By Shawn Gallagher
You made it! Welcome to Tokyo Haneda International Airport. Chances are you’re here for an exciting vacation, or came to do some work, or came to see family and friends. Whatever your purpose may be, the first thing you’re going to want to do is to get out of the airport. You’ll find that there are a variety of public transit options from the airport, but the most convenient option in my opinion will be the Haneda Airport Limousine Bus.
Tokyo is a huge city, and at some point, you’ll find out that it takes time to go from one end of the city to the other. When you first arrive, all of your luggage and the tiredness from your flight will make it a challenge to take the regular commuter trains from the airport to your place of stay. With the Limousine Bus though, this won’t be a worry. Keep reading to see what it’s like.
Related: Haneda vs. Narita: Which Airport Is The Better Option?
The Limousine Bus Experience
As you can see, my 3 suitcases and a backpack make it a real challenge to take the train. I was also coming off of a 14 hour flight from Atlanta, so I was both tired and jet lagged. Sounds like the perfect time to take the bus, doesn’t it?
You’ll see several signs when you get to Haneda, but go straight and follow the signs for “bus.” As you walk in that direction, you’ll find ticket counters to your right and automatic ticket machines to the left. Your ticket will show the bus stop number which is clearly marked once you get to the pick up/drop off area. You won’t miss it.
Although a bus isn’t the most spacious way of transport, just the sheer fact of being able to sit down all the way to your destination beats the train after a long flight. The seats have recline, and the bus provides GREAT wifi. I’ve used this bus many times, and the wifi has always been great. Very fast, and always reliable. Commuter trains in Japan on the other hand, don’t have wifi.
Large suitcases can go in the storage compartment under the cabin. My small carry-on suitcase actually fits in the small overhead compartment inside the cabin.
Price and Destinations
The Limousine Bus boasts a large set of destinations. In addition to big name destinations in central Tokyo, you can also find destinations outside greater Tokyo in neighboring prefectures. Find the full list of their routes here.
With its expansive network, the price depends on your destination. A ride to Tokyo station will cost 1000 JPY, which would be $6.65 USD with the current exchange rate (1 USD to 150.48 JPY as of February 24, 2024). Children under 12 ride for half the price.
You can reserve a ticket online, although it’s going to be best to just buy one at the airport as your flight may arrive early or late. If you’re going TO the airport though, I recommend getting them online.
Final Thoughts
As I’ve taken the Haneda Airport Limousine Bus many times, it’s always come as a helpful ride with my suitcases and managing my tiredness after a long flight. With its vast network, pretty much anybody can benefit from a ride with these buses. In addition to your luggage being taken care of, being guaranteed a reclining seat and the fast onboard wifi beats taking the train into the city. I highly recommend them if you have an upcoming trip to Tokyo.