How to Transfer From the Airport in Tokyo?
- Published on : 24/08/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Tokyo Monorail on the Haneda Airport Line
@Wikimedia
Just arrived in Tokyo? It’s time to make your way to your accommodation! Trains, buses, taxi, the options are plentiful. Which airport transfer should you choose? What should you do if you have a lot of luggage? The Japan Experience team shares its tips to help you start your trip with complete peace of mind.
Getting to central Tokyo: which option should you choose?
Airport trains: peace of mind guaranteed
The train remains the most efficient way to reach central Tokyo. Reliable and exceptionally punctual, it allows you to avoid traffic jams on the way into Tokyo. Express services offer reserved seats, dedicated spaces for bulky luggage, and connections with JR networks and the subway. It’s the ideal option if your accommodation is located near a major station! Some of these journeys are also included in the Japan Rail Pass.
Limousine buses: comfort without transfers
If you are traveling with large pieces of luggage or want to avoid changing trains after a long flight, the limousine bus is an excellent alternative! Your suitcases are loaded into the luggage compartment directly at the terminal, and the bus drops you off directly in front of many major hotels, in the heart of Tokyo’s main districts. Although journey times depend on traffic, the bus offers welcome peace of mind, especially when traveling with family!
Kagoshima Airport Limousine Bus
@Japan Experience
Discover Japan as a family with our tour designed for young children!
Taxis and private transfers: tailor-made convenience
For a personalized journey from point A to point B, a taxi or private transfer offers unparalleled comfort. Although more expensive than other options, these modes of transport are particularly convenient when arriving late, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage, or staying far from railway networks.
Taxis in Japan
@Unsplash
Making the most of your Japan Rail Pass from the moment you arrive
The Japan Rail Pass is exclusively valid on the JR network. It does not cover private railway companies, subways, or buses.
- At Narita: It can be used on the Narita Express (N’EX).
- At Haneda: It includes the Tokyo Monorail, but not the private Keikyu Line.
Our advice: Make the most of your Pass’s validity period. If your long-distance Shinkansen journeys don’t start until a few days later, purchase a separate ticket for your airport transfer and activate your JR Pass when it becomes worthwhile.
Explore every corner of Japan with the JR Pass!
From Haneda Airport
Thanks to its close proximity to the capital, Haneda makes it possible to reach central Tokyo very quickly:
- Tokyo Monorail (Covered by the JR Pass) : This scenic 15- to 20-minute journey takes you to Hamamatsucho Station, which connects to the JR Yamanote Line, which circles Tokyo.
- Keikyu Line (Not covered by the JR Pass) : It provides direct service to Shinagawa Station, as well as the districts of Asakusa and Nihombashi, and continues on to Yokohama. Please note: Check the train’s destination on the platform, as several lines depart from the same location!
- Buses and taxis: Flat-rate taxi fares are often available depending on your destination zone.
Monorail de Tokyo
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
Prices
- Limousine Bus: around 1 400 yens
- Taxi: around 7 000 to 10 000 yens
- Tokyo Monorail: 520 yens
- Keikyu Line: 330 yens
From Narita Airport
Located farther from central Tokyo, Narita requires you to choose your mode of transport according to your destination.
Narita Express
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
- Keisei Skyliner: If your accommodation is in eastern Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa, Nippori), the Skyliner is the fastest option. Comfortable and modern, it requires a separate ticket but can save you valuable time. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance rather than on the day of your arrival, as the train is very popular and there is often a long queue at the automatic ticket machines. To avoid any disappointment, remember to book your seats with Japan Experience!
- Rapid trains (JR and Keisei): These local services are a good budget-friendly alternative. Slower and stopping at more stations, they are suitable for travelers looking to save money and traveling light.
Prices
- Limousine Bus: around 3 600 yens
- Taxi: around 25 000 to 30 000 yens
- Narita Express (N’EX): 3 070 yens
- Skyliner: 2 520 yens
Book your Narita Express tickets!
Our tips for the final leg of your journey
At major stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo, getting from the station to your accommodation requires a little preparation:
- Check in advance which exit is closest to your hotel before leaving the platform.
- Keep your accommodation address written in Japanese on your phone - it can be very helpful for taxi drivers.
- Consider using the Ta-Q-Bin luggage delivery service: it allows you to have your large suitcases delivered directly from the airport to your hotel, so you can travel light.
Before leaving the airport
Take a few moments to take care of the following:
- Withdraw cash or top up your transportation card (Suica / Pasmo).
- Pick up your Pocket Wi-Fi or activate your eSIM.
- Allow plenty of time after landing to complete customs and immigration formalities before booking a train with a fixed departure time.
In general, we recommend always choosing the mode of transport that minimizes the number of transfers. After a long journey, keeping things simple is the key to a smooth start to your trip!
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