Tokyo Monorail Guide: Haneda Airport Route, Fares & How to Pay

Is the Tokyo Monorail the easiest way to get from Haneda Airport into central Tokyo? Yes. The Haneda Express reaches Monorail Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes. A one-way ride costs about ¥520 (around $3.30). Normally, the monorail is not free. However, it is free if you have a JR Pass. You can also just tap in with a Suica card.

Keep in mind that the Tokyo Monorail only serves Haneda Airport, not Narita. It is also not the same monorail that loops around Tokyo Disney Resort. 

Keep reading this guide to learn the fares, how to pay, which station to get off at, and where to stay near the line.

What Is the Tokyo Monorail?

The Tokyo Monorail is an elevated train line that connects Haneda Airport with central Tokyo. The line runs for about 11 miles and has 11 stations. It starts at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station in the city and ends at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station.

The monorail opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics. Today, it is operated by a JR East subsidiary. That’s why it works a bit differently from other private lines in Tokyo. You’ll see what this means for JR Pass holders later in this guide.

So, why does Hamamatsucho matter? It is where you switch to the JR Yamanote Line. The Yamanote Line loops around central Tokyo and stops at major areas like Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. For most travelers, the monorail is just the first leg of the trip into the city.

Tokyo Monorail Map: Stations and Train Types

The Tokyo Monorail is a single line with 11 stations. Trains run between Monorail Hamamatsucho in central Tokyo and Haneda Airport Terminal 2. So, you cannot get on the wrong line. You only need to check which way the train is heading and which type of train it is.

Here is a quick look at every station on the line:

Keep in mind that the Rinkai Line at Tennozu Isle is a separate railway. It is not covered by the JR Pass, so you will need a separate ticket. The same goes for the Toei subway lines at Daimon. Check the official Tokyo Monorail map here.

Tip: Most travelers only use three stations: their airport terminal, Tennozu Isle for Odaiba, and Monorail Hamamatsucho for everything else.

Haneda Express vs. Rapid vs. Local

The Tokyo Monorail runs three types of trains. They all cost the same, so pick the one that stops where you need to go.

The Haneda Express is a direct, nonstop service between Haneda Airport and Monorail Hamamatsucho Station. So, if you are heading straight into the city, wait for this one. If you are going to Tennozu Isle or Oi Keibajo-mae, take a Rapid or Local train instead.

How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Tokyo Monorail?

The Tokyo Monorail costs ¥520 (about $3.30) from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Monorail Hamamatsucho with a paper ticket. If you tap in with a Suica or another IC card, you pay ¥519 instead. So, the IC card saves you exactly 1 yen. It is not much but it also saves you a trip to the ticket machine.

The fare depends on how far you ride, not which train you take. So, the Haneda Express costs the same as a Local train. Here is what you will pay from each airport terminal to Hamamatsucho:

*USD prices are approximate and based on an exchange rate of about 150 yen to $1. The actual amount may vary with the current rate.

Keep in mind that child fares apply to kids aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 usually ride free with a paying adult.

Tip: If you are going beyond Hamamatsucho on the JR Yamanote Line, look for the Monorail & Yamanote Line Discount Ticket. It is cheaper than paying for both rides separately.

How Do I Pay for the Tokyo Monorail?

You can pay for the Tokyo Monorail in three ways: with an IC card like Suica, with a paper ticket, or with a Japan Rail Pass. Most travelers find an IC card the easiest option.

Does the Tokyo Monorail Take Suica?

Yes, the Tokyo Monorail takes Suica. PASMO, ICOCA and all other Japanese IC cards work too. Just tap on at the gate and tap off at your destination, and the correct fare is deducted automatically.

If you are only visiting Japan for a short time, look for the Welcome Suica. It is a Suica card made for foreign visitors. You can buy one at Haneda Airport when you land. 

If you have an iPhone, you can also add Suica to Apple Wallet. You can load money onto it with your US credit card and then tap your phone at the gate. No physical card needed.

Tip: Set up Suica in Apple Wallet before you fly. That way, you can walk straight from arrivals to the monorail gate.

Paper Tickets

If you prefer a paper ticket, use the ticket machines next to the monorail gates. They offer English language options. Simply select Hamamatsucho or your destination station and follow the prompts.

Keep in mind that the monorail ticket machines take cash only. So, have some yen on hand if you plan to buy a paper ticket. If you only have a credit card, buy a Welcome Suica instead.

Is the Tokyo Monorail Covered by the JR Pass?

Yes, the Tokyo Monorail is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. You do not need to buy a separate ticket.

Here is how it works. Go to the manned ticket gate next to the automatic ones, show your activated pass, and walk through. Do the same when you exit at your destination.

How to Take the Tokyo Monorail From Haneda Airport?

• Step 1: Clear immigration and pick up your bags. If you are flying in from the US, you will most likely land at Terminal 3 (the international terminal).
  
• Step 2: Follow the “Tokyo Monorail” signs. The station is on the second floor at Terminal 3 (international arrivals) and on B1F at Terminals 1 and 2, right next to the Keikyu Line platform. The signs are in English, so they are easy to spot.
  
  
• Step 3: Tap in or buy a ticket. If you have a Suica card or Suica in Apple Wallet, go straight to the gate and tap it. If you need a paper ticket, buy one at the ticket machines next to the gates. If you have a JR Pass, use the manned gate on the side.
  
• Step 4: Take the train toward Hamamatsucho. Look for the Haneda Express if you are going straight into the city. It skips the stations in between and gets you to Hamamatsucho the fastest. If you are heading to Odaiba, take a Rapid or Local train and get off at Tennozu Isle.
  
