What is the difference between Narita and Haneda airports?
Narita and Haneda are two separate international airports serving Tokyo, and which one a flight uses depends on the airline and route. Haneda sits closer to central Tokyo, while Narita is further out and historically handled more long-haul traffic.
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How it works
Both airports connect to the city by rail and limousine bus, and the correct route depends on which terminal a traveller arrives at. Checking the airport named on the ticket, not just the city name Tokyo, avoids travelling to the wrong side of the city.
Commonly mixed up with
Both airports are sometimes referred to loosely as Tokyo airport. They are distinct facilities with separate access routes and separate terminal layouts.
What is the difference between Narita and Haneda airports?
| Knowledge, Tokyo | Travel and visit |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Narita and Haneda are two separate international airports serving Tokyo, and which one a flight uses depends on the airline and route. Haneda sits closer to central Tokyo, while Narita is further out and historically handled more long-haul traffic. |
| How it works | Both airports connect to the city by rail and limousine bus, and the correct route depends on which terminal a traveller arrives at. Checking the airport named on the ticket, not just the city name Tokyo, avoids travelling to the wrong side of the city. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Both airports are sometimes referred to loosely as Tokyo airport. They are distinct facilities with separate access routes and separate terminal layouts. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Which airport is closer to central Tokyo?
- Haneda is closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
- Do both airports handle international flights?
- Yes, both Narita and Haneda handle international and domestic flights.
- Can I transfer between the two airports?
- Transfer is possible by bus or rail, and it takes over an hour.
- Which airport should I check on my ticket?
- Check the airport code on the ticket, since both serve the Tokyo area.
- Where do I find official access information?
- Narita and Haneda publish their own access guides for each terminal.
Sources
More in this track
- How do you get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo?
- How do you get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo?
- What are Suica and Pasmo, and how do they work?
- What is the difference between the Tokyo subway and JR lines?
- Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for travel around Tokyo?
- When is typhoon season in Tokyo and what does it mean for travel?
- What is the weather like in Tokyo through the year?
- What entry requirements apply for a short tourist visit to Japan?
- Which areas do visitors stay in when they come to Tokyo?
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