If you’ve never travelled to Japan before, you may not realise that its major cities can be quite far from their respective airports. The centre of Tokyo, for example, is about an hour’s drive from Narita airport (without traffic) so it is widely regarded that catching the train straight from the airport into the city is the most convenient option.
But with a few different train lines running throughout Tokyo, things can be a little complex at first. So, how can you master the Tokyo public transport system as soon as your feet hit the ground? Read on for the best ways to decipher the public transport in Tokyo (including your airport transfer!) and choose the most suitable option for you, your budget and your itinerary.
1. Tokyo Skyliner v Tokyo Subway – what’s the difference?
Deciphering the different train services can be confusing, but at least they run on time!
The Tokyo Skyliner is a high-speed train service that runs between Narita Airport and Ueno Station in downtown Tokyo in just 41 minutes. Yes, precisely 41 minutes – because that’s how Japan’s public transport system rolls.
The Subway, on the other hand, is a system of 13 different train lines covering Tokyo, with over 250 different stations. The subway does not connect to the airport, you’ll need to catch the Skyliner for your Narita airport transfer. If you landed at Haneda airport, not Narita, your best bet is to jump on the Tokyo Monorail to get into town.
The Tokyo Skyliner gets you from the airport into the city, and the Tokyo Subway gets you around the city. They work hand-in-hand, so a combo ticket is a great option.
2. Hang on, can we recap the airport transfers?
The Skyliner is the best option for Narita airport transfers
Let’s recap what we know so far:
- To get from Narita to Tokyo city: catch the Skyliner train
- To get from Haneda to Tokyo city: catch the Tokyo Monorail (with a Suica Card)
- To get around Tokyo once you’re in the city: catch the Subway (or Japan Rail, but we’ll get to this).
Got it? Good. Let’s continue.
3. What other options do I have to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
You can travel into the city by train, car, bus or even helicopter!
The Skyliner isn’t the only way to get from Narita Airport to the heart of Tokyo, but it is the fastest, comfiest and most convenient.
Your other options are the Keisei Sky Access Express train, which is a bit slower but will take you right into Asakusa Station, or if you’re not interested in trains, you can take the limousine bus (aka coach) or book a private car airport transfer with a driver who will drop you directly at your accommodation. Taxis tend to be quite expensive and aren’t recommended because of this, however, they are a perfectly safe option if you don’t care about the cost.
4. Can I pre-purchase my Skyliner ticket?
Pre-purchasing a Skyliner and Subway ticket combo saves time and money
Yes you can pre-purchase your Tokyo Skyliner ticket and it’s recommended that you do so. By pre-buying the ticket, you will have peace of mind that it’s all organised and you can even score a deal by combining your Tokyo Skyliner ticket with a Tokyo Subway ticket. It also means you don’t need to worry about buying extra tickets each time you want to catch the subway. Win-win!
5. I think I’ve got the hang of this. Now, how do I travel around Tokyo by train?
Tokyo Subway has over 250 stations
With your Skyliner and Subway combo ticket in hand, you’re all set to jump on any Tokyo subway line, with more than 250 stations.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket comes in three validity periods:
- 24 Hour Ticket - 24 hours of unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines
- 48 Hour Ticket - 48 hours of unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines
- 72 Hour Ticket - 72 hours of unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines
For example, the 24 Hour Ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of activation. If you activated it at 8am, you can use the pass until 8am the next day.
For even more transport options you should consider buying a JR Pass, which will provide transport on all Japan Rail lines in Tokyo or maybe even further depending on which pass you choose to buy. There’s more detail on this here.
6. What if I want to take some Tokyo day trips?
Japan Rail passes offer great value for money
If you are using Tokyo as a base and have some day trips planned, you will probably benefit from buying a Japan East Rail Pass rather than purchasing individual tickets for each day trip you’ve added to your itinerary. Whether or not you are visiting a few different places within one region or doing a full tour of the entire country, a JR Pass usually works out to be the best value for travellers.
To explore the region you’re based in, you’ll need to purchase a pass for that area. These passes are split into groups, with Tokyo falling under the East Japan Railway Company group.
The six different groups are:
- Hokkaido Railway Company
- East Japan Railway Company (JR East)
- Central Japan Railway Company
- West Japan Railway Company
- Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku)
- Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu)
So, if you were staying in Tokyo but wanted the freedom to just hop on a train to, say, Nagano, you could do that all on the JR East pass. Pretty cool, huh?
Spending more than a few days in Japan? Well, lucky you!
Travelling around Japan is easy with the JR Pass
If you have bigger travel plans than just a few major cities, a Whole Japan Rail Pass will be right up your alley. With a Whole Japan Rail Pass, you’ll be entitled to unlimited travel over a consecutive number of days, ranging from 7 to 21 days.
If all of the above still seems a bit confusing and you’d rather just be safe than sorry, purchasing a Tokyo Skyliner and Subway combo ticket, as well as a JR Pass, will mean you are totally covered for practically any line you want to hop on to.
Whether it’s a two-day stint or a four-week immersion, your travel needs while in Japan will be more than taken care of with either one or a combination of travel passes. The best way to sort yourself out is to buy online before you arrive so you’ve got one less thing on your mind and you can concentrate on relaxing and enjoying yourself!
Remember:
- Tokyo Skyliner - use a Tokyo Skyliner ticket
- Japan Rail (JR) → use JR Pass or Suica IC Card
- Tokyo Metro → use Tokyo Subway Pass or Suica IC Card
- Toei Subway → use Tokyo Subway Pass or Suica IC Card
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