Ease and Comfort : Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda Airport to Tokyo
Hey there, globetrotters! Are you planning your trip to Tokyo, Japan? Feeling a bit anxious about how to get from Haneda International Airport to central Tokyo once you land? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
As any seasoned traveler will tell you, getting from the airport to your hotel can be a real pain in the neck – especially if you’re tired from a long flight, hauling around heavy luggage, or have little ones in tow. But fear not, because we’ve got the scoop on the most convenient and affordable option out there: the Airport Limousine Bus.
This trusty service will whisk you away to the heart of Tokyo in a jiffy, without putting a major dent in your wallet or leaving you feeling like a pack mule. So sit back, relax, and let me tel you all about it.
How Far Is It from Haneda International Airport to Central Tokyo?
Let’s first talk about the travel distance between Haneda International Airport to Tokyo.
Did you know that, unlike Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo, Japan? So if your flight lands in Haneda instead of Narita, give yourself a pat in the back, because you have done very well in picking the more convenient airport to arrive at.
Haneda Airport, or also called Tokyo International Airport, is only about 30 kilometers south of Tokyo, or 30-minute drive, which means you can get to all the cool spots in no time. There are plenty of transport options to get you where you need to go. So, don’t worry about a long journey from the airport – you’ll be in the heart of Tokyo before you know it!
What Are the Different Ways to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo? And which One Should I Choose?
Getting from Haneda International Airport to Tokyo has never been easier, with several transport options to choose from. Trains, buses, and taxis are the most common modes of transportation, each with their own pros and cons, to help you choose the best one for your needs :
Renting a Car
If you’re thinking of renting a car in Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need an International Driver Permit, as well as a notarized and Japanese-translated copy of your current driver’s license, and some paperwork (depending on your country of origin). And the rental fees, insurance, and toll fees are quite expensive as well.
But even if you have all the necessary documents, navigating Japan’s bustling streets and road signs can be a real challenge, especially with the heavy traffic and limited parking. And let’s face it, after a long flight and immigration process, the last thing you want to do is struggle with unfamiliar roads on your first day in Japan.
So, unless you plan on exploring remote areas where public transportation is scarce, renting a car might not be the best option. But don’t worry, there are plenty of easier and cheaper ways to get around and enjoy all that Japan has to offer.
By Taxi
Taxis provide a private and direct mode of transportation, and are readily available outside the airport and can take you directly to your destination in Tokyo.
However, they can be quite expensive and may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. So unless you have a group of 5 people or more, or have too much money and don’t know what to do with it, taking a taxi is very costly.
By Train
Trains are a popular choice because they are easy to navigate and have frequent departures. The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line both operate trains that connect the airport to various parts of Tokyo, and have efficient operation and schedule.
However, if you are traveling with luggages or small kids, and/or during rush hour, lugging them around crowded train stations might be quite stressful.
By Bus
Buses offer comfort and convenience and direct service to major destinations in Tokyo. The Airport Limousine Bus is a very popular choice for travelers, as it offers comfortable seating, ample luggage space (2 large pieces of luggage + 1 carry-on / person), and direct service to many hotels and major destinations in Tokyo. The whole ride only takes 40 minutes total.
But buses can be slower and subject to traffic, so if you’re in a hurry, you might want to consider other options. If you have a little bit of time to spare, or you have kids or a lot of luggages with you, then the Airport Limousine Bus is your ideal transport choice.
What is the Airport Limousine Bus?
The Airport Limousine Bus (I will call it ALB for short) is an easy and convenient way to get to and from Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport, and many of Tokyo’s major hubs.
It’s a big, comfortable white-and-orange-colored bus, with lots of room for your bags and a bunch of cool features like free Wi-Fi and charging ports.
The bus ride takes only 40 minutes to get from Haneda airport to central Tokyo.
You can buy bus tickets ahead of time or at the airport itself, and the buses usually run many times on a daily schedule, going and stopping at various locations in Tokyo. From Haneda Airport to Tokyo, Adult fare costs 1,300 yen, and Child fare costs 650 yen.
Have many questions about the Airport Limousine Bus at Narita or Haneda airport as a transport mode going from the airport to Tokyo? And if it’s a good fit for your travel needs? Have all your questions answered here in my “Taking the Airport Limousine Bus to/from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo – All your Questions Answered” article.
Why Choose Airport Limousine Bus to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
Reason # 1 : Easy and convenient access at Haneda
If you’re heading to Haneda International Airport and planning to take the Airport Limousine Bus, you’re in luck! The bus stop is incredibly easy to find and is located directly in the Arrivals area of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
So, once you’ve made it through immigration and grabbed your luggage, just head over to the Arrivals area, and voila! You’ll spot the Airport Limousine Bus Ticket counter right there. And the bus stop is right outside the door, next to the ticket counter. It’s seriously that simple and convenient!
No need to worry about navigating through the airport or wasting time trying to find your way to the bus stop. With the ALB, you can start your journey stress-free and with ease.
