First, as an example, let's take a look at the number of passengers on the international and domestic flights between Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. The below data shows the number of passengers who used either Narita or Haneda airports in fiscal 2023.

The two airports in Tokyo see a significant number of international passengers. So, how do visitors decide which Tokyo airport to use? It mainly depends on the flight schedule, destination, and airline, making it challenging to determine specific airports for particular destinations.

Why do people get confused about the airports? Below are the primary reasons.

Many people mistakenly believe that Narita Airport (NRT) is the only international airport in Tokyo, when, in fact, Haneda Airport (HND) also serves international flights.

This misconception often leads to confusion, especially for travelers with connecting flights. It's important to check your ticket before heading to the airport to ensure you go to the correct one.

Narita and Haneda are both excellent airports, although there are some significant differences between the two. Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo and provides convenient access to Shinagawa Station. Narita Airport, on the other hand, is further away but offers easier access to Narita City for exploration.

The distance between the two airports is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) by taxi. You can take either a train or a bus to go to the other airport, but taking a cab is the fastest way, as it only takes one hour each way between Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. However, it depends on your budget and the arrival time.

Let's take a look at how to get to both airports from Tokyo Station.

Even though Narita Airport is called Tokyo's gateway, in conjunction with Haneda Airport, it is located in Chiba Prefecture, which is adjacent to Tokyo. The distance from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport is about 70 kilometers (43 miles).

Since getting to this airport takes some time, let’s compare the time on a direct bus from Tokyo Station to the time on a train. You can check a route map here.

・Bus - Tokyo Station (leaves from Yaesu North Exit) to Narita Airport (Terminal 1): 65 minutes
The TYO-NRT Airport Bus has reserved and non-reserved seats and costs 1,300 yen (cash) one-way.

・Train - Tokyo Station to Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station: 53 minutes
The Narita Express is a direct train that runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport. A one-way ticket costs 3,070 yen. The Narita Express also departs from Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama stations. While it is more expensive than taking a bus, it is a faster mode of transportation to the airport when there are no delays. However, the choice between taking the train or the bus depends on your budget and schedule.

Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo Station than Narita Airport. The distance from Tokyo Station via highway is only 20 kilometers (12 miles). Below is the travel time by bus and train. You can also see a route map here.

・Limousine Bus: Tokyo Station (leaves from Yaesu North Exit) to Haneda Airport (Terminal 1): 40 minutes
The Airport Limousine Bus costs 1,000 yen and a variety of payment methods (including cash and card) is available. Travel time is around 40 minutes.

・Airport Express: Tokyo Station via Shinagawa Station to Haneda Airport International Terminal Station: 40 minutes
To get to the airport quickly and affordably, take the combination of JR and Keikyu lines. Start by taking the Keihin Tohoku Line (heading to Kamata) from Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station. Then, at Shinagawa Station, board the Keikyu Main Line Airport Express (heading to Haneda Airport domestic terminal line) to reach Haneda Airport in approximately 40 minutes.
While there is no significant difference in time between the bus and the train, there is a big difference in fare. In the end, it will depend on your circumstances.

If you find you got to the wrong airport, stay calm and breathe. The first thing you should do is to have a good grip on how much time is left. The best choice for you depends on the time and the situation.

The shortest access time and fee in general public transportation are as follows.

The three most common transportation options are the Limousine Bus, taxi, and the "Airport Express" between Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Haneda Airport domestic line Station.

The Limousine Bus is the most recommended option considering both fare and time. However, it's important to note that the arrival time depends on the road conditions, so there's no guarantee of arriving on time.

On the other hand, a taxi is more flexible than the bus but faces similar uncertainties regarding arrival time. If you have enough time, the "Airport Express" is a good option. We'll provide recommendations for transportation based on different situations.

For travelers, it is recommended to take the "Airport Express" due to its reasonable fare of 1,810 yen for one way. Japan's train schedules are very accurate, making it a good option if you're not in a hurry.

When you only have 2 or 3 hours, the best way to get to the airport is by taxi. The fare is expensive, but missing your flight would cost you even more. The good news is that they accept credit cards, so there's nothing to worry about.

The shortest travel time by taxi is 60 minutes. If you realize you won't be able to get there in time, try calling the airline for your flight. Depending on your flight ticket, you may be able to change your flight without an extra fee.

Never give up on making it in time for your flight, as some airline companies have an unofficial rule called the "Flat Tire Rule." This rule allows you to standby for free on the next flight in unavoidable circumstances, such as an accident. However, it cannot be used if you're simply running late. It's worth keeping this in mind.

If you leave Japan in the early morning or late at night, you will find that there are no trains available. However, there are two types of buses: an early-morning bus and a late-night bus. For example, there is a bus that departs from the greater Tokyo area at 4 AM. Always remember to check the transportation options to the airport when planning your trip.

When traveling, it's best to check in at least 2 hours before your domestic or international flight. If that's not possible, aim to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before your flight. It's important to keep your flight details in mind to avoid being late for your flight or missing it altogether.