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“Which airport should I take to go to Tokyo? Haneda or Narita International Airport?” This is probably the most common question that anyone who’s heading to Tokyo will ask.
Well, let us save you from the headache. There are different reasons you might want to land in either Narita or Haneda International Airports. First, you need to consider a few things that’ll go into your decision-making process:
- How much you’re willing to spend during your trip
- What your itinerary looks like (Are you heading straight to Tokyo? Or do you plan on visiting nearby prefectures?)
- How much luggage are you bringing along with you
- How many people travelling with you
- Your plane schedule (Are you arriving at night, or early in the morning? Public transportation in Japan has its working hours too).
With that in mind, here’s what you should know about travelling to Tokyo via Narita and Haneda International airports:
#1 Transportation options to get to Tokyo
Option 1: From Narita International Airport
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Narita International Airport is a hub for most international flights, and has more public transportation options to Tokyo compared to Haneda.
- Distance to central Tokyo: Around 70km
- Travel time: 60-90 minutes
- Easily accessible to nearby prefectures such as Chiba.
- Recommended transportation options:
1. The Keisei Limited Express
One of the cheapest ways to get to Tokyo is via the Keisei Limited Express. You can get to Tokyo’s major stations such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo and Asakusa for an average of RM44.95.
2. The JR N’EX
A return trip from Narita to Tokyo is round RM152.43 for adults.
3. Narita Express – the FASTEST way
Get to the main JR stations in Tokyo via the Narita Express. This is a bit pricey, around RM121.56 each way—but you don’t have to fight for a seat and there’s plenty of space for your bags. Also, no need to change trains!
4. The Access Narita shuttle bus
This option drops you off at Ginza or Tokyo Station and is available every 15-20 minutes. The one-way trip is RM38.11 for adults.
5. Tokyo shuttle bus
The shuttle stops at Tokyo Station and costs RM72.40 for a return trip (adults).
6. Shared minibus
Travelling with a group of friends? Then find out if they have a shared minibus/taxi service. They can drop you off at the hotel and is considerably cheaper than regular taxis/minibus.
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Option 2: From Haneda International Airport
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Haneda International Airport is a popular stop for domestic flights, and is located closer to Tokyo.
- Distance to central Tokyo: 15km
- Travel time: Approximately 25-45 minutes
- Recommended transportation options:
1. Haneda Express Tokyo Monorail
Take the Tokyo Monorail for around RM18.67 and reach main tourist attractions located in Shinjuku or Tokyo Station.
2. Keikyu Railway
You can take the Keikyu Line train for around RM15.62 (one-way trip) that can lead you to main areas of Tokyo such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.
3. Haneda Airport Limousine (bus)
Carrying lots of luggage and travelling with kids? Then this could be your best option. The fare varies based on where you’re stopping, around RM27.44 to RM45.73 per person. Tickets for kids are at half price.
#2 Attractions you can visit
Option 1: Narita International Airport
If you’re flying with AirAsia to Narita, you will be arriving early in the morning (8.15am) at Narita International Airport. Perfect timing to actually do a quick tour around Narita City and Chiba prefectures before you head to Central Tokyo or check into your accommodation!
Here are some places you should definitely check out and they are just within the Narita Airport vicinity:
#1 Enjoy a peaceful ambience at Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple
Admission fee: FREE.
#2 Travel back in time and learn about Japanese traditions at Boso No Mura Experience Museum
Admission fee: RM11.92
#3 Level up your Instagram collection by visiting the waterfront town of Sawara
Admission fee: FREE.
#4 Kickstart your shopping and food-hopping adventures at AEON Narita Mall
#5 Slot in some R&R time at Narita International Airport.
So you don’t feel like leaving the airport immediately or you don’t have enough time to make your way around Narita city. No worries—there’s a few things you can opt to do at the airport:
Take a nap.
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If you need a rest from travelling, you can check out the Narita Sky Lounge Wa—for free! There are comfortable seats and power outlets for you to use. There’s also Nine Hours, Narita Airport’s capsule hotel, which rents out capsules by the hour. You can also take a shower there!
Enjoy cultural shows and exhibitions.
Image via www.tokyocheapo.com
The airport holds free cultural events such as calligraphy workshops, Kabuki exhibition and tea ceremonies. Keep a watch out for them when you land, or plan in advance to by checking out their schedule.
You can start sampling on some Japanese snacks from tax-free shops.
Image via www.nipponmart.co
Option 2: Haneda International Airport
You can opt to go straight to these famous attractions if you choose to land at Haneda International Airport:
#1 Enjoy exciting rides and parades at Tokyo Disneyland
Admission fee: Varies on how many days you want to spend there. Click here for more info.
#2 Take a look at history at Tokyo Imperial Palace & Gardens
Admission fee: FREE.
#3 Immerse in Japanese anime culture at Harajuku
Image via www.theselfishyears.com
#4 Browse for electronic stuff at Akihabara and Ikebukuro
#5 Embrace your hipster side at Nakameguro
Of course, these locations can also be visited if you plan to go to Tokyo via the Narita International Airport route!
We hope you’ve gotten a little bit more insight from us! Happy planning and have a fantastic trip 😉.