Haneda Airport (Tokyo)

01Start with three details

The operating airline is the one that actually flies the aircraft. It can differ from the company that sold the ticket (codeshare).

Check-in, bag drop, security and the boarding gate each have their own cutoff. Airline cutoffs are limits, not recommended arrival times.

If your booking shows a terminal that surprises you, trust the booking and the airline’s current flight information over memory.

02Which terminal: T1, T2 or T3?

Haneda has Terminals 1, 2 and 3. As a general rule T1 and T2 mainly handle domestic flights of different airline groups, and T3 handles international flights. Some international flights use T2, so do not assume “international = T3”.

Look up your date and flight number on the airline site. If the terminal is shown as blank or “0”, check the airline’s flight status again closer to the day.

Say the terminal number when you tell a taxi driver, a bus operator or the person meeting you.

03Getting to and from central Tokyo

Two rail operators serve Haneda: Keikyu (towards Shinagawa and Yokohama) and Tokyo Monorail (towards Hamamatsucho). Search to your hotel’s nearest station and compare changes and walking, not only train time.

Buses and taxis can be easier with luggage, but roads can be congested. Leave a buffer when travelling to a flight.

04Moving between terminals

Free shuttle buses run between the terminals in the public area, and trains also connect them. A walking passage links T1 and T2 only. Check current operating details with the airport, because works can change routes.

A transfer bus for connecting passengers is a different service from the public shuttle. Ask your airline if you are connecting.

05Domestic and international flows

Domestic departure is roughly: confirm terminal, check in, drop bags if needed, pass security, go to the gate.

International departure adds departure immigration and sometimes customs. On arrival, quarantine, immigration, baggage reclaim and customs come before the public hall.

If you are connecting, ask the airline whether bags are checked through. Separate tickets may not give the same protection as a single booking.

06Food, shops, rest and help

Check whether a restaurant or shop is before or after security. Allow for queues and decide a stopping time.

For allergies or dietary rules, ask the restaurant directly rather than judging from a menu photo.

The airport lists baggage storage, lounges, showers, nurseries and accessibility services. Hours, prices and conditions change, so use the official pages.

07Late nights

Trains, buses and shops may not match daytime service. Decide before landing what you will do if you miss the last train.

The airport has terminal-linked hotels. A seat in the terminal is not a room reservation.