April 20, 2026).
- N’EX round-trip discount (revised March 14, 2026): ¥5,200 round trip. Announced January 28, 2026, revised March 14, 2026. Available to holders of a non-Japanese passport.
- Unregistered Suica and PASMO back on sale (announced February 2025, phased resumption from March onward): JR East’s February 18, 2025 announcement made it possible again to buy these cards from airport-station ticket machines.
- Limousine bus routes: Delays from traffic spike during peak periods — Golden Week, New Year, and the cherry blossom season. On your departure day, build in one to two hours of buffer.
Your 3-Minute Decision After Landing
As you leave the arrivals lobby, check more than your hotel name: confirm the nearest station, the exit you’ll use, and your check-in time. On the signage, look for Train / Keisei / JR / Keikyu / Monorail for rail, or Bus / Limousine Bus for buses.
The Skyliner and N’EX can’t be boarded with an IC card alone. On top of the base fare, you need a limited express reserved-seat ticket (指定席特急券) or a matching discount ticket. Buy it at the airport-station counter, a reserved-seat ticket machine, or through online booking. If the machines feel daunting, the surest move is to show your hotel’s nearest station on your phone and ask at the counter.
The Access Express, Keikyu, and Tokyo Monorail can be boarded directly with an IC card such as Suica or PASMO. Short-term visitors can use Welcome Suica Mobile; residents and repeat visitors should check the balance on their existing IC card or mobile Suica/PASMO before heading to the gates.
If you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with children, your hotel is far from a station, or you arrive after 22:00 (at both Narita and Haneda, the last train draws near and connections get tight from the 22:00 hour onward), don’t pick on price alone — keep the N’EX, Skyliner, limousine bus, and fixed-rate taxi in the running. After the last train, switching early to an official bus, an airport hotel, or a taxi is safer than piling on connection after connection.
If unsure, pick this: When you simply can’t decide, you won’t go far wrong with the Skyliner from Narita (transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori) or the Keikyu Line from Haneda (toward Shinagawa).
From Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is a limited express train linking Narita Airport with Nippori and Ueno, running at up to 160 km/h along the Narita Sky Access Line.
| Section | Fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport → Nippori | ¥2,470 | As fast as 36 min |
| Narita Airport → Keisei Ueno | ¥2,470 | About 41–50 min |
Every seat is reserved, so you buy your ticket before boarding. The reserved-seat ticket machines take credit cards, IC card balance, and cash, and you can use IC card balance to buy the base fare and the limited express reserved-seat ticket together. Nippori is a transfer point for the JR Yamanote and Joban lines and is one stop (about 2 minutes) from Ueno; stay on the Yamanote Line and you can reach Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and other parts of the city with no further changes.
There’s also a Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket set, which bundles 24-, 48-, or 72-hour unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro and Toei subways. It tends to pay off if you ride the subway three to four times or more in a day; for JR-centered travel or days when you ride little, a regular IC card is plenty.
Narita Express (N’EX)
The Narita Express is a limited express train operated by JR East, taking you to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku in a reserved seat. It’s an easy pick when you have large luggage and want to avoid transferring at Nippori or Ueno. The fare runs higher, but a reserved seat and dedicated luggage space make the trip easier.
| Section | Fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport → Tokyo | ¥3,140 | As fast as 53 min |
| Narita Airport → Shibuya | ¥3,330 | As fast as about 75 min |
| Narita Airport → Shinjuku | ¥3,330 | As fast as about 81 min |
Every seat is reserved, each car has a large luggage area, and riding requires a “base fare ticket (乗車券) plus a limited express ticket (特急券),” or a combination of an IC card such as Suica and a limited express ticket. The reserved-seat ticket machines display in English, Chinese, and Korean and accept credit cards.
The N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket for inbound visitors is ¥5,200 round trip (valid for 14 days). JR East’s January 28, 2026 announcement describes the eligible users as “holders of a passport from a country other than Japan.” This may include non-Japanese nationals living in Japan as well as short-term visitors, but confirm the current conditions on the official booking screen or at the counter when you buy. JR Pass holders can ride on their pass.
Keisei Access Express
The Keisei Access Express is a rapid train that requires no limited express fee, reaching Ueno for ¥1,235 IC (¥1,240 ticket). Because it runs through onto the Toei Asakusa and Keikyu lines, you can reach Oshiage, Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Shimbashi, and Shinagawa with no transfer.
There are no reserved seats, so you may have to stand when it’s crowded, but it’s a solid choice if you’re traveling light.
Airport Bus TYO-NRT
The TYO-NRT bus is an airport bus running to and from the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station; the standard fare is ¥1,500 one way, and it reaches Narita Airport Terminal 2 from Tokyo Station in as little as 65 minutes. Early-morning and late-night services are ¥3,000. Travel time varies with road conditions, so allow yourself plenty of time.
Limousine buses running direct from Narita Airport to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Disney Resort, and other destinations can also be booked on Klook. If you have a lot of luggage or are considering a direct ride to your hotel, it saves you the train transfers.
From Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo
Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Line reaches Shinagawa in as little as 14 minutes (from Terminal 3), or about 16–18 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. ¥327 IC / ¥330 ticket. Every train is surcharge-free, and at Shinagawa you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokaido Shinkansen. With an IC card (Suica, PASMO, and the like) you can skip the ticket machines and just tap in at the gate; if you buy a ticket, the machines accept cash and IC card top-ups.
Because it runs through onto the Toei Asakusa Line, you can reach Shimbashi, Nihonbashi, Asakusa, and Oshiage with no transfer.
Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamamatsucho for ¥520 (¥519 IC). On the Haneda Express service it’s about 13 minutes from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 and about 18 minutes from Terminal 2 (you can confirm travel times on the official timetable and route map). At Hamamatsucho you can transfer to the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines for Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. With an IC card you can tap in at the gate; the ticket machines accept cash and IC card top-ups.
With the Monorail & Yamanote Line Discount Ticket (¥590, valid only on specified dates, which may include weekdays), you can travel to any station within the Yamanote loop at a discounted price. Check the applicable dates on the official site.
Limousine Bus
Airport Transport Service’s limousine buses have routes that run direct to major hotels and terminal stations. If you have a lot of luggage or there’s a bus stop near your hotel, they cut down on train transfers. Fares, schedules, and reservation availability vary by route, so check the official site’s route search. Buses can be delayed by traffic, so leave extra time for the trip to the airport on your departure day.
Fixed-Rate Taxi
Fixed-rate taxis from Haneda Airport to the main 23 wards run, at the fares effective from April 20, 2026, around ¥7,600 to Chiyoda Ward, ¥8,500 to Shibuya Ward, and ¥9,000 to Shinjuku Ward (a late-night surcharge applies from 22:00 to 5:00). Fixed fares vary by taxi company and group; with the Tokyo Yonsha (Four Companies), Chiyoda Ward starts at ¥6,900. Expressway tolls and reservation fees are charged separately. Even when using a ride-hailing app or booking service, check the covered areas and any extra charges before you board.
For a group of three or four, or with a lot of luggage, you get a door-to-door ride straight to your hotel. At ¥9,000 to Shinjuku, splitting four ways comes to roughly ¥2,250 per person — though expressway tolls and the like are calculated separately.
Comparison Tables
Narita Airport Options Compared
| Option | Fare | Travel time | Luggage | Payment / purchase | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyliner | ¥2,470 | As fast as 36 min (Nippori) | Good | Buy a reserved-seat ticket | Getting to Ueno/Nippori fast |
| N’EX | From ¥3,140 | As fast as 53 min (Tokyo) | Excellent | Base fare + limited express ticket, or IC + limited express ticket | A reserved seat to Shinjuku/Shibuya |
| Access Express | ¥1,235 IC | About 55–70 min (Ueno) | Fair | IC card OK, no reserved seats | Saving money, the Asakusa Line area |
| TYO-NRT | ¥1,500 (standard fare) | From 65 min | Good | Credit card and cash OK (confirm on the official site) | The Tokyo Station area, traveling fare-first |
Haneda Airport Options Compared
| Option | Fare | Travel time | Luggage | Payment / purchase | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keikyu | ¥327 IC / ¥330 ticket | As fast as 14 min (Shinagawa, T3) | Fair | IC card OK, ticket OK | Shinagawa, the Asakusa Line area |
| Monorail | ¥520 | About 13–19 min (Hamamatsucho) | Good | IC card OK, ticket OK | Along the Yamanote Line |
| Limousine Bus | Varies by route | Depends on route and traffic | Excellent | Check machines, counters, or reservations | Going direct to your hotel |
| Fixed-rate taxi | From ¥7,600 | Depends on traffic | Excellent | Taxi stand, reservation, ride-hailing app | Late night, lots of luggage, groups |
Recommended Routes by Destination
| Destination | From Narita | From Haneda |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | N’EX (¥3,140, as fast as 53 min) or TYO-NRT (¥1,500, from 65 min) | Monorail → Hamamatsucho → JR (roughly ¥720 IC, about 30 min) |
| Shinjuku | N’EX (¥3,330, as fast as about 81 min) or Skyliner → Nippori → JR (about ¥2,680 total) | Keikyu → Shinagawa → JR Yamanote Line (roughly ¥536 IC, about 40 min) |
| Shibuya | N’EX (¥3,330, as fast as about 75 min) or Skyliner → Nippori → JR (about ¥2,680 total) | Keikyu → Shinagawa → JR Yamanote Line (roughly ¥536 IC, about 35 min) |
| Shinagawa | Access Express (through service, via the Asakusa Line) | Keikyu (¥327 IC / ¥330 ticket, through service, as fast as 14 min from T3) |
| Asakusa | Access Express (through service, via Oshiage) | Keikyu → through service onto the Toei Asakusa Line (about 40 min) |
| Ikebukuro | N’EX, or Skyliner → Nippori → JR | Monorail → Hamamatsucho → JR Yamanote Line (about 50 min) |
Travel times and total costs by destination shift with wait times, your transfer route, and whether you use IC or a paper ticket. Use the table above as a rough guide for your first-day decision, and do a final check on official timetables or a route planner before you set out. If you’re heading to the west side of the Yamanote loop or into residential areas, you’ll have an easier time building your trip around the direct N’EX or a Skyliner-plus-Nippori transfer from Narita, and a Shinagawa transfer from Haneda. To choose by budget: when you want to keep costs as low as possible, the Keisei Access Express or a bus is the benchmark; for a standard balance of travel time and comfort, it’s the Skyliner or N’EX; and for late nights, groups, or heavy luggage, a fixed-rate taxi.
