A long layover at Narita or Haneda and a few hours to spare? Learn how to work out your time, with private car estimates into central Tokyo: Haneda ECO on request Narita ECO on request (per vehicle, tax included).
A layover of several hours is often a traveller's first taste of Tokyo. Some want a shower and a rest at a hotel; others want a meal or a stroll through one neighbourhood. A private car is priced per vehicle, with no transfers and no ticket queues, which suits travellers who are short on time and would rather not store their bags. This guide explains how to estimate your time and what the transfer costs.
First, Confirm You Can Leave the Airport
Whether you may clear immigration, whether a visa is needed, and whether you must re-enter depend on your nationality, whether your tickets are on a single itinerary, and your airline's rules. We cannot judge this for you, so please check with your airline before booking and refer to the airports' official information: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.
How to Estimate Your Time
This is our own rule of thumb, for reference only:
- Subtract the time needed for immigration and baggage claim (it varies by flight and crowds).
- Subtract your next flight's check-in cut-off (as published by the airline).
- From what remains, subtract twice the one-way drive. That is the time you actually have in the city.
The drive to central Tokyo is about 30–45 minutes from Haneda and 60–90 minutes from Narita, and traffic can change it, so leave a buffer. Haneda is close to the city, which usually makes it the more workable choice when the gap is short.
Cost Estimate
One way to central Tokyo, per vehicle, tax included. Tolls and parking are included, and the price is the same anywhere within Tokyo.
| Airport | ECO (5 seats) | Alphard (6 seats) |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda | on request | ¥15,000 |
| Narita | on request | ¥22,000 |
Going into the city and back to the airport is two one-way trips. For example, Haneda ECO comes to on request round trip and Narita ECO to on request. These totals are our own sums, for reference; please confirm how the two legs are arranged with customer service.
If a leg falls between 22:00 and 06:00, add ¥4,000 for that leg.
When a Private Car Fits a Layover
- Lots of luggage you would rather not store: ECO takes 4 bags and Alphard takes 6, with direct delivery to your hotel.
- Late-night or early-morning layovers: the last trains may have left; our service runs 24 hours and follows your flight.
- Travelling with older relatives or children: no transfers or queues, and child seats can be provided.
- Travelling in a group: the fare is per vehicle, so the per-person share falls as the group grows.
When You May Not Need One
If the gap is short, you do not plan to leave the airport, or you simply want to rest, staying in the terminal is often the safer choice. If you prefer trains or buses, fares and timetables are on the official sites: JR East, Keikyu and Airport Limousine.
What to Have Ready When Booking
- Flight numbers, dates and times for your arrival and next flight.
- The name and address of your hotel or destination.
- Number of bags and passengers.
Prices apply within Tokyo. Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone and other areas are priced separately, and Disney is in Chiba, so the Tokyo flat rate does not apply. See Narita to Tokyo and Haneda to Tokyo.
Book Now
Submit your request on the booking page. The prices above are for reference, and all quotes are subject to confirmation by our customer service team.
FAQ
- Is a private car into the city practical on a layover?
- Whether you may leave the airport and re-enter depends on your airline, ticket type and entry rules, so please confirm with your airline first. Once that is clear, count the drive each way and your next flight's check-in cut-off. The drive is about 30–45 minutes from Haneda and 60–90 minutes from Narita.
- How much does the transfer cost?
- Pricing is per vehicle. One way to central Tokyo, tax included: Haneda ECO on request Narita ECO on request. Tolls and parking are included, and the price is the same anywhere within Tokyo. All quotes are subject to confirmation by our customer service team.
- Can you cover a layover that lands or departs in the middle of the night?
- Yes, we operate 24 hours. A flat ¥4,000 surcharge applies between 22:00 and 06:00, regardless of vehicle.
- What if my flight is delayed?
- Airport pickups include 90 minutes of free waiting. For longer delays, please contact customer service to confirm the arrangement.