So you’re ready to book those long-awaited flight tickets to Tokyo from LAX when you suddenly realize…Haneda vs. Narita? Wait, what? Yes, Tokyo has not one, but two international airports. And if you’re already spiraling into a cascade of thoughts—Which airport’s closer to the city? How do I get to the hotel? What do I do if there’s a layover?
Relax.
The last thing you want to do is panic after a long flight. And lucky for you, there’s no need to. For a stress-free start (and end) to your holiday in Japan, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about the two key airports in Tokyo. Whether you’re chasing Japanese matcha, authentic sushi, or cherry blossoms, here’s your guide to Narita vs. Haneda so you’ll know exactly where to touch down when you fly out from Los Angeles.
Narita vs Haneda Airport Explained
If you're scouring for flights to Tokyo, you'll soon realize that the names Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) will pop up quite frequently. So, let's break both down to find out which one’s more convenient for you.
Narita Airport
Narita Airport Terminal 1, Tokyo
The main international airport in Tokyo, and the one you'll most likely fly in and out of, is Narita International Airport (NRT). Both domestic and international flights operate here, but it’s definitely best known for its wide range of international routes. It includes many direct flights from LA and other major cities, and you'll get the most convenience with airline options flight schedules, and pricing here.
One of the trade-offs (albeit a small one) is that it's a lot further from the city compared to Haneda Airport, with NRT situated 70km away in the adjacent Chiba prefecture. However, there’s no need to stress since its easy access to public and private transport makes convenient travels to and from Japan's capital.
What to expect at Narita Airport
Inside Narita International Airport
Passenger Terminals
First and foremost, Narita Airport is split into three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the largest, with a North and South Wing, while Terminal 3 is home to more low-cost carriers and modest space. Terminal 2 is kind of the in-between in terms of both size and amenities.
Dining Options
Craving a bite before you head to the main city? Narita's terminals have plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars sprawled across the three terminals, meaning there are more than enough options to suit everyone's taste buds.
Some of our favorites include:
- IPPUDO - 3rd Floor, Terminal 1: One of the most well-known ramen restaurants in the country, you can still get your noodle fix in before you fly off.
- McDonald's - 4th Floor Terminal 2: Suppose you're craving familiar flavors while in Terminal 2, you're in luck! Try out McDonald's in Japan, which has country-exclusive items to expand your culinary palette (we recommend the Teriyaki McBurger).
- Food Court - 3rd Floor, Terminal 3: If you're in Terminal 3, check out the food court for amazing Japanese takeaway options such as udon noodles, ramen, gyoza, and BBQ dishes.
Shopping and Entertainment
Calling all Pokémon lovers! / Photo Credits: Cheng-en Cheng on Flickr
Narita Airport also has a large offering of duty-free and souvenir stores in Terminal 1 & 2, where you can pick up an assortment of Japanese snacks and iconic manga/anime characters as a token of your trip to Japan!
Klook Tip: Pokémon fans shouldn't miss out on the official Pokémon store located at Terminal 2, 4F.
Shops at Terminal 2 Narita International Airport / Photo Credit: Wpcpey on Wikimedia Commons
Inter-terminal Transfers at Narita Airport
Looking to stretch your legs? Take the coloured walkways between Terminal 2 & 3! Credits @narita.airport_official
One of the most common ways to transfer terminal to terminal at Narita Airport is by the free shuttle buses. The shuttle buses are connected to all the terminals and are conveniently located outside each terminal.
Walking is also a great option to travel between Terminals 2 and 3, as they are a little more than 500 meters apart. Colored walkways make this an extremely easy path to navigate.
Airport Transfers from Narita to Tokyo
The Keisei Skyliner awaits you at Narita!
Ready for that 70km trip to Tokyo? There are more than a few ways to get to the city center. For peace of mind, pre-book your Narita Private Airport Transfers so you don’t have to worry about anything (or anyone) else after a long flight from LAX. This option is especially great if you're traveling in a larger group and prefer your own vehicle.
