When flying into Tokyo, Haneda Airport is a better option as it's vastly closer to central Tokyo compared to Narita Airport in Chiba. Hence the transportation cost getting out of the airport is much cheaper, too. However, if you need to get from Haneda Airport directly to Tokyo Station for your next connection, your journey can be a bit cumbersome as you’ll have to change trains at least once along the way – and especially if you have heavy luggage in tow.
JR East is working on a solution for that. A new airport line, tentatively known as the Haneda Airport Access Line, will run direct from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station. It also cuts the travel time to Tokyo Station significantly to just 18 minutes.
Currently, the most convenient hub connecting Haneda Airport with the rest of the city is Shinagawa Station, which is less than 15 minutes away from the airport. However, if you’re looking to get to Tokyo Station from the airport, you’ll need to spend upwards of 25 minutes after transferring at Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho station.
After the Tokyo Station stop, the new train line is set to continue on towards Tochigi and Gunma prefectures. Another bonus for international travellers is that you'll be able to use most JR passes on this airport line.
The new line is expected to start operating in 2029. It will cost approximately ¥300 billion to extend an existing JR track by 5km to create this new airport line.
Travelling during Covid-19? Here’s how to get into Tokyo from Haneda and Narita airports.
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