Welcome to Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan! If you have just arrived at Haneda Airport, one of the city’s major gateways, you may be wondering about the best ways to reach Tokyo’s bustling city center. Fear not, as we have compiled an extensive guide listing all the convenient transportation options available for your seamless journey.
Haneda airport has three terminals. Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Termainl 3 is also called the international terminal. There are free shuttle buses on level 1 which you can take between all the terminals. Make sure you know what termnial you are at espeically if you have a flight departing Heneda airport.
The keikyu train stops are on level B1 for terminal 1 and 2. The monorail also stops on B1 terminal 1 but termanil 2 and terminal 3 it is elevated and the stop is on 2 level. If you have a large amount of luggage it will be more comfortable to take the bus.
1. Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail, offering a direct connection from Haneda Airport to various destinations within Tokyo. The monorail operates from around 5:00 a.m. until midnight, with trains departing every few minutes. The monorail runs from the Airport to Hamamatsucho station, where you can easily transfer to other train lines, including the Yamanote Line. The fastest monorail train with no stops, called the Haneda express, takes 13 minutes.
In terminal 2 and terminal 1 the monorail stops are on level B1. In termianl 3, the departure is on the 3rd floor and the arrival floor is the 2nd floor. You can buy tickets at the ticket machine with card or Japanese yen. On the weekends, there is a special rate of 540 yen to that inculdes the monorail from the airport to hamamatsucho station and the Yamanote line.
The monorail is free if you have already purchaed and activated your JR rail pass
You must activate the pass at a JR center before using it. This can be done at the JR East Japan Travel Center located in terminal 3. It is open between 6:45-20:00 every day of the year. Alternatively the JR Pass can also be activated at the Tourist Information Center at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 between 6:00-23:00 but note that you need to travel to Terminal 2 first.
2. Keikyu Railway
Another convenient train option is the Keikyu Railway, which connects Haneda Airport to several key locations in Tokyo. Keikyu trains operate from early morning until late at night, and the journey time to central Tokyo is approximately 20-30 minutes. The Keikyu Line provides direct access to Shinagawa Station, from where you can easily transfer to other major train lines, including the Shinkansen bullet train and the yamonote line. The price from Haneda airport to shinagawa station is 330 yen. To ride this train go to level B1 of any of the terminals. You can buy a ticket using the ticket machine using Japanese yen.
There are other Keikyu trains that go to Yokahama, and furthter south of Tokyo into the Kangawa prefecture. It is important to check the destination on the train. Both Enlglish and Japanese are used. There are also express limited expresss, and local routes. The express trains do not stop at every station and are much faster than the local trains.
3. Limousine Bus
For travelers with heavy luggage or those seeking a more relaxed journey, the Limousine Bus service is an excellent choice. These spacious buses operate frequently, offering direct connections to various destinations in Tokyo. The Limousine Bus is a hassle-free option, ensuring a comfortable ride while enjoying scenic views along the way. Ticket counters can be found within the airport terminals, making it convenient for passengers to purchase tickets before embarking on their journey. There is a ticket maching ouside also you can buy tickets using credit cards or Japanese yen. These buses stop on level 1 of all terminals.
4. Airport Shuttle Bus
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Airport Shuttle Bus is an excellent choice. These buses provide a reliable service connecting Haneda Airport to multiple locations across Tokyo. While the travel time may be slightly longer compared to other modes of transportation, the affordability and convenience make it a popular choice for many travelers
5. Taxis
For those seeking a more personalized and direct mode of transportation, taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals. Taxis provide the utmost convenience, especially if you have multiple pieces of luggage or if you prefer a door-to-door service. However, it is worth noting that taxi fares in Tokyo can be relatively high, so it is advisable to consider other alternatives depending on your budget
Haneda airport also has hotels. It a really cool airport with each terrminal having a unique architecture. Each terminal has an observatory on the top floor with an excellent outside viewing area to hangout and watch airplanes. You can see Tokyo bay and the city from many locations. The airport has many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.