• Step 5: Get off at Monorail Hamamatsucho and transfer to JR. The JR Hamamatsucho Station is connected to the monorail station. Follow the JR signs and tap in again (or show your JR Pass). From here, the JR Yamanote Line takes you to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and other major areas.

Important Note: Terminal 3 is in the middle of the line, not at the end. So, trains from Terminal 3 can go in two directions. Make sure you board the train heading to Hamamatsucho, not the one going to Terminals 1 and 2. Check the platform signs before you get on.

Taking the Monorail Back to Haneda Airport

Going back to Haneda Airport works the same way in reverse. At Monorail Hamamatsucho, every train heads toward the airport. So, you cannot board the wrong one. The only thing you need to know is which terminal to get off at.

Your terminal depends on your airline and whether you are flying international or domestic. On the way to the airport, the Tokyo Monorail stops at Terminal 3 Station first, then Terminal 1 Station, and finally Terminal 2 Station. 

Here is a quick guide:

So, if you are flying home to the US, you will most likely get off at Terminal 3. However, some ANA international flights leave from Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is primarily used by ANA for domestic flights but also supports some of its international services.

Tokyo Monorail Hours and How Often It Runs

The Tokyo Monorail runs every day from about 5 am to just after midnight. On both weekdays and weekends, the first train from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station toward central Tokyo departs at 5:09 am, and the last train leaves at 12:10 am. So, it works well for most early-morning and late-night flights. 

Here is a quick look at first and last train times:

Keep in mind that these are departure times, not arrival times. The last train from Terminal 3 reaches Hamamatsucho about 15 minutes later.

How Often Does the Tokyo Monorail Run? 

You will rarely wait long. The monorail departs on average every four minutes during operating hours, and every 3 minutes at peak times. So, you don’t need to plan around a timetable during the day.

Important Note: Catching the last monorail does not mean you can reach your hotel. Some JR and subway lines at Hamamatsucho stop running shortly after midnight. 

What If You Land After the Last Train?

Some international flights land at Haneda late at night. If you miss the last monorail, you still have a few options:

• Taxi: Taxis wait outside every terminal around the clock. This is the easiest option, but it is also the most expensive. Late-night fares in Tokyo include an extra surcharge.
• Late-night bus: Airport Limousine Bus runs a few late-night routes from Terminal 3 to major areas like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku. Departures are limited, so check the schedule before you land.
• Airport hotel: You can sleep at the airport and take the first monorail in the morning. For example, Royal Park Hotel The Haneda is inside the Terminal 3 building. This is a good choice if you are tired after a long flight from the US.
• Wait for the first train: Terminal 3 is open 24 hours. You can wait at a café or convenience store and take the first monorail at 5:09 am.

Tip: If you know your flight lands after 11 pm, book an airport hotel or transfer in advance. You will not want to figure it out at midnight with your bags.

Where to Stay Near the Tokyo Monorail?

The best hotels near the Tokyo Monorail are around three stops: Monorail Hamamatsucho, Tennozu Isle, and Haneda Airport Terminal 3. Staying near one of these stations means you can ride straight from the airport to your hotel. No taxi needed.

Hotels Near Hamamatsucho Station

• Henn na Hotel Tokyo Hamamatsucho: A mid-range hotel about a 3-minute walk from the station. It is a good pick for a first night after a long flight.
• HOTEL MYSTAYS Premier Hamamatsucho: A modern option about a 5-6 minute walk away. It suits travelers who want a full hotel close to both the monorail and JR lines.
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai: A popular, well-rated hotel about a 7-minute walk from the station. It works well if you plan to stay for several nights.

Hotels Near Tennozu Isle Station

• ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay by IHG: A mid-range hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the station. It is ideal for travelers who prefer an international hotel brand.
• Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-Guchi Tennozu Isle: A simple, budget-friendly business hotel about a 3-4 minute walk from the station.

Hotels at Haneda Airport Terminal 3

• Royal Park Hotel The Haneda: It is inside the Terminal 3 building. It is the most convenient option if you arrive after the last train.
• Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport: A larger hotel connected to Terminal 3. It works well for families and travelers with a lot of luggage.

Tip: If your flight lands after 11 pm, book a Terminal 3 hotel ahead of time. Rooms can fill up fast, especially on weekends.

Tips for Riding the Tokyo Monorail

• Use the luggage racks: There is space inside the monorail for storing luggage. Put your big suitcase there instead of blocking the aisle. One large suitcase and a backpack is totally manageable.
  
• Sit on the right side for the views: Heading into the city, the monorail runs along Tokyo Bay. Grab a seat on the right side for the best views of the water and the city skyline. It is a nice first look at Tokyo after a long flight.
  
• Avoid weekday rush hour if you can: Trains get busy with commuters on weekday mornings and evenings. The JR Yamanote Line at Hamamatsucho gets even more crowded. Squeezing in with a suitcase at 8 am is not fun.
  
• Skip the Local train if you’re in a hurry: All trains cost the same, but Local trains stop at every station. If you are heading straight to Hamamatsucho, wait a few minutes for the Haneda Express. It is the fastest option.
  
• Check the direction at Terminal 3: Terminal 3 is in the middle of the line. So, make sure you board the train going to Hamamatsucho, not the one heading to Terminals 1 and 2.
  
• Keep enough money on your Suica: The gate will not open if your balance is too low. If that happens, don’t panic. Use the fare adjustment machine near the exit gates to add money.
  
• Plan your connection if you land late: The last monorail runs after midnight, but some JR and subway lines at Hamamatsucho stop earlier. Check the last train on your connecting line before you leave the airport.