Reason # 2 : Availability
You’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of buses available from Haneda International Airport throughout the day. In fact, depending on the time of day, buses run as often as every 15-20 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait long to catch a ride.
Even if you didn’t buy a ticket in advance, or your flight is delayed and you miss your scheduled bus, don’t worry! There are always more buses to choose from, so you can relax and enjoy a stress-free journey.
So go ahead and take your time exploring the airport or grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the bus stop – with so many time slots available, you’ll always have a ride waiting for you. Isn’t that awesome?
Reason # 3 : Widespread locations in Tokyo for pick-ups and drop-offs
ALB has an extensive network of stops all over Tokyo, including train stations, bus terminals, and even directly in front of many central Tokyo hotels. That means you can travel with ease and convenience, without having to worry about navigating the bustling city streets or finding your way to your hotel.
And if you’re looking to really maximize your convenience, consider booking a stay at one of the many major hotels in Tokyo that are listed as a bus stop on the ALB website. That way, you can simply hop on the bus and be on your way to the hotel or the airport without any hassle.
Reason # 4 : Hassle-free transport
One of the best things about using ALB to travel from Haneda International Airport to central Tokyo is the convenience it offers. No carrying heavy suitcases and navigating crowded train stations on your first day in Japan. Instead, simply hand your ticket to the ALB staff at your stop, pick your seat, and they’ll take care of storing and unloading your luggage for you.
This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with small children or feeling jet-lagged and exhausted after a long flight. ALB provides a stress-free travel experience, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride to your destination.
Reason # 5 : Rest and Relaxation
Want to hear the best part about taking the Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda International Airport to central Tokyo? It’s the sitting back on the bus, relaxing, and catching up on some much-needed rest after a long flight and crowded immigration lines. The 40-minute bus ride is a perfect break.
This is especially great for first-time visitors or families with kids who may feel a bit overwhelmed by the bustling city on that very first day of arrival. By taking the bus, you can save your strength and energy and be more refreshed for the adventures ahead.
Start your trip on the right foot and beat your jet lag with the Airport Limousine Bus!
Reason # 6 : Economical choice for after-hour travel
If you happen to arrive in Japan during after-hours, when trains aren’t running yet or have already closed, and you’re worried about the exorbitant taxi fares, ALB might be your only choice in this scenario.
Where Could I Find a List of Airport Limousine Bus Stops?
Check out the comprehensive list of bus stops on the Airport Limousine Bus official website link provided here.
This list includes all bus stops in the 23 wards of Tokyo, those outside the 23 wards of Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Gumma Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, and Ibaraki Prefecture.
There are numerous Tokyo train stations, bus terminals, hotels, Disneyland, and other destinations in the list, making it super convenient to get to your accommodations or strategic transport hubs.
How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
There are different ticket prices for adults and children. Adults are defined as those who are age 12 or older, while children are those between ages 6 to 12 and eligible for the Child fare, which is half of the Adult fare.
The latest prices to all Tokyo bus routes (except for Tokyo City Air Terminal) as of March 2023 are :
If you’re looking to travel to or from the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), you’re in luck because the prices are cheaper for that route! See the rates below. Nice, isn’t it?
What Time Are the Earliest Bus and the Last Bus of the Day?
The bus timetable is subject to frequent updates due to various factors such as routes, demand, and COVID-related restrictions. Timings may also vary depending on the day and the specific bus stop.
If you plan to get from Haneda to a train station, the earliest available bus could arrive as early as 7 AM. On the other hand, if your destination is a hotel, you can expect the earliest bus for that route to arrive around 10 AM or so.
At the end of your Japan vacation, if you need to get to the airport early, it is best to go to a train station to catch a bus, where there are more route availability and earlier rides. The earliest bus to the airport could be as early as 5 AM when traveling from a train station or bus terminal.
Meanwhile, if you catch a bus at your hotel bus stop, there would be less availability to choose from and more limited hours, due to less demand.
The last bus of the day could be around midnight or even later, depending on the season, day and time of day.
What Are the Amenities Provided on the Bus?
The bus ride is very smooth and comfortable. There’s a restroom in the back of the bus, WiFi onboard, and free charging power outlet next to your seat.
You can comfortably bring two pieces of large luggage (30 Kg max/bag) plus a carry-on with you, and the staff will gladly help you store them ahead of your ride.
There is also overhead racks which is best for your small backpacks.
Where Do I Buy an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
Buying a ticket is super easy and can be done in one of many different ways :
- Online, for a small discount, at the Airport Limousine Bus ticket reservation link here.
- At any ALB bus stops (train station, bus terminal, or hotels) listed in the full list of ALB bus stops on their official website.
- From the automatic ticketing machines at Haneda airport or train station, which have English language option. You’ll recognize the machines by the large “Airport Limousine Bus” label and orange color of the area. The machines are user-friendly and take only about 5 minutes to book.
- Or head to the airport’s Bus Ticket counter if you are at the airport and don’t want to take your chance buying from a machine. A perk : If you purchase your ticket at the Bus Ticket counter on the day of travel, and plan to return to the airport at the end of your vacation, you could opt for the ALB 14-day Return Voucher (Haneda – Tokyo round trip) for a huge discount compared to buying 2 separate tickets.