What to Do After You Arrive
Getting a Suica/PASMO
Following JR East’s February 18, 2025 announcement, sales of unregistered Suica and PASMO cards have resumed in phases from March 2025 onward. Availability at airport-station ticket machines and counters can change, so check with station staff or the official guidance when you arrive.
If you use an iPhone, Welcome Suica Mobile is an option — install the app and you can use a Suica valid for 180 days. Android users can use the Mobile Suica app (Google Pay required), but for a short trip, buying a physical card at an airport-station ticket machine is the surer, setup-free choice. If you already have an IC card or mobile Suica/PASMO, you can use it as is, and you can top up a low balance at the airport station, a convenience store, or a compatible app. → How to buy and use a Suica
Sorting Out a SIM/eSIM
If you want connectivity right after landing, follow the signage in the arrivals lobby to find a SIM/eSIM counter or vending machine. Short-term eSIMs are often data-only, while a longer stay can call for a SIM with voice service. → SIM and eSIM guide
Your First Day on a Long Stay
On the first day of a long stay, prioritize getting connectivity and a transit IC at the airport and making it as far as your hotel or temporary lodging. Administrative steps like resident registration can wait until you have an address and can handle them at the ward office, so don’t try to finish everything at the airport — first, lock in your hotel’s nearest station, exit, and check-in time.
Late-Night Arrival Guide
If you land after 22:00, you may miss the last train.
Narita Airport (After the Last Train)
- TYO-NRT bus early-morning and late-night service (to Tokyo Station, ¥3,000)
- Pre-booked airport transfers or shared rides
- Wait until morning at an airport hotel or a nearby hotel
Haneda Airport (After the Last Train)
- Late-night and early-morning access buses (to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, toward Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho, and more; confirm the operating days)
- Taxi (taxi stands get crowded late at night, so check the fixed-rate coverage areas, reservation availability, and the late-night/early-morning surcharge in advance)
- Stay until morning at an airport hotel or hot-spring facility
For flights landing after 22:00, look up the last train and last bus on official timetables before you arrive. Traveling solo on a budget, airport-area lodging or a late-night bus is worth comparing; with three or four people and a lot of luggage, a fixed-rate taxi comes into the picture too.
Related Articles
- How to buy and use a Suica — How to buy one at the airport and set it up
- SIM and eSIM guide — Buying a SIM at the airport
- Tokyo station navigation — How to transfer at complex stations
- JR Pass guide — Whether the JR Pass, which also works on the N’EX, pays off
Sources:
- JR East “N’EX (Narita Express)” https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/nex/ (accessed: 2026-05-26)
- JR East “N’EX Tickets” https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/nex/tickets/ (accessed: 2026-05-26)
- JR East “N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket” https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/pass/nex.html (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Keisei Electric Railway “Skyliner” https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/jp/skyliner/index.php (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Keisei Electric Railway “Skyliner Major Station Fares” https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/traffic/skyliner_fares.php (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Keisei Electric Railway “Access Express Fares” https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/jp/traffic/express_fares.php (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Keikyu Corporation “Haneda Airport Access” https://www.keikyu.co.jp/visit/haneda-airport/access/train.html (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Keikyu Corporation “Tickets & Passes” https://www.keikyu.co.jp/ride/ticket/ (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Tokyo Monorail https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/ (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Tokyo Monorail “Monorail & Yamanote Line Discount Ticket” https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/tickets/value/yamanote.html (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- TYO-NRT Bus https://tyo-nrt.com/ (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal “Highway & Local Buses” https://www.tokyo-haneda.com/access/bus/ (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- JR East “Resumption of Unregistered Suica & PASMO Sales” https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2024/20250218_ho02.pdf (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- JR East “Welcome Suica Mobile” https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/wsmlp/ (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association “Haneda Airport Fixed-Rate Fare Table (effective April 20, 2026)” https://www.taxi-tokyo.or.jp/assets/pdf/teigaku/teigaku_busan2026.pdf (accessed: 2026-05-25)
- JR East “New Rail Passes for Inbound Visitors” https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/pdf/0128_pass_en.pdf (accessed: 2026-05-25)
* This article was translated from the original Japanese with the help of machine translation. Some expressions may not read naturally.
