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Tokyo Narita International Airport vs San Francisco International Airport
Detailed comparison of NRT and SFO on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher overall at 8.2/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores 8.2/10 (Excellent)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.4),
passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.2).
Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Tokyo Narita (NRT) is rated 8.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. JAL lounges in Terminal 2 and ANA in Terminal 1 serve premium passengers. Allow 60–90 minutes by train to central Tokyo. UK travellers often choose Haneda for city access; Narita for specific carrier schedules. See /guides/narita-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score8.2Excellent
On-time8.4Departure reliability
Experience8.1Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.2Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.6Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
8.4
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score8.6/10
Highlights
Terminal 1 serves Star Alliance (ANA); Terminal 2 serves oneworld (JAL) — verify terminal on your ticket
JAL First Lounge and ANA Suite Lounge among Japan's best airline clubs
N'EX Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in ~60 minutes — reliable for UK arrivals
Haneda vs Narita: NRT scores 8.2/10 overall but Haneda wins on city proximity (see /airports/haneda)
Overview
Tokyo's legacy international hub — JAL and ANA premium lounges, strong on-time performance, and 60–90 minute train ride to central Tokyo versus Haneda's 15–30 minutes.
JAL and ANA lounge access
Japan Airlines operates Sakura and First lounges in Terminal 2 for oneworld passengers. ANA Suite and Business lounges in Terminal 1 serve Star Alliance premium passengers. Terminal 3 handles LCCs separately.
Inter-terminal transfers require landside bus or train — not airside. Connections between JAL and ANA metal require immigration and re-security unless on a protected interline.
San Francisco, United States · SFO · #2 in this comparison
4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) · 50M+ passengers/year
7.8/ 10
How good is San Francisco International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5),
passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2).
Lounge quality rates 8.3/10. See full airport guide →
In short
San Francisco SFO is rated 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.3/10. United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G is the premium benchmark for transpacific business class. Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 serves domestic and some international cardholders. See /guides/sfo-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.8Very Good
On-time7.5Departure reliability
Experience7.7Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.2Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.3Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score8.3/10
Highlights
United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G — among the best US airline lounges for transpacific departures
International Terminal A and G host Star Alliance, oneworld, and Centurion Lounge for long-haul passengers
BART train to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes — preferred over LAX for city access on business trips
Common UK routing via London with BA, Virgin Atlantic, and United non-stops
Overview
West Coast tech gateway — United Polaris hub with strong Asia-Pacific routes and renovated International Terminal lounges.
International Terminal and Polaris
International Terminal G hosts United Polaris Lounge for United long-haul business class and Star Alliance Gold on international departures. Terminal A serves other Star Alliance and oneworld long-haul carriers with alliance lounges.
Airside connections exist between International Terminal A and G — easier than JFK for Star Alliance connections.
FAQ
Which is better, Tokyo Narita International Airport or San Francisco International Airport?
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher overall at 8.2/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.
Which has better lounges, NRT or SFO?
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus San Francisco International Airport at 8.3/10.
Which airport is more on-time, NRT or SFO?
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) has stronger on-time performance at 8.4/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.5/10.
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