Standing at the very first crossroads to reach the center of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing can be overwhelming. The key to unlocking this massive, neon-lit maze of Tokyo starts with choosing the right arrival airport: Haneda or Narita.

If you have booked your accommodation near Shibuya Station, your airport choice will dictate your travel time, budget, and the level of comfort on your first day. Here is a complete breakdown to help you make the best decision for your itinerary.

Quick Comparison: Haneda vs. Narita to Shibuya

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of what to expect from each airport.

Feature	Haneda Airport (HND)	Narita Airport (NRT)
Distance to Shibuya	Close (approx. 20 km)	Far (approx. 75 km)
Average Travel Time	40 – 50 minutes	75 – 90 minutes
Average Cost	500 – 700 JPY	2,700 – 3,200 JPY
Best For	Short trips, budget travelers	Direct access, heavy luggage

Haneda Airport: The Fastest Route to Shibuya

The path from Haneda Airport to Shibuya is an exhilarating race of speed. When you land at Haneda, you can physically feel Tokyo’s pulse in less than an hour. For the traveler whose itinerary is short and where every single second counts, Haneda is the most reliable gateway.

While a slight hassle of transferring is required, Haneda holds an overwhelming advantage in terms of travel time and transportation costs.

1. The Keikyu Line (Most Affordable)

Transferring from the Keikyu Line to the JR Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station is the most popular and budget-friendly choice.

• Time: Approx. 40 minutes
• Cost: Around 530 JPY
• Pros: Cheapest option, frequent trains.
• Cons: Requires a transfer at Shinagawa, which can be busy during rush hours.

2. The Tokyo Monorail (Best Views)

Alternatively, taking the Tokyo Monorail and transferring to the JR Yamanote Line at Hamamatsucho Station is another great option.

• Time: Approx. 45 minutes
• Cost: Around 700 JPY
• Pros: Wide-open ocean views of Odaiba, slightly less crowded transfer.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than the Keikyu Line.

Narita Airport: Comfort and Direct Access

Narita Airport is quite far from Shibuya, but that vast distance offers a space that permits the romance of a relaxing train journey. If you are staying near Shibuya Station, there is absolutely no need to worry about dragging heavy luggage and navigating complicated Tokyo airport transfers.

1. Narita Express (N’EX) (Most Convenient)

The Narita Express (N’EX) is a transfer-free cheat code. Lean back into the spacious reserved seat, enjoy a snack, and let the train take you directly to Shibuya.

• Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cost: Approx. 3,200 JPY (One-way) / 5,000 JPY (Round-trip discount for foreigners)
• Pros: Direct access to Shibuya, no transfers, guaranteed seating, plenty of luggage space.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost unless using the round-trip ticket.

2. Keisei Skyliner (Fastest from Narita)

Another option from Narita is the Skyliner, which requires a quick transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station.

• Time: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cost: Approx. 2,700 JPY
• Pros: Faster train speed, comfortable seating.
• Cons: Requires a transfer midway with luggage.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no single correct answer.

If you want to dive into Tokyo’s vibrant energy as quickly as possible and save money, Haneda Airport is the absolute winner. Conversely, if you want to minimize the fatigue of your first day and prefer a comfortable, direct ride without the stress of navigating transfer stations with heavy bags, the Narita Express from Narita Airport serves as an excellent alternative.

Whichever station’s ticket gate you exit, the moment the pedestrian light at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing turns green, your Tokyo experience has officially begun.