When heading to Haneda Airport, the primary domestic flight hub in Tokyo, knowing how to save time can mean less hassle. Learn how to save time and lessen stress at Haneda.
1. Know the Trains
While renting a car or taking a taxi is
always an option, the smart way to save both time and money is to take
the train. The JR Yamanote Line runs through Tokyo Station, a major
train transfer hub, to Hatsumatsucho Station. At Hatsumatsucho,
travelers can take an express Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport. This
trip takes around 16 minutes and costs only 470 yen ($5.20) one-way;
taking a taxi the same distance will take about 30 minutes and cost
much more.
Travelers headed to or from the Tokyo Bay
area can take the Keihin-Tohaku Line to Shinagawa Station and transfer
to the Keikyu Airport Line, to head straight to Haneda. This trip takes
around 19 minutes and costs 400 yen ($4.50) one-way.
2. Baggage Delivery
The drawback of taking the trains in Tokyo is that they are often
overcrowded, leaving travelers with little room to store more than one
carryon bag. Travelers with extra luggage should use a baggage delivery
service. If taking off from Haneda Airport, have your baggage picked up
the night before from the hotel or take it to a drop-off location
(usually at a neighborhood convenience store). If arriving at Haneda,
look for the delivery service counter and have the bags delivered
directly to the destination hotel or residence within one day. The cost
of this service is generally around 1900 to 2500 yen (about $21 to $27)
each way.
3. Use Electronic Tickets
Getting through Haneda Airport goes a lot
quicker when travelers use electronic tickets and check themselves in,
rather than waiting in long lines at the check-in counter. Travelers
who make reservations online can print out a confirmation code and use
the code to check in at a computer kiosk at the airport.
4. Study the Terminals
4. Study the Terminals
While a free shuttle service can take
travelers from one terminal to the next, wise travelers will study the
layout of the airport ahead of time and head straight to their
destinations. Travelers who are driving their own cars can park in one
of five parking lots, two of which are located near Terminal 1, two of
which are located near Terminal 2 and one of which is located near the
International Terminal (with flights primarily to China and Korea).
Travelers who are meeting friends, family or
business associates at Haneda Airport should designate a specific
meeting place before landing. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have four
large clock towers with different large black numbers (1 through 8) on
them to make meeting up much easier.
Familiarize yourself with the layout and services of Haneda Airport and the city's public transportation system beforehand. A little extra time spent in preparation can lead to a lot of extra time before or after the flight.