Airport to city

Every major airport has a train, a bus and a taxi rank. Pick based on your luggage, not just the clock.

What to know

• Narita: The Narita Express (JR) runs about twice an hour during the day to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama. Tokyo Station takes just under an hour. The Keisei Skyliner reaches Nippori and Ueno in around 40 minutes. It isn't a JR train, so the Japan Rail Pass doesn't cover it.
• Airport Limousine and Keisei buses leave from each Narita terminal for hotel areas, transport hubs and Tokyo Disney Resort. Taxis offer flat fares to most central destinations.
• Haneda: Two rail lines serve the airport, the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail. Buses run to the city center and the suburbs, and some areas have fixed-rate taxis.
• Kansai: The airport is about 50 km from central Osaka, with rail, road and high-speed ferry links. The airport's KIX ACCESSMOOTHIE planner compares train, ferry, bus and taxi routes. Buy tickets at the Kansai Tourist Information Center in the airport.
• Get your IC card before you leave the airport. See "IC cards" in part 1.

psst, with two big suitcases, a bus to your hotel's door often beats a fast train plus two transfers and the stairs in between.

← all practical guides