photo by TAKA@P.P.R.S
Haneda airport, the busiest airport among all airports in Japan. Although it is named as an international airport, it was mainly recognized as a domestic airline hub. Now more Japanese and foreign airlines fly to and from Haneda since the extension works in its international terminal was finished in 2014. People who fly from overseas are inclined to head to Shinjuku railway station after arriving at Haneda, instead of Tokyo station which is the largest station of JR group. This is mainly because Shinjuku station is more convenient than Tokyo station to connect to other railway lines as well as JR lines. So, this column will investigate what the best way is to travel between Haneda airport and Shinjuku in terms of fares and travel times.
Airport Limousine
Haneda airport international terminal – Sinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Single fare (Adult): 1,230yen (daytime), 2,000yen (night time)
Travel Time: approx. 65minutes (Travel time varies depending on time of day)
As you can see on the map, Haneda airport is located not so far away from Central Tokyo. Buses are normally used as cost saving transport method when traveling long distance. Therefore traveling between Haneda and the metropolitan area of Tokyo by airport limousine bus cannot be such a fare saver. But one big upside of airport limousine is that it directly access to major hotels in Shinjuku area. If you are staying at Hilton Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo and other major hotels, airport limousine will be the best transport method from or to Haneda airport.
※Airport Limousine stops Higashi-Shinjuku, Odakyu Century Southern Tower, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Hilton Shinjuku, Washington Hotel Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Shinjuku station and Sinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.
Trains・Monorail
①JR Yamanote line & Monorail
Haneda airport international terminal – JR Shinjuku station
Single fare: 690yen (Monorail Haneda airport – Hamamatsu-cho 490yen, JR Hamamatsu-cho – Shinjuku 200yen)
Travel time: approx.. 45minutes
To travel from Haneda airport to Shinjuku, you need to change trains at Hamamatsu-cho. JR Hamamatsu-cho station and Tokyo Monorail Hamamatsu-cho station are separated. You will need to walk between stations. Follow the “JR line” sign after getting off monorail at Hamamatsu-cho. Use Suica, Pasmo or other IC card to save time to queue for a ticket.
②JR Yamanote line & Keihin line
Haneda airport international terminal – JR Shinjuku station
Single fare: 610yen (Keihin Haneda airport – Shinagawa 410yen, JR Shinagawa – Shinjuku 200yen)
Travel time: 40 – 45minutes
Another railway line connect Haneda airport and Central Tokyo is Keihin Line. You need to change trains to JR Yamanote line at Shinagawa to travel to Shinjuku. JR Yamanote line Shinagawa station and Keihin Line Shinagawa station are next to each other, therefore changing trains is not complicated at all. Follow a “JR Line” or “Transfer to Keihin Line” sign when changing trains. You can use Pasmo and Suica, or purchase a ticket at the station.
Airport shuttle taxi (fixed rate)
Haneda airport – Shinjuku
Single fare (fixed rate): 7,000 ～ 7,100yen (daytime), 7,500 ～ 8,500yen (night time)
Haneda airport is located approximately 25km away from Shinjuku area. It is close enough to travel by taxi when you can’t be bothered to drag your suitcase on a train or bus. Normally, it takes about 40 minutes by taxi via expressway with smooth traffic. On the other hand, it is more than likely to take over one hour during rush hour even by using expressway. Taxi fare varies depending on time and duration, but generally costs 8,000 ～ 9,000yen by regular metering. Also, some taxi companies such as Nihon Kotsu, MK Taxi and Odakyu Kotsu offer airport shuttle service with fixed fare. Airport shuttle taxi service cost 7,000 – 7,100yen during the daytime and 7,500 – 8,500yen during the night time. Booking is required for this service.
Nihon Kotsu
MK Taxi
Odakyu Kotsu
Keio Jidousha
Are you almost there?
The biggest upside of Haneda airport is handy location from Central Tokyo. You can get to Haneda airport within one hour by any transport method from Shinjuku. Most commonly used transportation is a combination of JR and Tokyo monorail as it is accurate and least costly, though it may take time to change trains. If you are staying at one of the specific hotels in Shinjuku, airport limousine is the handiest method as you can get on or off the bus right in front of your hotel. Airport shuttle taxi is expensive, but can be a great way if you are traveling in a group. So, it is important to consider what which way is the best for you.
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