Other popular options include:
- Airport Limousine Bus - A popular, comfortable, and reliable choice, this Airport Limousine Bus takes you directly to major hotels and key stations around Tokyo. It’s also perfect if you’re carrying heavy luggage since it has dedicated storage for larger suitcases.
- Keisei Skyliner Express - If you’re looking for the quickest way to reach Tokyo, your best bet is booking a Keisei Skyliner Express Ticket. It takes just over 30 minutes to reach downtown Tokyo. You can also book your tickets at the station, but it’s always better to be prepared.
- Narita Express (N’EX) - Already have a JR Pass on you? Well, you're in luck! This pass covers the Narita Express (N'EX), which connects Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, so you can get to the city in no time.
In case you aren't able to plan a transfer ahead of time, don't worry, because taxis and shuttles are always waiting just outside the terminals! Just expect to pay a little more in price. For more details on Narita Airport Transfers, check out this comprehensive guide on How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Heading beyond Tokyo? You can pre-purchase Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to other major cities in Japan
Haneda Airport
Tokyo International Airport at dawn
While Haneda Airport (also known as Tokyo International Airport) offers several international destinations, it is more commonly used as a hub for domestic flights.
That being said, Haneda Airport is a lot closer to central Tokyo, located 20km outside the city. It’ is also continuously increasing its flights and airline operators internationally, so it’s still a desirable option you’ll want to consider—especially if you're flying Qantas, Japan Airlines, ANA, or Singapore Airlines.
What to expect at Haneda Airport
Inside the spacious Haneda Airport terminal
Passenger terminals
Similar to the former, Haneda Airport is split into three terminals: Terminals 1 and 2 (which mostly handle domestic flights), and the 3rd International Terminal. All three terminals are equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, showers, and areas to kick your feet up, such as Airport Lounges and Transit Hotels. Like Narita, Japan’s top airlines are also serviced here.
Dining options
Steamy Tonkotsu Ramen from Ramen Setagaya, Photo from Haneda Airport Official Facebook
Travelers can also expect plenty of shopping and dining options, with food kiosks serving traditional Japanese cuisine, oriental meals from wider Asia, and comforting Western dishes.
Our favorite places to dine in Haneda Airport include:
- Yakiniku Champion - 4th Floor, Terminal 3: Only the highest-quality wagyu beef gets served at Yakiniku Champion. Fire up the grill and cook your meat to the desired taste!
- Ramen Setagaya - 4th Floor, Terminal 3: Would it be a trip to Japan without a warm, hearty bowl of ramen? Ramen Setagaya serves up some of the finest ramen for one last great meal before boarding. Better yet, they're open 24 hours!
- Planetarium Starry Cafe - 5th Floor, Terminal 3: After some much-needed coffee? Head up to the Planetarium Starry Cafe and gaze up at projections of over 40 million stars and constellations. They're open after 10 PM too, so it’s a great option if you're arriving at Haneda pretty late.
Shopping and Entertainment
Check out the Tiat Duty Free Shop at Haneda Airport for some good deals!
If you've got a bit of yen left to splurge or just looking to pass the time, check out the wide variety of boutiques, convenience stores, bookstores, and clothing brands at Haneda. Be sure to visit the tax-free Tiat Duty-Free Shop on the 3rd Floor of the International Terminal. It’s open 24 hours and has products ranging from alcohol to perfumes and everything in between.
Inter-terminal Transfers at Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport’s free shuttle bus / Photo Credit: Comyu on Wikimedia Commons
The easiest way to travel between the three terminals is by using the free shuttle bus, as they're abundant and arrive every 4-8 minutes between 5 AM to -12 AM. Just take note that from 12 AM to 5 AM, they come at 30-minute intervals for some hours. These shuttle buses can be found in the Arrival Lobby of each terminal.
