If you’re planning a trip to Japan and landing at Haneda Airport, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo. Among the various options, taking the Haneda Airport to Tokyo train is one of the most convenient and affordable choices. In particular, the Keikyu Line (Keihin Kyuko Line) is a popular and efficient way to travel from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking the Keikyu Line train from Haneda Airport to Tokyo, including routes, fares, travel time, and useful tips.
AWhy Choose the Train from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
There are several reasons why travelers prefer taking the train from Haneda Airport to Tokyo:
- Speed: The Keikyu Line is a direct connection to major Tokyo hubs like Shinagawa Station.
- Affordability: Fares are significantly cheaper than taking a taxi or using private transportation.
- Frequency: Trains run regularly throughout the day, making it easy to catch one shortly after arriving.
- Convenience: Stations are well-signposted in English, and ticket machines support multiple languages.
The keyword “Haneda Airport to Tokyo train” is especially relevant because many tourists use this exact phrase when searching for transportation options.
A Brief History of the Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Line, officially known as Keihin Kyuko Railway, is more than just a commuter line—it’s a part of Japan’s rich transportation history. The company was founded in 1898 as the Daishi Electric Railway, originally serving Kawasaki. It was one of the first electric railways in Japan, and by the early 20th century, it expanded its reach into Tokyo and Yokohama.
The company rebranded as Keihin Kyuko Electric Railway in 1948, a name that reflects the two cities it connects: Keihin (a fusion of Tokyo and Yokohama). Over the decades, Keikyu became known for its punctual service, fast trains, and integration with the growing Tokyo metropolitan rail network.
In 2010, the company updated its brand identity, adopting a more modern look while preserving its legacy. Today, the Keikyu Line remains a key transit artery not just for commuters, but also for tourists arriving at Haneda Airport, which it began serving directly in 1998. The line has since become an essential part of Tokyo’s airport access infrastructure.
Introduction to the Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Line is a private railway company that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo and Yokohama. From Haneda, you can catch a train on the Keikyu Airport Line, which merges into the Keikyu Main Line, allowing for seamless transfers to other parts of Tokyo.
The line is well-known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and comfort. For many travelers, the Keikyu Line is their first encounter with Japan’s world-renowned rail system.
Route Overview: From Haneda Airport to Tokyo via Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Airport Line operates from two main stations at Haneda:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 1·2 Station (for domestic flights)
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station (for international flights)
From either station, you can board a Keikyu Line train heading toward Shinagawa, one of Tokyo’s major transport hubs. From Shinagawa, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which provides access to other key districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ueno.
Example route:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 → Shinagawa Station (approx. 15-20 minutes)
At Shinagawa, you can switch to a JR train if your final destination is not on the Keikyu Line. For instance, if you’re going to Shibuya, just hop on the JR Yamanote Line from Shinagawa.
Travel Time and Frequency
Trains from Haneda Airport to Tokyo via the Keikyu Line are frequent and fast:
- Travel Time: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach Shinagawa Station.
- Frequency: Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes during most hours of the day.
Whether you arrive in the morning or late at night, you’re likely to find a train within a short wait.
You can buy tickets from vending machines at the station or use IC cards like Suica or PASMO. These prepaid cards can be topped up and used on most trains, buses, and even some convenience stores in Japan.
There are different types of trains on the Keikyu Line, each with varying speeds and stops:
- Airport Limited Express: Faster with fewer stops.
- Local Trains: Stop at all stations along the way.
- Rapid Limited Express: A good balance between speed and number of stops.
For most travelers heading from Haneda Airport to Tokyo, the Airport Limited Express is the best choice.
Through-Service with the Toei Asakusa Line
One of the major advantages of taking the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport is its direct connection with the Toei Asakusa Line, a Tokyo subway line that provides excellent access to central Tokyo.
Keikyu trains run through-service operations with the Toei Asakusa Line, which means many trains continue beyond Shinagawa without requiring passengers to transfer. This allows for a smooth and seamless ride from Haneda Airport to major destinations such as:
- Nihombashi
- Asakusa
- Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)
This connection is especially useful for travelers headed to Tokyo’s eastern and northeastern neighborhoods. You can board a Keikyu train at Haneda and stay on the same train until you reach your downtown destination—saving time and hassle.
Additionally, the Toei Asakusa Line connects with other key subway lines. These transfers make it even easier to reach popular areas like Ueno, Ginza, and Akihabara. For travelers, this through-service means no confusing transfers or waiting—just a single train ride from the airport to the heart of Tokyo’s subway network.
Comparing the Keikyu Line to Other Transport Options
While the Keikyu Line is great, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other options:
- Taxi: Convenient but expensive (up to 10,000 yen to central Tokyo)
- Airport Limousine Bus: Comfortable but subject to traffic delays
- Monorail + JR Line: A scenic option, slightly longer than the Keikyu Line
For a mix of speed, cost, and convenience, the Keikyu Line remains a top choice.
Final Thoughts: Haneda Airport to Tokyo Train
Taking the Haneda Airport to Tokyo train is one of the smartest and most efficient ways to start your journey in Japan. The Keikyu Line offers a smooth, fast, and cost-effective ride directly into the heart of Tokyo. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or returning for another adventure, you’ll appreciate the reliability and comfort of the Keikyu Line.
Next time you fly into Japan, don’t stress about finding transportation—just hop on the Haneda Airport to Tokyo train via the Keikyu Line and enjoy the ride!
