Japan is planning to introduce a new Limited Express rail service connecting Narita International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport, providing faster and more convenient transfers between the country’s two busiest aviation hubs.

The direct airport link is expected to begin operating in the 2030s and aims to significantly improve connections for international travellers arriving at Narita who are transferring to domestic flights from Haneda.

Faster Airport Transfers

Travelling between Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture and Haneda Airport currently takes around 90 minutes. The new Limited Express service is expected to reduce travel times while simplifying transfers between international and domestic flights.

The project will be implemented in phases. Keisei Electric Railway plans to launch the new express service between Narita Airport and Oshiage Station in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward by 2028.

During the 2030s, the route will be extended to Haneda Airport using the Toei Asakusa Line and the Keikyu Line, creating a direct rail connection between the two airports.

Major Rail Infrastructure Upgrades

As part of the project, new elevated tracks and additional railway infrastructure will be built at Narita Airport for the Narita Sky Access Line.

Single-track sections on both the Keisei Railway network and East Japan Railway (JR East) lines will also be upgraded with additional tracks, allowing trains to operate simultaneously in both directions without delays.

More Frequent Express Services

According to project estimates, the infrastructure improvements will nearly double the number of Limited Express trains operating each hour.

The new airport rail connection forms part of Japan’s broader efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure ahead of continued growth in international tourism and improve connectivity between Tokyo’s two primary international gateways.