- Buy online at www.Klook.com.
- Have a friend or your hotel book it for you through phone ( the number is listed on the ALB website). a ticket number will be issued for the purchase.
Which Payment Methods Are Accepted When Buying an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
Payment can easily be made using either cash, credit card, or IC card. See the full list of acceptable payment methods below for reference. Flexible, right?
Where Do I Find the Best Deal or Discounted Ticket?
For those traveling to and from Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), tickets are the cheapest for that route. The ticket is 900 yen for a one-way ticket.
If purchasing tickets at the ticket counter, you could ask the ticket attendant to look for any discounted tickets or available special offers, such as discounts for disabled persons, youths under 25, and seniors aged 65 or above, or depending on different routes and regions. This could also be found on their official ticket reservation website here.
Also look around online at Klook.com, a popular travel shopping site for Japanese transit passes and cards, as they often have great promotions and discounted tickets there.
Where Do I Find My Bus Stop?
The ALB Bus Ticket counter is conveniently located in Terminal 1, 2 and 3 of Haneda International Airport, in the Arrivals area. And the bus stop is located right outside the ticket counter doors.
There, you can easily find your bus number, as there are multiple bus stands outside, displaying large bus numbers and destinations. Look for the one that show the same info as that on your bus ticket.
If you’re not departing from Narita airport but need to get there, make sure to be at any of the many bus stops mentioned above 15 minutes before departure time, on the day of travel. Buy your ticket, and queue up for your bus ride at the bus stop.
On the Day of Travel, How Do I Use the Bus to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
See the step-by-step guide below on how to board the Airport Limousine bus to get to your destination :
Step 1 : Make sure to be at your designated bus stop with your ticket 15 minutes before the departure time of your ride.
- If purchasing online, through hotel, or from the airport Bus Ticket counter : Bring your ticket or confirmation paper straight to the bus stop
- If booked by phone : Bring your ticket number to the bus stop
Step 2 : Give your ticket to the staff or bus driver (if no staff present) at the bus stop. The bus staff will collect your luggage, tag it, and put it aside, and give you a luggage receipt.
Step 3 : Queue up in according order, and wait for your bus to arrive.
Step 4 : Bus often arrives around 10 minutes before departure time. At this time, board the bus by showing the driver your bus ticket, and confirm your destination. The staff will store your luggage in the large baggage compartment in the bus.
Step 5 : Take any seat available on the bus, and store your carry-on bag on the overhead rack or under your seat. Put on seat belt, and wait for take-off.
Step 6 : No eating, smoking, or talking loudly when riding the bus.
Step 7 : Monitor the large TV screen in front of the bus, next to the driver. It will show all instructions and next stops. There are also announcement of the next stops in Japanese, English, and Chinese languages.
Step 8 : Get off the bus when the screen shows your destination. Show the driver/staff your luggage tag to receive your luggage.
That’s it! You have now successfully master how to use the Airport Limousine Bus for your Japan travel.
Where Do I find More Info about Airport Limousine Bus services?
The ALB provides an easy-to-understand guide covering topics related to bus travel, including booking, payment, safety, baggage, pet policies, and more on their official website (click this link to the official guide).
Additionally, you can find other information on their reservation website here as well.
What If My Hotel Is Not one of the Hotels Listed on the Bus Stop List, or not Located Close to the Nearest Stop?
There are many many ALB bus stops all over the city. Try finding the one closest to your hotel, and get off at that stop, then walk a few minutes over to your hotel.
Or if you have too much luggage and or having small kids with you, consider getting off at the closest train station to your hotel, and take a taxi to drop you off at your hotel. For short-distance travel (a few minutes drive), taxi is a relatively economical choice, and costs somewhere between 900 yen to 2,000 yen only. Problem solved!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned explorer, if you’re seeking a hassle-free and comfortable mode of transportation from Haneda International Airport to any hubs in central Tokyo area, especially with a ton of luggage and maybe little ones in tow, the Airport Limousine Bus is your answer.
Why let the stress of jet lag and fatigue put a damper on your first day in Tokyo? Grab your bus ticket, get cozy, and unwind while enjoying a scenic ride into the heart of the city. Start your journey off on the perfect note with the Airport Limousine Bus and let the adventure begin!
Don’t forget to check out my other helpful blog posts on Tokyo Japan travel, where you can discover even more practical, simple, and time-saving insider tips to make your trip easy breezy and unforgettable!
If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Tokyo!
Post You Might be Interested In
– Are you planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan for the very first time and worried about how best to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo after arriving in Japan? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here.
– Have many questions about the Airport Limousine Bus at Narita or Haneda airport as a transport mode going from the airport to Tokyo? And if it’s a good fit for your travel needs? Have all your questions answered here in my “Taking the Airport Limousine Bus to/from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo – All your Questions Answered” article.
– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to navigate Tokyo and Japan in general smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.
– Interested in knowing more about the all-time traveler favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.
– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.