Guide to transiting from Haneda Airport (HND) to Narita (NRT) for beginners
If you accidentally booked a round-trip ticket where the landing point is Haneda (HND) but the departure point back to Vietnam is at Narita (NRT), don't worry too much. Although these two airports are quite far apart (about 80km), you can still travel smoothly on your own if you know the right route.
Below is real-life experience to help you complete this "cross-Tokyo" transit safely and on time for your flight:
🚆 Optimal option: Direct Keikyu - Narita Skyaccess train line
For those with short transit time (under 5 hours), I sincerely advise avoiding the Bus (Limousine Bus). During peak hours in Tokyo, traffic jams are extremely terrible, taking the train is the only way to control your time.
Line name: Keikyu-Narita Skyaccess Limited Express.
Advantages: There are direct trips from Haneda to Narita without needing to change trains in the city center. You just sit still in one place, avoiding carrying luggage up and down at large stations like Shinjuku or Tokyo which are like mazes.
Travel time: About 1 hour 40 minutes.
Ticket price: Around 1,800 Yen.
📍 Steps to take at the train station
Find the ticket counter: Right after picking up your luggage at Haneda, follow the signs to the basement to find the Keikyu Line station.
Ask staff: To make sure you don't board the wrong train, find station staff and ask: "Direct train to Narita Airport, please?". They will point you to the exact Platform (track) and the time of the next direct train.
Payment: You can use Suica/Pasmo card to tap for speed. If not, use Visa/Mastercard contactless to buy tickets at the machine. Don't stand counting coins when you're in a hurry, it's easy to get confused.
⏳ How much time is enough?
From my experience, the total time from landing at this airport to checking in at the other airport takes about 3 to 3.5 hours:
60 minutes: Immigration procedures and picking up checked baggage.
100 minutes: Sitting on the train traveling.
60 minutes: Moving from the train station to the check-in counter and doing procedures for the next flight.
Important note: You should have at least 4.5 hours between the two flights to account for any risks.
💡 Small tips for beginners
Check Terminal: Narita has up to 3 Terminals (T1, T2, T3). Carefully look at your ticket for the flight back to Vietnam to see which Terminal you depart from to get off at the correct train station, avoiding extra time moving within the airport.
Internet: Always turn on 4G/5G to check train schedules on Google Maps. If the direct train just left, Google will show you alternative connections (usually changing trains at Aoyama-Itchome or Nihombashi stations).
Don't detour: On the way transiting, even if hungry or craving milk tea, please "hold off" until after check-in at Narita. Safety first!
Transiting between two airports in Japan looks scary at first, but their transportation system is extremely precise. Just focus on following the signs and ask staff when needed, you will definitely make your flight home!
