How to Buy Train Tickets at Haneda Airport: A Layover Traveler’s Guide to Tokyo
Introduction
Have a layover at Haneda Airport? Good news—you can reach central Tokyo in less than 30 minutes by train. Instead of waiting at the terminal, you can explore famous neighborhoods like Shibuya, Asakusa, or Tuskiji. This guide explains how to buy train tickets at Haneda Airport and plan a smooth layover trip.
Where to Buy Train Tickets at Haneda Airport
Haneda is directly connected to Tokyo by two rail lines:
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Keikyu Line – Fast access to Shinagawa, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
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Tokyo Monorail – Quick link to Hamamatsucho, Tokyo Station, and beyond.
Ticket machines and counters are located at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station. English signs make it easy to find your way.
Types of Train Tickets for Haneda Travelers
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Single Tickets – Best for one-time trips to Tokyo.
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IC Cards (Suica, PASMO) – Reloadable, tap-and-go cards accepted on all Tokyo trains and buses. Highly recommended for layover visitors.
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Tourist Passes (Tokyo Subway Ticket, etc.) – Unlimited rides for 24–72 hours. Great for longer stays, not ideal for short layovers.
See Welcome Suica card website.
👉 Most layover travelers should choose either a single ticket or an IC card.
How to Use Ticket Machines at Haneda
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Press the language button to switch to English.
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Select your destination or fare.
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Insert cash.( NO CREDIT CARD AVAILABLE)
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Collect your ticket and receipt.
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Scan your ticket or IC card at the gates.
Tip: Buying a Suica or PASMO card saves time if you want to visit multiple spots during your layover.
In anycases, you need JPY cash to buy them. Once you get a IC card, you can use it at a convienitent store like 7-11 to buy a drink or some snacks. Also, at a vending machine.
Welcome Suica vs PASMO: Which IC Card Should You Get at Haneda Airport?
When arriving at Haneda Airport, one of the smartest moves for foreign travelers is to buy a prepaid IC card for trains, subways, buses, and even shopping. The two main options available are Welcome Suica (JR East) and PASMO (private railways and subways). Both cards are widely accepted and make traveling around Tokyo and other major cities easy. But which one is better for your trip? Let’s compare.
Welcome Suica
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Where to Buy: Vending machines at Monorail ticket counter.
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Payment Methods: Cash only.
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Recharge Locations: JR ticket machines, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), station kiosks.
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Where You Can Use It: JR lines, Tokyo Metro, private railways, buses, nationwide IC card networks (ICOCA, TOICA, SUGOCA, etc.), convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants.
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Refund: No refunds available. Since there is no deposit, you need to use up the balance before leaving Japan.
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Validity: Up to 28 days after first use.
👉 Best for: Short-term visitors who only stay in Japan for a few weeks.
PASMO (Regular Version)
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Where to Buy: Keikyu Line counters and machines at Haneda Airport, Tokyo Metro, and other private railway stations.
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Payment Methods: Cash only.
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Recharge Locations: PASMO-compatible vending machines, convenience stores, bus depots.
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Where You Can Use It: Same as Suica — trains, subways, buses, shops, vending machines, and restaurants across Japan.
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Refund: Refund available. A handling fee of ¥220 may apply. You also receive back the ¥500 deposit when you return the card.
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Validity: No expiration date (can be used for future visits to Japan).
👉 Best for: Longer stays or travelers who may come back to Japan again.
| Feature | Welcome Suica | PASMO (Regular) |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Vending machines (Monorail ticket counter at Haneda, ) | Keikyu, Tokyo Metro, private railway stations (Haneda included) |
| Payment Methods | Cash only | Cash only |
| Recharge Locations | JR machines, convenience stores, kiosks | PASMO machines, |
| Usage | Nationwide trains, subways, buses, shops | Nationwide trains, subways, buses, shops |
| Validity | 28 days only | No expiration |
| Deposit | None | ¥500 (refundable) |
| Refund | Not available | Refundable (minus ¥220 fee + deposit back) |
Final Recommendation
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✈️ If you’re staying for less than a month → Welcome Suica is the easiest option. No deposit, just buy it at Haneda and start traveling.
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🌏 If you plan to stay longer or return to Japan → PASMO is the smarter choice since it has no time limit and allows refunds.
Both cards work almost identically in daily use, so you won’t go wrong either way. The main difference is validity and refund policy — choose the one that best matches your travel style.
Best Train Routes from Haneda Airport
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To Shibuya or Shinjuku: Take Keikyu Line → transfer at Shinagawa → JR Yamanote Line (35–40 minutes).
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To Asakusa: Take Keikyu Line (direct service available, about 60 minutes).
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To Tsukiji Fish Market: Take keikyu line → get off at Higashi Ginza→ walking 5 minutes (40 minutes).
How Much Time Do You Need for a Tokyo Layover?
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Minimum layover time for sightseeing: 5–6 hours.
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Be back at Haneda at least 2 hours before international flights (1 hour for domestic).
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Example: 6:00 AM arrival with a 6:00 PM departure allows for 5–8 hours of sightseeing.
Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
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Store large luggage at airport lockers.
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Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM).
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Use Google Maps or NAVITIME for real-time train schedules.
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Keep some Japanese yen for machines, though most accept cards.
- For a safer and smoother experience exploring Tokyo during your layover, consider a private tour guide. With Travel Assist Japan, you can choose from guided walking tours or private driving tours. See the details here.
FAQ
Q: Can I use credit cards at Haneda ticket machines?
No, most machines don’t accept credit cards, so, having cash is useful.
Q: What if I miss my train?
Trains run every few minutes, so you won’t wait long.
Q: Is it safe to take trains alone during a layover?
Absolutely—Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world.
Q: Do trains run late at night from Haneda?
Most services end around midnight. Plan accordingly.
Conclusion
With quick train connections, buying tickets at Haneda Airport is simple and hassle-free. Whether you choose the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail, you can reach Tokyo’s top attractions in under an hour. Don’t let your layover go to waste—experience Shibuya’s energy, Asakusa’s temples, or Tokyo Station’s shopping before your next flight.