Find the inter-terminal transfers at these locations:
- Bus Stop 8 - Terminal 1
- Bus Stop 9 - Terminal 2
- Bus Stop 0 - Terminal 3
The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu line are also viable options when traveling between terminals. However, keep in mind that both the Monorail and Keikyu Line are only available to travelers who need inter-terminal transfers between Domestic to International flights and vice versa. Boarding tickets are distributed for free, although you’ll be asked to present your flight tickets for confirmation.
Arrival corridors of Haneda Airport / Photo Credit: MNXANL on Wikimedia Commons
If you need to stretch your legs, there is an underground passageway with a moving walkway to help you get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The walk itself is 400m, though with the moving walkway, it'll feel like a light stroll.
For more detailed information about transfers between terminals in Haneda Airport, you can check out their official website.
Airport Transfers from Haneda to Tokyo
Travel to Tokyo at ease with a Private Haneda Airport Transfer!
Haneda Airport provides the same convenience as Narita Airport when it comes to Airport Transfers. Despite the shorter trip, private and shared Airport Transfers—as well as airport limousine buses—are still the most comfortable way to get to your hotel.
Your Haneda Airport transfer options:
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Hamamatsucho Station) - This is covered by the JR Pass!
- Japan Bullet Train
To learn more about the public transportation options, you can check out our guide on getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo here. Traveling via train in Japan can get a bit confusing for first-timers, so if you want to be ultra-prepared, we've got you covered with our ultimate guide to Japan's Rail Network.
Stay connected on the go with a Japan eSIM!
Don’t miss out on seamless connectivity for your Japan travels!
Even with free WiFi in airports, not having access to WiFi in another country can be nerve-wracking. If you want to skip that stress, we recommend using a Japan eSIM since you can purchase and activate it before you land in Tokyo.
eSIMs work exactly like physical SIM cards, except you don't need a physical card to swap in and out of your phone. They're installed and activated digitally and give you a local phone number on top of reliable internet access.
If you want to see how they compare against Pocket WiFi devices and traditional SIM cards in Japan, check out this article for more information!
Choosing your Tokyo airport
Ready to explore the wonders of Tokyo? Your adventure waits at the airport!
So now you know all there is you need to know about Tokyo airports. All that’s left is the question: Which airport should you choose? When planning your trip, consider what experience matters most to you and weigh in factors such as budget, travel time, travel companions, and hotel location. Are you looking for more long-haul flights, cheaper fares, and a wider range of schedule options? If so, book your flight to Narita Airport. If you’re arriving around midnight or simply want to save on time, Haneda is your safest bet.
Still stuck? The bottom line is: choose Haneda Airport if you value the shortest and flexible ride into the city, and opt for Narita Airport if you find better airfare or are targeting a specific airline. Either way, both airports are convenient and packed with amenities to make your arrival in Japan smooth and memorable.
FAQ About Tokyo Airports
Is it difficult to go to Narita Airport to Tokyo?
Not at all! Thanks to the great variety of airport transport options, including Skyliner, N’EX, Private Transfers, and limousine buses, reaching central Tokyo takes about 40 - 60 minutes.
Which airport in Tokyo is better?
It depends. Haneda is closer and faster to reach, while Narita often offers more flight choices and competitive fares.
Is it better to fly into Haneda or Narita?
If you prioritize convenience and short transfer times, Haneda wins. For more direct flights and cheaper tickets, you might want to choose Narita.
How far is Narita Airport from Tokyo city center?
Narita Airport is around 70 km (43 mi), so leave about an hour for travel time.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
A nonstop flight from LAX to Tokyo takes approximately 11 - 12 hours.
Are there direct flights to Japan from LAX?
Yes, airlines such as Japan Airlines, ANA, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines all offer direct flights to both Narita and Haneda airports.
And that wraps up our guide on Narita and Haneda! These two major airports are both serviced by international airlines, so if you're a frequent traveler to Japan (or want to be!)—you'll probably end up visiting both at some point. Safe travels! 🧡
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