{"id":557,"date":"2026-10-28T16:24:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hanacell.com\/japan\/guide\/?p=557"},"modified":"2026-10-30T11:42:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T02:42:20","slug":"narita-airport-to-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hanacell.com\/japan\/guide\/en\/travel-tips\/narita-airport-to-tokyo\/","title":{"rendered":"Narita Airport to Downtown Tokyo: Skyliner vs N’EX vs Limousine Bus"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Table of Contents
\nWhat Is Narita Airport?<\/a>
\nTravel Times and Fares from Narita Airport to Major Tokyo Stations<\/a>
\nHow to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo<\/a>
\nWhich Transport Option Should You Choose? A Guide by Travel Needs<\/a>
\nTips for Traveling from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo<\/a>
\nWhy a Japanese Phone Number Is Useful When Traveling in Japan<\/a>
\nFrequently Asked Questions About Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo<\/a>
\nSummary: Choose the Best Way to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

What Is Narita Airport?<\/h2>\n

\"Narita
\nNarita International Airport is an international airport located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, approximately 60 km from Tokyo.
\nNarita 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.
\nTrains 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.<\/p>\n

Travel Times and Fares from Narita Airport to Major Tokyo Stations<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Destination<\/th>\nMain Transport Options<\/th>\nEstimated Travel Time<\/th>\nEstimated Fare<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tokyo Station<\/td>\nN’EX (Narita Express)<\/td>\nApprox. 90 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a51,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Airport bus<\/td>\nApprox. 70\u201390 minutes<\/td>\n\u00a51,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shinjuku Station<\/td>\nN’EX<\/td>\nApprox. 85\u2013100 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a51,270<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limousine bus<\/td>\nApprox. 120 minutes<\/td>\n\u00a53,600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Keisei-Ueno Station<\/td>\nKeisei Skyliner<\/td>\nApprox. 40 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a52,470<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Access Express<\/td>\nApprox. 80\u2013100 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a51,070<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asakusa Station<\/td>\nN’EX<\/td>\nApprox. 60 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a51,372<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limousine bus<\/td>\nApprox. 90\u2013120 minutes<\/td>\n\u00a53,100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ikebukuro Station<\/td>\nKeisei Skyliner<\/td>\nApprox. 60 minutes<\/td>\nFrom \u00a52,776<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limousine bus<\/td>\nApprox. 120\u2013130 minutes<\/td>\n\u00a53,600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo<\/h2>\n

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<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n

N’EX (Narita Express)<\/h3>\n

\"N'EX<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Main destinations<\/td>\nTokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama (direct service)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel time<\/td>\nApprox. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station \/ approx. 90 minutes to Shinjuku Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fare<\/td>\n\u00a53,140 to Tokyo Station (when using an IC card)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating<\/td>\nAll seats are reserved (luggage storage areas and power outlets available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tickets and reservations<\/td>\nOnline (JR East Train Reservation)<\/a>, ticket machines or ticket counters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best for<\/td>\nTravelers who want to reach Tokyo, Shinjuku or Shibuya without changing trains, or those carrying lots of luggage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Keisei Skyliner<\/h3>\n

\"Keisei<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Main destinations<\/td>\nKeisei-Ueno and Nippori (direct service)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel time<\/td>\nApprox. 40 minutes to Keisei-Ueno Station \/ approx. 36 minutes to Nippori Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fare<\/td>\n\u00a52,470 to Keisei-Ueno Station (when using an IC card)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating<\/td>\nAll seats are reserved (luggage storage areas and power outlets available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tickets and reservations<\/td>\nOnline (official Keisei Electric Railway website)<\/a>, ticket machines or ticket counters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita<\/h3>\n

\"Airport<\/p>\n

\n Source: Narita Airport Transport 327 Airport Bus TYO-NRT Selega HD.jpg<\/a> by Comyu<\/a> (cropped and resized under the CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> license)\n<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Main destinations<\/td>\nTokyo Station and Ginza Station (direct service)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel time<\/th>\nApprox. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station \/ approx. 70 minutes to Ginza Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fare<\/th>\n\u00a51,500 to Tokyo Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating<\/th>\nNon-reserved seating (luggage compartment available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tickets and reservations<\/th>\nTicket counters inside each terminal building<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Airport Limousine Bus<\/h3>\n

