Apprehending transportation in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially when you try it for the first time. Most people are anxious about navigating complex systems, choosing the right route, or using ticketing machines in foreign languages. There is also the fear of missed connections, and needing alternative transportation with additional expenses. And don’t forget the uncertainty about whether the chosen option is the most cost-effective or efficient way to travel. If you’re arriving at Narita Airport and heading to Tokyo, you’ll have several transportation options, but not all of them are suited to your needs.
The most popular methods to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport include taking the Narita Express train, riding the Keisei Skyliner, hopping on a limousine bus, grabbing a taxi, or arranging for an airport shuttle service. Each option offers its own speed, convenience, and cost advantages.
In this guide, I will walk you through each method of getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo, so you can decide the one that best suits your needs and budget.
How to Get to Tokyo From Narita Airport by Train?
Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport by train is a convenient and efficient option for travelers. Trains in Japan are known for their punctuality and cleanliness and ensure a pleasant experience. You can choose between express trains and local trains. Let’s see these options in detail.
Narita Express (N’EX)
The Narita Express, or N’EX, is a convenient and comfortable train service operated by JR East. It offers direct connections between Narita Airport and major stations in Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station. With spacious seating and luggage storage areas, the Narita Express is a popular choice for travelers looking for a hassle-free journey to the city.
However, here are a few things you should know about the Narita Express:
- Travel Time: Approximately 53–78 minutes, depending on the destination.
- Frequency: Runs multiple times per hour, with more frequent service during peak hours.
- Stations: Stops at major stations in Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, and Ikebukuro Station.
- Ticket Price: It costs more than 3,000 yen, but the price varies based on the destination. Children pay half price.
- No transfers: It’s a direct train to Tokyo, so you won’t need to transfer to other lines if you’re staying near Tokyo, Shinjuku, or Shibuya stations.
- All seats are reserved seats: This means that you need to reserve a seat before boarding the train.
- You can book the tickets up to one month in advance: The JR system only allows bookings 30 days in advance, but you can use third-party vendors like Klook to pre-book your tickets more than 30 days in advance.
To purchase your tickets for the Narita Express (N’EX), there are several options:
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- Ticket Counters: Upon arrival at Narita Airport, head to the Narita Express ticket counters within the airport terminals. You can buy tickets directly from the ticket agents.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Narita Express ticket vending machines are available at Narita Airport. These machines offer a convenient way to purchase tickets.
- Online with JR website: The JR website allows you to purchase Narita Express tickets up to 30 days in advance. This option is convenient if you prefer to secure your ticket before arriving at the airport.
- Online with third-party vendors like Klook: Some travel websites and platforms allow you to purchase Narita Express tickets in advance online. Klook allows the pre-booking of your tickets more than 30 days in advance.
For more information, you can check Narita Express’s official website.
Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is a rapid train service operated by Keisei Electric Railway. It provides fast and efficient transportation between Narita Airport and Ueno Station in central Tokyo. The Keisei Skyliner offers a quick and convenient way to reach Tokyo, but passengers might need to transfer to other lines to reach their final destination.
Here is what you need to know about the Keisei Skyliner:
- Travel Time: Approximately 36–41 minutes.
- Frequency: Runs every 20–40 minutes, depending on the time of day.
- Stations: Stops at Narita Airport Terminal 1, Narita Airport Terminal 2·3, Nippori Station, and Ueno Station.
- Ticket Price: Cheaper than the Narita Express, it costs around 2,500 yen, but the price varies based on the destination. Children pay half price.
- Transfers: 1 transfer if you’re not staying near Nippori or Ueno stations.
- You can book the tickets up to one month in advance: The Keisei website system allows bookings 30 days in advance.
To purchase your tickets for the Keisei Skyliner, there are several options:
- Ticket Counters: Upon arrival at Narita Airport, head to the Keisei Skyliner ticket counters within the airport terminals. You can buy tickets directly from the ticket agents.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Keisei Skyliner ticket vending machines are available at Narita Airport. These machines offer a convenient way to purchase tickets.
- Online with Keisei website: The Keisei website allows you to purchase Keisei Skyliner tickets up to 30 days in advance. This option is convenient if you prefer to secure your ticket before arriving at the airport.
- Online with third-party vendors like Klook: Some travel websites and platforms allow you to purchase Keisei Skyliner tickets in advance online. Klook is a known third-party vendor.
For more information, you can check Keisei’s official website.
Local Trains
Local trains are regular commuter trains that stop at multiple stations along a route, typically within a city or region. In the context of traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo, local trains refer to railway services like the Keisei Main Line or JR Narita Line Rapid that connect the airport with various destinations in Tokyo.
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Local trains are often more budget-friendly compared to express or premium services like the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. They offer a cost-effective way to travel into the city, and they operate at regular intervals throughout the day. Local trains also stop at various stations within Tokyo, allowing passengers to easily reach different parts of the city.
