How to Get to Katsushika from Narita & Haneda Airport — Step by Step

Overview

If you are staying in Katsushika — specifically near Horikiri-Shobuen Station — you are in a fortunate position when it comes to airport access. The Keisei Main Line, which serves Horikiri-Shobuen Station, runs directly to and from Narita Airport. This means that getting from the plane to your accommodation can be as simple as a single train ride with no transfers.

From Haneda Airport, the journey requires one or two connections but is still straightforward once you know the route.

This guide covers both airports step by step, along with practical tips about IC cards, fares, and what to do if you arrive late at night.

From Narita Airport to Horikiri-Shobuen Station

Narita International Airport is located about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, in Chiba Prefecture. Despite the distance, the train connections are fast and frequent.

Option 1: Keisei Limited Express (Recommended)

This is the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Horikiri from Narita. The Keisei Limited Express (Keisei Tokkyuu) runs on the same Keisei Main Line that serves Horikiri-Shobuen Station, so there is no transfer required.

Step by step:

After clearing immigration and customs, follow signs to the train station in the airport basement. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3 have Keisei Line stations.
Look for the Keisei Main Line platform (not the Skyliner platform — that is a different service).
Board a train bound for Ueno (上野) on the Keisei Main Line. Look for a Limited Express (特急) or local service — not the Rapid Limited Express (快速特急), which skips Horikiri-Shobuen Station without stopping.
Ride directly to Horikiri-Shobuen Station (堀切菖蒲園). No transfer is needed.
The journey takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes depending on the service.

Note: The Rapid Limited Express (快速特急) does not stop at Horikiri-Shobuen. If you board one, transfer to a local train at Aoto Station (青砥) — two stops before Horikiri-Shobuen.

Fare: Approximately 1,270 yen. Please check the latest fares on the official Keisei Railway website, as prices may be adjusted.

Why this is the best option: It is a direct ride with no transfers, no reserved seats to worry about, and no premium surcharge. You simply board the train with your IC card or a ticket and ride to your stop. Just confirm at the platform that your train stops at Horikiri-Shobuen — local and Limited Express services do; Rapid Limited Express services do not. The train is comfortable, air-conditioned, and rarely crowded outside of rush hours.

Option 2: Keisei Skyliner + Transfer

The Skyliner is Keisei’s premium express service to Ueno, offering a faster ride on a dedicated track. However, it does not stop at Horikiri-Shobuen, so you would need to transfer.

Step by step:

Purchase a Skyliner ticket at the Keisei counter or ticket machine in Narita Airport. Reserved seats are required.
Board the Skyliner to Ueno or Nippori.
At Keisei Ueno Station, transfer to a Keisei Main Line local or limited express train heading back toward Narita (toward Aoto/Takasago direction).
Ride to Horikiri-Shobuen Station (two stops from Aoto, a few stops from Keisei Ueno depending on the service).

Fare: Approximately 2,570 yen (includes Skyliner surcharge). Please verify current pricing on the Keisei website.

Total time: About 50 to 60 minutes including the transfer and wait time.

When to consider this option: If you want maximum speed and comfort and do not mind the extra cost and transfer. The Skyliner has spacious reserved seating and luggage storage areas.

Which Option to Choose

For most travelers heading to Horikiri, the Keisei Limited Express is the clear winner. It is cheaper, requires no transfer, and the time difference is minimal once you factor in the Skyliner’s transfer wait. Save the Skyliner for trips where you are heading to Ueno or Nippori directly.

From Haneda Airport to Horikiri-Shobuen Station

Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) is located south of central Tokyo, on the shore of Tokyo Bay. It is closer to the city center than Narita, but reaching Katsushika from Haneda involves at least one transfer because no direct line connects the two.

Recommended Route: Keikyu Line to Aoto via Toei Asakusa Line

The smoothest route uses the through-service that connects Keikyu Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisei Line — three different railways that share tracks and allow you to ride across them without leaving the train (in some cases) or with a simple platform transfer.

Step by step:

From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line from the airport terminal station. Trains bound for Shinagawa, Asakusa Line, or Aoto/Takasago direction are what you want.
Many Keikyu trains from Haneda run directly onto the Toei Asakusa Line through Shinagawa and central Tokyo. If your train is labeled as going to Aoto (青砥), Takasago (高砂), or Narita (成田), you may be able to ride without transferring.
If your train terminates at Sengakuji or another intermediate station, transfer to a Toei Asakusa Line train heading toward Oshiage/Aoto.
At Aoto Station (青砥), transfer to a Keisei Main Line train heading toward Keisei Ueno.
Horikiri-Shobuen is two stops from Aoto on the Keisei Main Line.

