Image credit: junsuTokyo has the third busiest airport system in the world, after London and New York. There are two international airports in the capital of Japan, in which Haneda airport is more centrally located (15 km from central Tokyo) than Narita airport (nearly 70 km).
In this article, we will review about best ways to get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station, which is considered to be central Tokyo because it serves as a major transportation hub in the city and operates Japan’s highest number of trains per day (over 3,000).
Take note that if you use train, you may be pushed onto the train by white-gloved ‘pushers’ (oshiya–train station assistant) during rush hours.
See also: Best Ways to Get Around in Tokyo
Image credit: seaonwebTaking a Haneda Express Tokyo Monorail is the easiest and the fastest way to leave Haneda Airport as soon as you land there.
Even though you’ll have to transfer from the monorail to a JR train in order to reach Tokyo Station, it’s still fair to say that this is a pretty comfortable way to get to central city from Haneda Airport because:
Directions to get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo:
Travel time: About 20 minutes in total (13 minutes on the Monorail and about 7 minutes on the JR train)
Cost: 650 yen ($6.26) in total = 490 yen via Tokyo Monorail + 160 yen via JR train
Service hours: 05:17 – 00:10 daily (Tokyo Monorail) and 04:26 – 01:18 daily (JR train)
Service schedule: Every 3 minutes during rush hours and every 4-5 minutes during off-rush hours (for both Tokyo Monorail and JR trains)
Image credit: junnemuiTaking a Keikyu Railways + JR train for a ride is the cheapest way to get to central Tokyo from Haneda Airport. But it’s not the most convenient one.
You may have to wait up to 12 minutes for the next Keikyu Railways train, and it gets pretty crowded during rush hours.
Directions to get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo:
Travel time: approx. 20 minutes in total (13 minutes on the Keikyu Railways and 7 minutes on the JR train)
Cost: 580 yen ($5.6) in total = 410 yen via the Keikyu Railways + 170 yen via JR train
Service hours: 05:26 – 00:00 daily (Keikyu Railways) and 04:26 – 01:18 daily (JR train)
Service schedule
– Keikyu Railways: Every 6-7 minutes during rush hours and every 12 minutes during off-rush hours
– JR trains: Every 3 minutes during rush hours and every 4-5 minutes during off-rush hours
Image credit: olandsfokusRiding a limousine bus is surely a comfortable way to get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, as you’re guaranteed to have a relaxing seat.
Since limousine services from Haneda Airport stop at major Tokyo hotels, it’s fair to say that it’s a door-to-door service. Even if your hotel is not on the drop-off list, you can still take a short walk to your temporary home from the nearest hotel on the bus route.
What is so good about this option is that there is no need to transfer to other modes of transportation (which is a must if you use public transport).
The major downside is that limousine buses depart every 30 to 60 minutes, so it’s definitely not the fastest way to leave the airport.
If you arrive at Haneda Airport at night or early in the morning, you can take a night bus (from midnight to 5:00am).
Travel time: 25 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic condition)
Cost: 930 yen ($8.96) and 1,860 yen ($17.92) for night buses
Service hours: 07:00-22:00 daily, and 00:00-04:59 daily for night buses
Service schedule: Every 30 to 60 minutes
Image credit: Keikyu CorporationIf you truly value your privacy and money is not a problem for you, you can use taxi services that can get you from Haneda Airport to anywhere in Tokyo you want.
It is the most expensive way (it’s at least 6 times more expensive than other options) to get to central Tokyo, but also the most comfortable one.
Using this option, you don’t need to figure out where is the nearest subway or train station to continue your journey to your hotel. And that’s a crucial factor when you’re exhausted after a long flight.
A good news about this service is that Tokyo’s taxis charge a set fare, which means you won’t have to worry if a taxi driver will rip you off.
You should book your set-fare taxi at taxi stands at Haneda Airport. If you pick up a regular taxi outside the airport, you may have to pay a higher fare if the driver mistakenly takes wrong turns.
A journey from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo on a regular taxi will cost you about 7,000 yen ($67.44).
Travel time: 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: 5,600 yen ($53.95) and 6,800 yen ($65.5) for late night ride between 22:00 and 05:00. View detailed fares here.
Service hours: 24 hours
Notes: There are two types of set-fare taxi cars which have the same fares: sedan (4 passengers + luggage) and wagon (5 passengers + luggage). As there is a limited number of wagon type taxis, you are recommended to check their availability when making reservation.