Comparing Train Options
Ultimately, the choice between Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, and local trains depends on factors such as budget, travel time preferences, and destination within Tokyo. Travelers seeking speed and convenience may opt for express services like Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner, while those prioritizing cost-effectiveness may prefer local trains for their affordability.
To help you make the best choice for your travel, here’s a comparison table with the most important points to keep in mind:
| Narita Express | Keisei Skyliner | Local trains | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 53–78 minutes | 36–41 minutes | 80–100 minutes |
| Frequency | multiple times per hour | every 20–40 minutes | multiple times per hour |
| Price | 3,000+ yen | 2,500+ yen | 1,200+ yen |
| Transfers | None | 1 | Between 0 and 3 |
| Designated luggage space | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Get to Tokyo From Narita Airport by Bus?
Express buses also provide a convenient and cost-effective transportation option for travelers looking to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport. With direct routes to popular destinations and comfortable amenities, express buses offer a hassle-free way to begin your journey in Japan’s vibrant capital city.
Airport Limousine Bus
The Airport Limousine Bus is a convenient transportation service that operates between Narita Airport and various locations in Tokyo. It offers comfortable and direct bus routes to key destinations, including major hotels and popular districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. You can recognize limousine buses easily thanks to their orange color.
The ticket costs more than 3,100 yen, but the fare depends on your destination.
You can buy tickets online using the official website up to 30 days in advance or through Klook if you want to regroup with other bookings.
The latest bus leaves Narita Airport around 8:35 p.m.
If you need more information you can check the Airport Limousine Bus official website.
The Access Narita Tokyo Shuttle
This bus service connects Narita Airport with Tokyo Station, Ginza, and other locations in central Tokyo. It provides frequent departures and is a convenient option for travelers heading to the city’s heart. This service is provided by several companies like Keisei Bus, JR Bus Kanto, and Narita Airport Transport.
The ticket costs around 1,300 yen, but you pay double when using the early morning or late night services.
You can buy tickets directly on the bus with cash or an IC card, except for buses departing from Terminal 3 (purchase at the ticket counter).
The latest bus leaves Narita Airport around 10:15 p.m., but you can check the timetable here.
If you need more information you can check the Airport TYO-NRT website.
Willer Express
Willer Express is a long-distance bus operator in Japan known for its extensive network of routes connecting major cities and regions across the country. It operates a convenient airport shuttle service from Narita Airport to Ikebukuro.
The ticket costs around 1,900 yen, but you can save a few yen if you book at least 24 hours in advance. However, you can buy tickets 10 minutes before the departure and pay the regular price. It is also possible to book tickets up to 30 days in advance to make sure you have a seat.
You can purchase tickets at the boarding place, using the official website, or through Klook.
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The latest bus leaves Narita Airport around 10 p.m.
If you need more information you can check the Willer Express website.
Private/Shared Transfers From Narita Airport to Tokyo
Private and shared transfers from Narita Airport to Tokyo offer convenience and flexibility for travelers, but they come with different advantages and considerations.
Private transfers provide a direct and personalized transportation experience from the airport to your destination in Tokyo and you can enjoy a comfortable and spacious vehicle for yourself or your group. They can be arranged to fit your schedule, allowing for a quick and efficient journey to your accommodation. Additionally, you have the privacy of traveling with your group without sharing the vehicle with strangers.
On the other hand, shared transfers are usually more budget-friendly compared to private transfers, as the cost is shared among multiple passengers. Traveling with other passengers can provide opportunities for social interaction and meeting fellow travelers.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Private transfers tend to be more expensive, but shared transfers may involve waiting for other passengers to arrive or drop off at their destinations. It’s also recommended to book both private and shared transfers in advance to secure availability.
In the end, the choice between private and shared transfers depends on factors such as budget, travel preferences, and the level of convenience desired for your journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
You can book your private or shared transfers from Narita Airport in advance with Klook to secure availability.
Conclusion
Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport by train is a convenient and efficient option for travelers. The Narita Express (N’EX) and the Keisei Skyliner are two popular train services that provide direct routes to major stations in Tokyo. These trains offer comfortable rides with amenities like spacious seating and luggage storage, making them ideal for travelers looking for a hassle-free journey into the city. Additionally, trains in Japan are known for their punctuality and cleanliness, ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers.
For travelers on a budget, choosing a bus service to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo offers several advantages. Firstly, it’s cost-effective, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. Bus services operate at regular intervals throughout the day, offering flexibility for travelers with different arrival times, and they are convenient for late-night or early-morning arrivals.
Opting for private or shared transfers from Narita Airport to Tokyo offers several advantages tailored to different travel preferences. For travelers seeking comfort and convenience, private transfers offer the luxury of having a dedicated vehicle and chauffeur waiting for you upon arrival. Shared transfers, on the other hand, provide a more economical option while still offering the convenience of door-to-door service.
In summary, several options can get you to Tokyo from Narita Airport, just choose the one that best suits your needs.