Fare: Approximately 1,300 to 1,500 yen total (the fare involves multiple operators). Using an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) simplifies payment — just tap in at Haneda and tap out at Horikiri-Shobuen.

Total time: Approximately 60 to 75 minutes, depending on connections.

Tip: Use a route-planning app like Google Maps, Navitime, or the Japan Transit Planner to find the best departure time. The through-service schedule varies, and these apps will tell you exactly which train to board and whether a transfer is needed.

IC Cards: Suica and Pasmo

An IC card is a rechargeable smart card that works on virtually all trains, subways, and buses in the Tokyo metropolitan area (and most of Japan). It is the easiest way to pay for transit.

How to Get One

Mobile Suica (iPhone or Android): You can set up a Suica card directly on your phone using the Suica app or Apple Wallet. This works with many international credit cards and is the most convenient option. No deposit required.
Physical card: Suica and Pasmo cards can be purchased from ticket machines at most JR and subway stations. There is a 500-yen refundable deposit. Note that physical card availability has been limited in recent years due to chip shortages — check current availability before relying on this option.
Welcome Suica: A special Suica card for tourists, available at Narita and Haneda airports. It has no deposit but expires after 28 days.

Using Your IC Card

Simply tap the card (or your phone) on the reader at the ticket gate when entering and exiting. The correct fare is automatically deducted. You can recharge at any station ticket machine using cash or, for Mobile Suica, via a linked credit card.

Cash Withdrawals at the Station

If you need Japanese yen upon arrival, 7-Eleven ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, including Wise, Revolut, and most major banks. There are 7-Eleven stores near both airports and near Horikiri-Shobuen Station. Many station areas also have ATMs in post offices (Japan Post Bank) that accept foreign cards.

Last Train Warning

Japan’s train system shuts down for the night. The last trains typically depart between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, depending on the line and direction.

Key Times to Know

Last Keisei Limited Express from Narita to Horikiri-Shobuen: Departures generally run until around 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. from Narita Airport. After that, only local trains may be available, which take significantly longer.
Last train from Haneda: Services toward Katsushika run until approximately 11:00 p.m., but the last convenient connection may be earlier.

Important: Last train times change with schedule revisions. Always verify the latest timetable using the Keisei Railway or Keikyu Railway official websites, or a transit app like Google Maps, before traveling late at night.

If you arrive after the last train, your options are a taxi or waiting at the airport until the first morning trains (which start around 5:00 to 5:30 a.m.).

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Options

From Narita Airport

A taxi from Narita to Katsushika will cost approximately 20,000 to 25,000 yen (roughly $130 to $170 USD). Some flat-rate taxi services are available — check with the taxi stand at the airport for current pricing. This is expensive but may be worthwhile if you arrive very late, are traveling with a group, or have excessive luggage.

From Haneda Airport

A taxi from Haneda is shorter and cheaper: approximately 8,000 to 12,000 yen, depending on traffic and time of day.

Ride-Hailing

Uber and other ride-hailing apps operate in Tokyo, but availability can be limited, and prices are often comparable to or higher than regular taxis. Japan GO (formerly JapanTaxi) is the most widely used taxi-hailing app in Tokyo.

Note: All fare estimates are approximate and subject to change based on traffic, time of day, tolls, and exchange rates. Please confirm current pricing before traveling.

Summary: Quick Reference

Route	Method	Time	Approximate Fare
Narita to Horikiri	Keisei Limited Express (direct)	55-65 min	~1,270 yen
Narita to Horikiri	Skyliner + transfer	50-60 min	~2,570 yen
Haneda to Horikiri	Keikyu + Asakusa Line + Keisei	60-75 min	~1,300-1,500 yen
Narita to Horikiri	Taxi	60-90 min	~20,000-25,000 yen
Haneda to Horikiri	Taxi	40-60 min	~8,000-12,000 yen

Fares and times are estimates. Please check the latest information on official railway websites before traveling.

Conclusion

Getting to Katsushika from either airport is simpler than it might seem on a map. The direct Keisei Limited Express from Narita is hard to beat — one train, no transfers, under 70 minutes, and about 1,270 yen. From Haneda, the through-service via the Toei Asakusa Line gets you there in about an hour with minimal hassle.

Once you arrive at Horikiri-Shobuen Station, you are in a quiet, walkable neighborhood with everything you need within a few minutes on foot. If you are heading to SORA BASE, it is a five-minute walk from the station — an easy final leg after a long flight.

Welcome to Tokyo. The real one.