Tokyo continues to be a top destination for tourists, welcoming an impressive 36.8 million international visitors in 2024. Consequently, the city operates two airports catering to both international and domestic flights.
Narita International Airport (NRT), opened in 1978, was once the primary hub for long-haul flights; however, that distinction has shifted. Currently, Haneda Airport (HND) leads in passenger traffic, accommodating over 78 million travelers annually, compared to Narita’s 30 million.
The international terminal at Haneda opened in 2010, and by 2023, it had become one of the busiest airports globally. Since 2020, several U.S. airlines have introduced daytime flights to and from Haneda. Carriers like All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have also moved the majority of their international operations from Narita to Haneda, primarily due to its more convenient location.
With numerous flight options at both airports, choosing the best one for your trip can be challenging. To help, we’ve compared the key features of both airports, enabling you to make an informed decision before you book your journey.
Distance to Downtown and Transportation Options
Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, is home to over 37 million residents and spans approximately 800 square miles, making it difficult to pinpoint a definitive city center. The city consists of over 20 wards, each containing various districts.
For the purpose of this discussion, we will refer to the renowned Shibuya Crossing in downtown Tokyo as our central point, known as the busiest intersection worldwide where as many as 2,500 people cross at once at peak times.
Here’s a comparison of the two airports regarding travel time and public transportation costs (or taxi fares) to this central location:
| Route to Downtown | NRT | HND |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (by car) | 47 miles | 13 miles |
| Travel Time (by car) | 1 hour 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Average Taxi Fare | 23,000 to 30,000 Japanese yen (around $150 to $200) | 8,000 to 12,000 Japanese yen (approximately $50 to $78) |
| Public Transport | Narita Skyliner Express/Yamanote Line (2,630 Japanese yen/around $17) | Tokyo Monorail/Yamanote Line (690 Japanese yen/around $4.45) |
While rideshare services like Uber and GO are available in Tokyo, traditional taxis are generally more economical.
The following maps illustrate the distance discrepancy between the two airports and downtown:
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NRT to Shibuya. GOOGLE MAPS
Traveling from NRT can take up to 60 minutes or more, especially during peak traffic as you approach the city. Although taxis are readily available, expect them to be quite costly, with fares likely exceeding $150. Public transport offers a significantly cheaper option, albeit requiring transfers from the airport express service to Tokyo’s extensive metro network, which might seem daunting to some.
In comparison, Haneda is located just 8.7 miles from Tokyo Station, positioned on a peninsula south of the city center. This proximity not only provides stunning views upon arrival or departure but also results in a considerably shorter journey into downtown.
The drive to Shibuya Crossing generally takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, although even this relatively brief journey could cost over $100 in taxi fare. Public transport can achieve the same destination in roughly the same duration for less than $5.
Winner: Prioritizing time efficiency is crucial, especially in a vibrant city like Tokyo where there’s always more to explore. Due to its closeness to central Tokyo, many travelers prefer HND for their inbound and outbound flights.
Which Airport is Best for Business Travelers?
Haneda Airport is just 11 miles from Tokyo Station, while Narita is situated 43 miles away. The difference in distance translates to shorter travel times for car or bus commuters. Light traffic could see you arriving at your hotel or business meeting in under 20 minutes from HND, whereas NRT could take about an hour.
Haneda is also a convenient choice for those traveling to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city located along the southern coast of Tokyo.
Winner: Haneda is typically the preferred option for business travelers due to its proximity to Tokyo’s commercial districts.
Airlines and Flight Options
Japan boasts two Skytrax five-star airlines, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, both ranking within the top ten global carriers. These airlines operate flights out of both NRT and HND; however, they are progressively shifting a larger portion of long-haul services to Haneda. Although NRT remains Japan’s largest airport, it now primarily serves medium-haul routes.
Since 2019, Haneda has seen a significant increase in service to the U.S., bolstered by its more favorable location for passengers. The government has responded to this demand by allocating additional slots for international flights. In 2023, HND achieved new records in international traffic and flights.
American carrier United Airlines has substantially expanded its routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to HND in the past five years, while reducing flights out of NRT. Delta Air Lines has also transitioned its entire Tokyo flight operations from NRT to HND.
The increase in international flights at Haneda has attracted more airlines serving this route. Even if an airline doesn’t operate direct flights to a specific airport, a codeshare or alliance partner may provide access. For instance, Oneworld travelers between Japan and Sydney can choose between Japan Airlines and Qantas, both servicing HND and NRT.
Narita offers flights to 41 countries and 14 U.S. states, while Haneda, transitioning towards long-haul offerings, connects to 27 countries and 15 U.S. states. However, for U.S. travelers, this difference is often minimal.
Haneda excels for domestic flights within Japan as it serves as Tokyo’s primary domestic airport, with connections to 50 destinations across the country.
Winner: Given recent shifts by airlines like Delta and United, Haneda has an advantage for U.S. travel. It also offers greater options for domestic flights, helping connect travelers to other regions in Japan. Nonetheless, Narita still maintains value with its diverse range of long-haul routes globally.
Airport Amenities and Perks
Both airports provide first- and business-class lounges for Japan Airlines and ANA, with minimal variation in design and offerings. Notably, Japan Airlines’ first-class lounge at NRT features a popular made-to-order sushi station, while HND’s first-class lounge includes a unique teppanyaki bar.
Narita International hosts a variety of lounges operated by international partners, such as United Global First, United Club lounges, and an American Airlines Admirals Club.
Haneda also has a plethora of lounge options, including a Delta Sky Club (opened in 2022) and the prestigious Cathay Pacific Lounge. An Amex Centurion Lounge is also set to open later this year at Haneda.
For economy-class travelers, Narita may be more advantageous, offering five Priority Pass lounges across its terminals, while Haneda currently has none. Additionally, Narita is among only five international locations with a United Club lounge.
Both airports boast a solid range of shopping and dining establishments, making them pleasant venues for longer layovers. Aviation enthusiasts may find Narita particularly appealing, as its size and variety of aircraft can provide intriguing entertainment. Unique planes, such as Thai Airways’ Airbus A380, are seldom seen by U.S. travelers.
Winner: While premium travelers might find little difference in lounge access, economy passengers will likely enjoy a more satisfying experience at Narita, given its array of Priority Pass lounges and excellent spotting opportunities for aviation buffs.
Conclusion
Both Narita and Haneda are exceptional airports, although the distinctions between the two are becoming increasingly evident. Haneda’s closeness to downtown Tokyo has made it a preferred choice for business travelers and is increasingly used for long-haul flights, especially to the U.S.
Conversely, Narita provides a broader array of international flights and a wider selection of airlines, enhancing its appeal for various destinations around the globe, along with a richer array of airport lounges.
