If you’re traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo, the Narita Express (N’EX) is a great choice for direct access to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shinagawa. If you’re heading to Ueno and want the fastest option, take the Keisei Skyliner. For a more budget-friendly journey, consider the Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita. Airport limousine buses are also convenient if you have large suitcases or want to minimize transfers.
This guide compares travel times and fares from Narita Airport to major stations in Tokyo, along with the features and boarding procedures of each transport option.
What Is Narita Airport?
Travel Times and Fares from Narita Airport to Major Tokyo Stations
How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo
Which Transport Option Should You Choose? A Guide by Travel Needs
Tips for Traveling from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Why a Japanese Phone Number Is Useful When Traveling in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo
Summary: Choose the Best Way to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo
What Is Narita Airport?
Narita International Airport is an international airport located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, approximately 60 km from Tokyo.
Narita Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Your arrival terminal depends on your airline, so check which terminal you’ll arrive at before traveling to Japan.
Trains to Tokyo depart from Narita Airport Station and Airport Terminal 2 Station. Narita Airport Station is the closest station to Terminal 1, while Airport Terminal 2 Station serves Terminals 2 and 3.
Travel Times and Fares from Narita Airport to Major Tokyo Stations
The most convenient way to travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo depends on your destination. First, let’s compare the estimated travel times and fares to some of Tokyo’s major stations.
| Destination | Main Transport Options | Estimated Travel Time | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | N’EX (Narita Express) | Approx. 90 minutes | From ¥1,200 |
| Airport bus | Approx. 70–90 minutes | ¥1,500 | |
| Shinjuku Station | N’EX | Approx. 85–100 minutes | From ¥1,270 |
| Limousine bus | Approx. 120 minutes | ¥3,600 | |
| Keisei-Ueno Station | Keisei Skyliner | Approx. 40 minutes | From ¥2,470 |
| Access Express | Approx. 80–100 minutes | From ¥1,070 | |
| Asakusa Station | N’EX | Approx. 60 minutes | From ¥1,372 |
| Limousine bus | Approx. 90–120 minutes | ¥3,100 | |
| Ikebukuro Station | Keisei Skyliner | Approx. 60 minutes | From ¥2,776 |
| Limousine bus | Approx. 120–130 minutes | ¥3,600 |
Note: Travel times and fares vary depending on the transport service, train, time of day and ticket purchase method. Check the official websites of the relevant operators for the latest information.
How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo
For travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, the Narita Express (N’EX) and Keisei Skyliner are good choices if speed is your priority, while airport buses and local trains can help you save money. If you’re traveling with large suitcases, the limousine bus or N’EX can also be convenient because they reduce the need for transfers. Here’s a closer look at the features, fares and boarding procedures for each option.
N’EX (Narita Express)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main destinations | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama (direct service) |
| Travel time | Approx. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station / approx. 90 minutes to Shinjuku Station |
| Fare | ¥3,140 to Tokyo Station (when using an IC card) |
| Seating | All seats are reserved (luggage storage areas and power outlets available) |
| Tickets and reservations | Online (JR East Train Reservation), ticket machines or ticket counters |
| Best for | Travelers who want to reach Tokyo, Shinjuku or Shibuya without changing trains, or those carrying lots of luggage |
The Narita Express (N’EX) is a limited express train operated by JR East. It provides direct service from Narita Airport to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya and Shinjuku stations, among others, without requiring a transfer. All seats are reserved, making it a comfortable option if you want to sit throughout the journey or are traveling with large luggage. International visitors can also use the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket to travel between Narita Airport and the Tokyo area at a discounted round-trip fare.
Keisei Skyliner
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main destinations | Keisei-Ueno and Nippori (direct service) |
| Travel time | Approx. 40 minutes to Keisei-Ueno Station / approx. 36 minutes to Nippori Station |
| Fare | ¥2,470 to Keisei-Ueno Station (when using an IC card) |
| Seating | All seats are reserved (luggage storage areas and power outlets available) |
| Tickets and reservations | Online (official Keisei Electric Railway website), ticket machines or ticket counters |
The Keisei Skyliner is a limited express train connecting Narita Airport with Nippori and Keisei-Ueno. The fastest journey between Nippori and Airport Terminal 2 takes just 36 minutes, making it a great choice if you’re heading to Ueno or Nippori. You can purchase tickets on your smartphone or at the railway stations at Narita Airport.
Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita
Source: Narita Airport Transport 327 Airport Bus TYO-NRT Selega HD.jpg by Comyu (cropped and resized under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main destinations | Tokyo Station and Ginza Station (direct service) |
| Travel time | Approx. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station / approx. 70 minutes to Ginza Station |
| Fare | ¥1,500 to Tokyo Station |
| Seating | Non-reserved seating (luggage compartment available) |
| Tickets and reservations | Ticket counters inside each terminal building |
Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita (TYO-NRT) is a highway bus connecting Narita Airport with Tokyo Station, Ginza Station and other destinations. It’s a convenient option if you want to reach Tokyo Station at a relatively low cost. However, arrival times can vary depending on road conditions. If you have plans after landing, allow plenty of extra time.
Airport Limousine Bus
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main destinations | Shibuya, Ginza, Odaiba, Yokohama and Chiba (direct services available) |
| Travel time | Approx. 120 minutes to Shibuya / approx. 110 minutes to Ginza Station |
| Fare | ¥3,600 to Shibuya Station |
| Seating | Non-reserved seating (luggage compartment available) |
| Tickets and reservations | Limousine Bus online booking website, ticket machines inside each terminal |
The Airport Limousine Bus connects Narita Airport with major areas of Tokyo and hotels.
If you would otherwise need to travel from a train station to your hotel, taking a bus that stops closer to your destination can make the journey more convenient.
Local Trains (Keisei Access Express, Keisei Main Line and JR Sobu Line Rapid)
| Transport option | Estimated fare | Main destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Keisei Access Express | ¥1,240 to Ueno Station | Nippori and Keisei-Ueno; Oshiage, Asakusa and Nihombashi |
| Keisei Main Line | ¥1,060 to Ueno Station | Nippori and Keisei-Ueno; Keisei-Funabashi |
| JR Sobu Line Rapid | ¥1,410 to Tokyo Station | Chiba, Tokyo, Shimbashi and Shinagawa |
You can also take local trains operated by JR or Keisei from Narita Airport. Since these trains do not require a limited express surcharge, they’re a good choice if you want to spend less than you would on the Narita Express or Skyliner.
However, local trains are also used by commuters, so they can be crowded at certain times of day. They also do not have dedicated spaces for large luggage, so take extra care if you’re carrying a large suitcase.
Taxi
| Transport option | Estimated fare | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard taxi | Metered fare | The fare varies by distance and time, and may increase in heavy traffic |
| Flat-rate taxi | Approx. ¥23,500–¥38,500 to Tokyo’s 23 wards (one way, tolls excluded) | Fares are set by destination area, making it easier to estimate the cost |
A taxi is another option if you have lots of luggage or want to travel directly to your hotel. Taxis can also be useful early in the morning or late at night, when trains and buses run less frequently.
Note: Surcharges may apply during late-night and early-morning hours. Reservation requirements and conditions vary by taxi company.
For details, visit the official Narita Airport website.
Which Transport Option Should You Choose? A Guide by Travel Needs
When choosing how to travel, consider not only the fare but also travel time, transfers and how much luggage you’re carrying.
| Your priority | Recommended option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Get there as quickly as possible | Keisei Skyliner or N’EX (Narita Express) | The Skyliner reaches Nippori in as little as 36 minutes. It avoids road traffic, making travel times more predictable |
| Save money | Airport bus or local trains | Fares can be lower than those of limited express trains |
| Minimize transfers | N’EX, limousine bus or taxi | Direct travel is available depending on your destination |
| Travel with large luggage | N’EX or limousine bus | Luggage storage areas or a luggage compartment make it easier to travel with bags |
| Travel early in the morning or late at night | Airport bus or taxi | You may still be able to reach the Tokyo Station area when trains are not running (check for late-night surcharges) |
Tips for Traveling from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
How to Buy Tickets and Make Reservations
Ticketing options vary by transport service. You can reserve N’EX and Keisei Skyliner tickets in advance, or buy them from ticket counters or machines after arriving at the airport. Many Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita services do not require reservations, while booking procedures for limousine buses vary by route.
