Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Airports Serving Yokohama

Haneda Airport (HND)

Location: Approximately 23 km (14 miles) south of central Tokyo and about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of Yokohama.
Type: Primarily a domestic airport but also serves a growing number of international flights.
Advantages: Closer to Yokohama, faster travel times, and more convenient for domestic connections.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Location: Approximately 60 km (37 miles) east of central Tokyo and about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Yokohama.
Type: Japan’s primary international gateway, handling the majority of long-haul flights.
Advantages: More international flight options, especially for travelers from Europe, North America, and Oceania.

2. Transportation Options to and from Yokohama

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Train
- Keikyu Line: The Keikyu Airport Line connects Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station in about 25-30 minutes.
  - Cost: ¥300-500 (depending on the type of train service).
  - Procedure: Follow signs to the Keikyu Line at the airport. Purchase a ticket at the vending machines or use an IC card (e.g., Suica or Pasmo).
- Cultural Tip: Trains in Japan are punctual, and announcements are made in both Japanese and English.
Airport Limousine Bus
- Direct buses run from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station and other key locations in Yokohama.
  - Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
  - Cost: ¥720-1,000.
  - Procedure: Purchase tickets at the airport bus counter or vending machines. Buses are clearly marked, and staff are available to assist.
- Cultural Tip: Luggage is stored in the bus’s cargo hold, and passengers are expected to queue in an orderly manner.
Taxi
- Taxis are available but are significantly more expensive.
  - Travel Time: 30-40 minutes (depending on traffic).
  - Cost: ¥8,000-10,000.
- Cultural Tip: Taxis in Japan are clean, safe, and reliable. Drivers may not speak much English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Japanese.
Ride-Sharing Services
- Ride-sharing apps like Uber are available but are not as widely used as taxis. Costs are comparable to taxis.

From Narita International Airport (NRT)

Train
- Narita Express (N’EX): A direct train service to Yokohama Station.
  - Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes.
  - Cost: ¥4,290 (one-way, reserved seating).
  - Procedure: Purchase tickets at the JR East Travel Service Center or vending machines. The train is comfortable, with luggage storage areas.
- JR Sobu Line (Rapid Service): A cheaper but slower option.
  - Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  - Cost: ¥1,520.
- Cultural Tip: The Narita Express is highly recommended for its convenience and comfort, especially for travelers with luggage.
Airport Limousine Bus
- Direct buses connect Narita Airport to Yokohama Station and other locations.
  - Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  - Cost: ¥3,600.
  - Procedure: Tickets can be purchased at the airport bus counter. Buses are equipped with luggage storage.
- Cultural Tip: Buses are a good option if you prefer not to navigate train transfers.
Taxi
- Taxis from Narita to Yokohama are extremely expensive and not recommended unless necessary.
  - Travel Time: 90-120 minutes.
  - Cost: ¥25,000-30,000.
- Cultural Tip: If you must take a taxi, ensure you have the address of your destination written in Japanese.
Ride-Sharing Services
- Similar to Haneda, ride-sharing services like Uber are available but are costly and less common.

3. Estimated Costs and Travel Times

| Airport | Mode of Transport | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | |-------------|-----------------------------|-----------------|--------------------| | Haneda | Keikyu Line (Train) | 25-30 minutes | ¥300-500 | | Haneda | Limousine Bus | 30-40 minutes | ¥720-1,000 | | Haneda | Taxi | 30-40 minutes | ¥8,000-10,000 | | Narita | Narita Express (N’EX) | 90 minutes | ¥4,290 | | Narita | Limousine Bus | 2 hours | ¥3,600 | | Narita | Taxi | 90-120 minutes | ¥25,000-30,000 |

4. Travel Procedures

Arrival at the Airport
- After landing, follow signs for immigration (if arriving internationally), baggage claim, and customs.
- Staff are generally helpful, and English signage is abundant.
Purchasing Tickets
- For trains and buses, tickets can be purchased at vending machines, counters, or online in advance.
- IC cards like Suica or Pasmo are highly recommended for convenience. These can be purchased and recharged at the airport.
Navigating Transportation
- Japanese public transportation is highly efficient and well-organized. Platforms and vehicles are clearly marked, and announcements are made in English and Japanese.
- Keep your ticket or IC card handy, as you’ll need it to exit the station.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Punctuality: Trains and buses in Japan are extremely punctual. Arrive at least 5-10 minutes early to avoid missing your ride.
Luggage: If you have large luggage, consider using a luggage delivery service (e.g., Yamato Transport) to send your bags directly to your hotel. This is common in Japan and costs around ¥2,000-3,000 per bag.
Queuing: Always queue in an orderly manner when boarding trains or buses. Follow the arrows and lines on the platform.
Quietness: Public transportation in Japan is generally quiet. Avoid talking loudly or making phone calls.
Cash vs. Card: While IC cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, as smaller vendors and buses may not accept cards.

6. Final Tips

If you’re traveling with children or elderly passengers, the limousine bus may be the most comfortable option.
For first-time visitors, the Narita Express or Keikyu Line is highly recommended for its ease of use and clear instructions.
Download a navigation app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to help you plan your route in real time.

By following this guide, you’ll find it easy to travel between Yokohama and the nearby airports, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your visit!