How to Get a Transit Card at Haneda Airport
If you’re traveling to Tokyo and planning to use public transportation, getting a Suica or Pasmo IC card upon arrival at Haneda Airport (HND) is one of the most convenient ways to navigate the city. These rechargeable smart cards allow for seamless travel on trains, subways, buses, and even purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain a Suica or Pasmo card at Haneda Airport, including where to buy them, how to charge them, and important tips for first-time visitors.
1. Where to Get a Suica or Pasmo Card at Haneda Airport
Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, you can purchase a transit card at:
🟢 Ticket Machines (Self-Service)
- Location: Available at Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail stations within Haneda Airport.
- Languages Available: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Cash (JPY only) or Credit Card (varies by machine).
- Processing Time: Instant issuance.
🟢 JR East Travel Service Center (For Welcome Suica)
- Location: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (International Arrivals).
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:45 PM.
- Processing Time: Quick service, but may have queues during peak hours.
- Best For: Tourists looking for the Welcome Suica (no deposit required).
🟢 Convenience Stores & Airport Shops
- Some FamilyMart or 7-Eleven stores inside the airport sell Suica or Pasmo cards, but availability may be limited.
2. Types of Transit Cards Available
Suica & Pasmo (Regular Cards)
- Deposit Required: ¥500 (refundable upon return).
- Preloaded Value: ¥1,500 (total initial cost: ¥2,000).
- Validity: Long-term use, valid nationwide on JR, Tokyo Metro, and buses.
- Best For: Visitors staying more than a month or planning multiple trips to Japan.
Welcome Suica (For Tourists)
- No deposit required (non-refundable).
- Fixed denominations: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, or ¥5,000.
- Validity: 28 days from the date of purchase.
- Best For: Short-term visitors who won’t need a refund.
3. How to Purchase a Transit Card (Step-by-Step Guide)
Buying from a Ticket Machine (Fastest Option)
1️⃣ Select Language: Choose English or your preferred language.
2️⃣ Tap “Purchase New Card” for Suica or Pasmo.
3️⃣ Select Amount: Choose from ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000 (includes ¥500 deposit for regular Suica/Pasmo).
4️⃣ Insert Payment: Pay using cash or a credit card (credit card acceptance varies).
5️⃣ Collect Your Card: The machine will dispense your new IC card and a receipt.
4. How to Recharge (Top Up) Your Transit Card
🔹 At Ticket Machines:
- Insert your card into a Suica/Pasmo-compatible machine.
- Select “Charge” or “Recharge.”
- Choose an amount (minimum: ¥1,000, maximum: ¥20,000).
- Insert cash (credit card recharge is limited to certain machines).
🔹 At Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson):
- Hand your IC card and cash to the cashier.
- Specify the amount you want to add.
🔹 Via Mobile (Apple Pay / Google Pay):
- You can link Suica to your smartphone for contactless payments and auto-recharge. (Note: Pasmo is also available for iPhone users.)
5. How to Use Suica/Pasmo at Haneda Airport & Beyond
✅ On Trains & Subways:
- Tap your card at the entry and exit gates.
- Your fare is deducted automatically.
✅ On Buses:
- Tap when entering the bus (some require a second tap when exiting).
✅ At Convenience Stores & Vending Machines:
- Look for the Suica/Pasmo logo and tap your card to pay.
✅ For Taxis:
- Many taxis accept IC card payments, making cashless travel easier.
6. Important Tips for Using Suica & Pasmo
✔ Keep a positive balance – You cannot exit the station if your balance is negative.
✔ Check balance at gates or machines – The remaining balance is displayed when you tap in/out.
✔ Nationwide Use – Works on trains and buses in major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.
✔ Refunds: Regular Suica/Pasmo cards can be refunded at major stations for remaining balance + ¥500 deposit.
✔ Avoid Scanning Issues: Keep your card away from other IC cards to prevent interference.
7. Alternative Transit Passes for Tourists
If you plan to use public transport extensively, consider these special passes:
🟠 Tokyo Subway Ticket (Unlimited subway rides)
- 24 hours (¥800), 48 hours (¥1,200), 72 hours (¥1,500)
- Available at airport counters and major hotels
🟠 Japan Rail Pass (Best for long-distance travel)
- Covers JR trains, including Shinkansen (except Nozomi & Mizuho).
- Available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day options.
🟠 Toei & Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass
- ¥900 for unlimited subway travel.
Final Thoughts: Best Way to Get a Suica/Pasmo at Haneda Airport
The fastest and easiest way to get a transit card upon arrival is through ticket machines at Haneda Airport. If you’re a tourist, the Welcome Suica is a great hassle-free option, while regular Suica/Pasmo cards are better for returning travelers or long-term stays.
By securing a transit card at Haneda, you can start your Tokyo adventure smoothly, avoiding the hassle of buying individual tickets. 🚆✨