| Transport option | Advance reservation | Buying tickets after arriving at the airport |
|---|---|---|
| N’EX (Narita Express) | ✓ (JR East Train Reservation) | ✓ (ticket counters or machines) |
| Keisei Skyliner | ✓ (Skyliner e-ticket) | ✓ (ticket counters or machines) |
| Airport bus | Not required (some services allow reservations) | ✓ (bus ticket counter) |
| Limousine bus | Depends on the route | ✓ (bus ticket counter) |
| Local trains | Not required | ✓ (ticket machines or IC card) |
| Taxi | ✓ | ✓ (from the taxi stand) |
Using IC Cards (Suica, PASMO and Others)
You can use transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO on local trains.
For the Narita Express and Skyliner, you need a limited express ticket or liner ticket in addition to the basic fare. An IC card alone is not enough, so check which tickets you need before boarding.
Nearest Railway Stations by Terminal
If you’re traveling by train, the nearest stations for each terminal are listed below.
| Terminal | Nearest station |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Narita Airport Station |
| Terminal 2 | Airport Terminal 2 Station |
| Terminal 3 | Airport Terminal 2 Station |
Terminal 3 does not have its own railway station. To take a train, walk for approximately 15 minutes or use the free inter-terminal shuttle bus, which takes about 5 minutes, to reach Airport Terminal 2 Station.
Luggage Delivery from Narita Airport to Your Hotel
Narita Airport offers luggage delivery services that can send large suitcases and other bags to your hotel or accommodation. This helps reduce the hassle of carrying heavy luggage on trains or buses and is especially useful if you want to start sightseeing as soon as you arrive or are traveling with lots of bags.
Why a Japanese Phone Number Is Useful When Traveling in Japan
Even if you rarely make calls while sightseeing, there are more and more situations in which having a Japanese phone number is useful.
- Registering for and using taxi-hailing apps
- Using restaurant or ticket reservation services
- Contacting hotels or tour operators
Data-only SIM cards, eSIMs and rental Wi-Fi do not support SMS verification or voice calls. Having a SIM card or eSIM with a Japanese phone number can make it easier to use these services.
Get a Japanese phone number easily with HanaCell Japan SIM
HanaCell Japan SIM offers SIM cards and eSIMs that allow short-term visitors and travelers to use a Japanese phone number. It supports not only mobile data but also SMS verification and voice calls, making it a convenient option for a variety of situations during your stay in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo
It depends on the transport option. The Narita Express (N’EX) takes around 70 minutes from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, while the regular Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita service takes approximately 90–100 minutes. Travel times may vary depending on road conditions and the train service, so allow plenty of time.
The cost depends on your destination and transport option. To Tokyo Station, the regular Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita service costs ¥1,500, while the N’EX costs ¥3,140. If you’re heading to Ueno, you can also save money by taking trains such as the Access Express.
Not necessarily. You can book and purchase N’EX or Skyliner tickets in advance, but you can also buy them after arriving at Narita Airport. Airport buses generally do not require reservations.
Yes. The railway stations at Narita Airport have ticket machines and ticket counters where you can purchase tickets after arrival.
Yes. Transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used. However, limited express trains may require an additional limited express ticket, so be sure to check the ticket requirements.
Taking an airport bus is a good option. Regular services start at around 7:15 a.m., while late-night services run until around 11:20 p.m. If your arrival time does not match the bus schedule, consider taking a taxi.
Summary: Choose the Best Way to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo
There are several ways to get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, including trains, buses and taxis.
- For the fastest trip to Ueno or Nippori: Keisei Skyliner
- For a direct trip to Tokyo, Shinjuku or Shibuya: N’EX (Narita Express)
- For an affordable trip to Tokyo Station: Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita
- For a budget-friendly trip toward Asakusa: Keisei Access Express
- If you have lots of luggage and want to get close to your hotel: Airport limousine bus (check the route and stops in advance)
When choosing your transport, compare not only fares and travel times but also the number of transfers, the amount of luggage you’re carrying and how easily you can reach your destination. To make your journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo as smooth as possible, check the latest timetables, fares and service updates before departure, then choose the option that best suits your travel plans.