\"Airport<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Main destinations<\/td>\nShibuya, Ginza, Odaiba, Yokohama and Chiba (direct services available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel time<\/th>\nApprox. 120 minutes to Shibuya \/ approx. 110 minutes to Ginza Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fare<\/th>\n\u00a53,600 to Shibuya Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating<\/th>\nNon-reserved seating (luggage compartment available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tickets and reservations<\/th>\nLimousine Bus online booking website<\/a>, ticket machines inside each terminal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The Airport Limousine Bus connects Narita Airport with major areas of Tokyo and hotels.
\nIf 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.<\/p>\n

Local Trains (Keisei Access Express, Keisei Main Line and JR Sobu Line Rapid)<\/h3>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transport option<\/th>\nEstimated fare<\/th>\nMain destinations<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Keisei Access Express<\/td>\n\u00a51,240 to Ueno Station<\/td>\nNippori and Keisei-Ueno; Oshiage, Asakusa and Nihombashi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Keisei Main Line<\/td>\n\u00a51,060 to Ueno Station<\/td>\nNippori and Keisei-Ueno; Keisei-Funabashi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
JR Sobu Line Rapid<\/td>\n\u00a51,410 to Tokyo Station<\/td>\nChiba, Tokyo, Shimbashi and Shinagawa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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.
\nHowever, 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.<\/p>\n

Taxi<\/h3>\n

\"Taxi\"<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transport option<\/th>\nEstimated fare<\/th>\nFeatures<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Standard taxi<\/td>\nMetered fare<\/td>\nThe fare varies by distance and time, and may increase in heavy traffic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flat-rate taxi<\/td>\nApprox. \u00a523,500\u2013\u00a538,500 to Tokyo’s 23 wards (one way, tolls excluded)<\/td>\nFares are set by destination area, making it easier to estimate the cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Note: Surcharges may apply during late-night and early-morning hours. Reservation requirements and conditions vary by taxi company.
\nFor details, visit the official Narita Airport website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Which Transport Option Should You Choose? A Guide by Travel Needs<\/h2>\n

When choosing how to travel, consider not only the fare but also travel time, transfers and how much luggage you’re carrying.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Your priority<\/th>\nRecommended option<\/th>\nWhy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Get there as quickly as possible<\/td>\nKeisei Skyliner or N’EX (Narita Express)<\/td>\nThe Skyliner reaches Nippori in as little as 36 minutes. It avoids road traffic, making travel times more predictable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Save money<\/td>\nAirport bus or local trains<\/td>\nFares can be lower than those of limited express trains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimize transfers<\/td>\nN’EX, limousine bus or taxi<\/td>\nDirect travel is available depending on your destination<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel with large luggage<\/td>\nN’EX or limousine bus<\/td>\nLuggage storage areas or a luggage compartment make it easier to travel with bags<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Travel early in the morning or late at night<\/td>\nAirport bus or taxi<\/td>\nYou may still be able to reach the Tokyo Station area when trains are not running (check for late-night surcharges)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Tips for Traveling from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo<\/h2>\n

How to Buy Tickets and Make Reservations<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transport option<\/th>\nAdvance reservation<\/th>\nBuying tickets after arriving at the airport<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
N’EX (Narita Express)<\/td>\n\u2713 (JR East Train Reservation)<\/td>\n\u2713 (ticket counters or machines)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Keisei Skyliner<\/td>\n\u2713 (Skyliner e-ticket)<\/td>\n\u2713 (ticket counters or machines)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Airport bus<\/td>\nNot required (some services allow reservations)<\/td>\n\u2713 (bus ticket counter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limousine bus<\/td>\nDepends on the route<\/td>\n\u2713 (bus ticket counter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Local trains<\/td>\nNot required<\/td>\n\u2713 (ticket machines or IC card)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taxi<\/td>\n\u2713<\/td>\n\u2713 (from the taxi stand)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Using IC Cards (Suica, PASMO and Others)<\/h3>\n

You can use transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO on local trains.
\nFor 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.<\/p>\n

Nearest Railway Stations by Terminal<\/h3>\n

If you’re traveling by train, the nearest stations for each terminal are listed below.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Terminal<\/th>\nNearest station<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Terminal 1<\/td>\nNarita Airport Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Terminal 2<\/th>\nAirport Terminal 2 Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Terminal 3<\/th>\nAirport Terminal 2 Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Luggage Delivery from Narita Airport to Your Hotel<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why a Japanese Phone Number Is Useful When Traveling in Japan<\/h2>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

Even if you rarely make calls while sightseeing, there are more and more situations in which having a Japanese phone number is useful.<\/p>\n

\n
When You May Need a Japanese Phone Number<\/div>\n