Your flight touches down well after dark, the terminal empties, and the boards show that the last trains to central Tokyo have gone β or are about to. It is a common arrival scenario, and it is not a crisis: Tokyo has several ways to get you into the city or through to the 5am first train. This guide covers the last-train cut-offs from Narita and Haneda, the bus and taxi options after they stop, and where to rest if you would rather wait out the night. If you are already in the city when the clock runs down, our Tokyo last train guide covers that side of it.
Know the last-train cut-off first
The two airports are very different distances from the centre. Narita sits about 60 km out in Chiba, so trains there stop earlier and everything costs more; Haneda is only about 15 km south of the city, with later trains and cheaper fares. Plan around whichever one you land at.
From Narita, the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station makes its last run in the evening, well before midnight, while the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno runs a little later, with its final departure around 11:00 PM. From Haneda, the Keikyu line and the Tokyo Monorail keep going until roughly midnight. In the city itself, most JR and subway lines stop between about midnight and 1:00 AM, and the first trains start around 5:00 AM. Because these times shift by season and day, check your exact line before you fly β factor in 30β60 minutes for immigration and baggage, which is what most often makes people miss the last connection. Official times are on the Narita Airport access page and the Haneda access page.
Buses after the trains stop
The daytime Airport Limousine coaches are the easy train alternative, but most of their runs finish by late evening, so they only help if you land before the trains do. After that, look specifically for dedicated late-night buses: Haneda has midnight and early-hours services to a spread of Tokyo and suburban destinations, while Narita's late options are fewer and more limited. Where they run, buses drop you at major hubs and hotels β Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno β with reclining seats and space for luggage.
Book ahead online where you can, since seats are limited and late services can sell out. Fares are a few thousand yen, far below a taxi, and the trade-off is the fixed timetable: miss the departure and the next may be hours away. Late-night roads are quiet, so travel time is usually better than in the day. Schedules for the main operator are on the Airport Limousine site.
Taxis and ride-hailing
If you are in a group, have heavy bags, or simply want to get to bed, a taxi is available 24/7 at both airports and takes you straight to the door. The catch is cost. From Narita, expect roughly Β₯20,000β30,000 or more to central Tokyo; from Haneda, closer to Β₯6,000β10,000 depending on where you are going. A late-night surcharge of around 20β30% applies between about 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and tolls are added on top.
Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal and ignore anyone touting rides in the hall β unauthorised drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers. A vacant taxi shows a lit red "η©Ίθ»" sign in the windscreen. Ride-hailing apps such as GO, Uber or DiDi also work at both airports and let you fix the pickup and see the fare in advance. Drivers are courteous but rarely speak much English, so have your hotel's address ready in Japanese or on the screen.
- From Narita, a taxi only makes financial sense split between three or four people; solo, a late bus or a night near the airport is far cheaper.
- From Haneda, a taxi to Shibuya or Shinjuku is a realistic solo option if you are tired and the buses have stopped.
- Keep some cash on hand β not every late-night driver or small shop takes cards.
- Confirm the route or fixed fare before you set off so there are no surprises.
Where to rest if you would rather wait
Sometimes the cheapest move is not to travel at all until morning. Both airports have paid lounges, rest areas and β at or near the terminals β capsule-style rooms and business hotels, several with 24-hour desks and shuttle links. Staying by the airport lets you shower, sleep, and head in on a cheap early train rather than paying for a midnight taxi, which is ideal if your first day starts late anyway.
If you would rather push into the city, business hotels near Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations keep 24-hour front desks and sometimes have walk-in rooms, and central capsule hotels take late check-ins. In the city the same all-night fallbacks apply as for a missed last train β konbini, net cafes and 24-hour spots β which our last train guide covers in detail. To pick a season that avoids the worst crowds and fares, see our best time to visit Tokyo guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the last trains from Narita and Haneda leave?
Roughly speaking, the Narita Express to Tokyo stops in the evening and the Keisei Skyliner runs until about 11:00 PM; from Haneda the Keikyu line and Monorail run until around midnight. Times change by season and day, so always check your specific line, and allow 30β60 minutes for immigration and bags after landing.
Are there night buses from the airports into Tokyo?
Yes, but they are limited. Haneda has dedicated midnight and early-morning buses to a range of destinations; Narita's late-night options are fewer. The regular daytime Airport Limousine coaches mostly finish by late evening, so book a genuine late service in advance if your flight lands after the trains stop.
How much is a taxi from the airport at night?
From Narita, budget roughly Β₯20,000β30,000 or more to central Tokyo; from Haneda, around Β₯6,000β10,000 depending on the destination. A late-night surcharge of about 20β30% applies from roughly 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, plus tolls. Splitting between three or four passengers makes the Narita fare far more reasonable.