How to Get from Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita Airport, making the journey into the city fast and straightforward. Unlike Narita, neither of Haneda's two primary train options requires a seat reservation or a limited express supplement; you simply tap an IC card at the gates and board an ordinary-fare train.

Quick Answer

To Shinagawa: Take the Keikyu Line directly to Shinagawa Station with no transfers.
To Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line. Alternatively, take a direct Airport Limousine Bus to the Tokyo Station area.
To Shinjuku: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, or take a direct Airport Limousine Bus.
To Ikebukuro: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, or take a direct Airport Limousine Bus.
To Eastern Tokyo (Asakusa / Nihombashi): Take a Keikyu Line train that offers through-service onto the Toei Asakusa Line, eliminating any need for transfers.

Orientation: Check Your Hotel Location First

Before choosing a route, check which side of the Tokyo loop your hotel is on. Tokyo is encircled by the JR Yamanote railway line. If your accommodation is on the western or southern side (such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku), your optimal route and transfer points will differ from someone staying on the eastern side (such as Asakusa or Ueno).

Transport Options

Tokyo Monorail

The monorail runs from the airport terminals to Hamamatsucho Station, where it connects directly to the JR Yamanote Line. From Hamamatsucho, the Yamanote Line reaches Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya without a second transfer.

Best for: Travelers heading to hotels near the Yamanote Line who prefer a simple, well-signed transfer and frequent daytime departures.
How to buy: Tap a Suica, PASMO, or compatible IC card at the station ticket gates, or purchase a paper ticket from station ticket machines.
Watch out for: Make sure to check whether your train is a local, rapid, or express service, as higher-tier trains skip certain stations along the monorail route.

Keikyu (Keihin Kyuko) Line

The Keikyu Line runs from the airport terminals directly to Shinagawa Station, a major Yamanote Line hub. Some Keikyu trains also through-run onto the Toei Asakusa Line, traveling directly to Nihombashi and Asakusa without requiring any transfer.

Best for: Travelers staying near Shinagawa or heading to the eastern side of the city via the Asakusa Line, and those looking for a lower-fare option.
How to buy: Use a digital or physical IC card at the automatic ticket gates, or buy a single-ride paper ticket from the ticket vending machines.
Watch out for: Through-services change their destination displays at the airport platform, so check the station board or ask staff to ensure the train goes directly to your destination.

Airport Limousine Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus network connects Haneda Airport terminals directly with major hotels and transit terminals across central Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station.

Best for: Travelers with heavy luggage, multiple bags, or those whose hotels are located directly adjacent to a bus drop-off point.
How to buy: Purchase tickets at the airport arrival lobby ticket counter, online in advance, or pay directly using a compatible IC card on many routes where cashless boarding is supported.
Watch out for: Road traffic congestion into central Tokyo can cause delays, making travel times less predictable than the rail options.

Taxis and Late-Night Travel

Taxis operate from dedicated ranks outside the arrival terminals. Fixed-fare pricing is available for trips into designated zones of central Tokyo. Because Haneda is close to the city center and both train lines operate late into the evening, late-night arrivals are less problematic than at Narita, though taxis remain the primary option if you land after all train service has finished.

Best for: Small groups traveling together, passengers with excessive luggage, or late-night arrivals after train services have concluded.
How to buy: Queue at the official airport taxi stand and request a fixed-fare destination zone if applicable.
Watch out for: Fixed-fare taxi services require specific zones and do not accept standard IC cards for payment, meaning you must pay by cash or credit card.

Choosing by Destination

Shinagawa: The Keikyu Line provides a direct, transfer-free journey.
Tokyo Station: Use the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer to the JR line, take a direct Airport Limousine Bus, or take a Keikyu train that through-runs to the Asakusa Line and connect via the subway network.
Shinjuku and Ikebukuro: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, or take a direct Airport Limousine Bus to avoid station stairs and transfers entirely.
Asakusa and Eastern Tokyo: Take a Keikyu Line train with direct through-service onto the Toei Asakusa Line.

Tickets and IC Cards

A contactless IC card, such as a Suica or PASMO, is all you need for the Tokyo Monorail and the Keikyu Line. You can purchase a physical Welcome Suica or PASMO card at the airport or add a digital version directly to your smartphone wallet application before you arrive. Standard IC cards are also widely accepted across the Airport Limousine Bus network for direct boarding on many routes, though payment methods can occasionally vary by specific route or destination, so it is best to check the ticket counter or boarding instructions if you are unsure. IC cards cannot be used for street hails or fixed-fare taxis.

Practical Tips

Luggage storage: Station lockers are available at major hubs like Shinagawa and Hamamatsucho, though finding large lockers can be difficult during peak morning and evening hours.
Elevators and escalators: Major transfer stations have elevator access, but signage can occasionally require walking down long corridors or through crowds.
Rush hour: Avoid boarding local commuter trains with large suitcases during morning rush hours, as trains become extremely crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve a train seat in advance? No. Neither the Tokyo Monorail nor the Keikyu Line offers reserved seating or limited express tickets. You simply tap your IC card at the ticket barrier and board the next available train.

Which train line is cheaper? The Keikyu Line is generally the lower-fare option between the two train routes into central Tokyo, while the Tokyo Monorail is slightly higher.

Are there direct trains to Shinjuku or Ikebukuro? No. Neither the monorail nor the Keikyu Line runs directly to Shinjuku or Ikebukuro. You must make a single transfer at Hamamatsucho (for the monorail) or Shinagawa (for Keikyu) to board the Yamanote Line, or take a direct Airport Limousine Bus.

What should I do if my flight arrives after the trains stop? Haneda is close enough to the city that late-night arrivals can take a fixed-fare taxi directly to central Tokyo if they miss the final train departures.

Can I use my IC card on the Airport Limousine Bus? Yes. Standard IC cards are accepted on many Airport Limousine Bus routes for direct payment when boarding, and some routes are fully cashless. However, exact payment rules can vary by specific route, so check the ticket counter or boarding instructions if you are unsure.