Narita to Haneda Airport Travel Time Expected to Shorten with New Express Train Possibly Launching by 2030

TOKYO (CNA) - A paid direct express train connecting Narita Airport and Haneda Airport is expected to begin operations between 2030 and 2039, according to Japanese media reports today. The move aims to boost economic growth across Japan by capitalizing on the increasing demand from foreign tourists visiting the country.

The Nikkei reported that this initiative is anticipated to improve transportation between Narita and Haneda, allowing foreign travelers arriving at Narita to make greater use of domestic flights departing from Haneda.

Keisei Electric Railway Group plans to commence operations of a new paid express train service in fiscal year 2028, running between Narita Airport Station in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, and Oshiage Station in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. This new express service is projected to connect with the Toei Asakusa Line and Keikyu Line between 2030 and 2039, sequentially linking with Shinagawa Station and Haneda Airport Station to gradually introduce direct train services.

This will be the first time a paid express train service connects Narita Airport, a hub for international flights, with Haneda Airport, which is concentrated with domestic flight operations. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will convene a meeting on the 6th to discuss strengthening the functions of Narita Airport's facilities, and this plan will be incorporated into the summary of the final proposal.

Currently, companies like Keisei Electric Railway operate the non-reserved "Access Express" connecting Narita and Haneda, with a one-way journey taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. With the introduction of the paid express train in the future, travel time is expected to be reduced.

The report added that the government will also consider whether trains can utilize the "Haneda Airport Access Line" currently under construction by JR East. The "Haneda Airport Access Line" is a new route connecting Haneda Airport with the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Furthermore, the government will begin increasing the capacity of railway transport to Narita Airport. Currently, both Keisei Electric Railway and JR East lines to Narita Airport are single-track, posing a significant bottleneck for increasing train frequency.

In the future, the government and private sector will jointly promote "double-tracking" construction. Keisei Line will construct new elevated bridges and stations between 2030 and 2039, while JR East will renovate and utilize the tracks previously used by the Keisei Line.

Meanwhile, Narita Airport is also gradually promoting an "integrated terminal" plan to consolidate its current three dispersed terminals into one. By integrating with the railway network, the overall transportation convenience of Narita Airport will be enhanced. (Compiled by Li Jing / Reviewed by Chen Zhengjian) 3) 1150703)