7 Best ways to travel to and from Narita International Airport and Tokyo
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the main international airport serving Tokyo and beyond. It's located about 80 km east of central Tokyo and it'll easily take you an hour or two to get there. Whether you're visiting Tokyo for the first time or are a repeat traveler, getting to and from the Tokyo airports is always a confusing task given the numerous choices presented to you — trains, buses, private airport transfers, and even taxis.
Depending on your budget and the size of your group, we've prepared an easy-to-follow guide to help you decide the best fit for your travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo!
Narita Airport to Tokyo via Train
The fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo city is by train, taking under an hour. There are two main train operators that offer services from Narita Airport: Japan Rail East (JR East) and Keisei Electric Railway.
You can access them easily from Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2 as there are stations in both terminals. All you have to do after arrival is to follow the 'Train' signs and you'll be led to B1F where the ticket counters are conveniently located.
1. Narita Express
The Narita Express, or N'EX, is a JR limited express train renowned for its speed and convenience. It directly connects Narita Airport to Tokyo's major stations, making it the perfect choice for those staying near these stations or planning to hop onto the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
What's more, is that the N’EX train journey only takes as fast as 53 minutes from Narita Airport to these stations in central Tokyo:
- Narita Airport to Tokyo Station: 53 mins
- Narita Airport to Shibuya Station: 1 hr 15 mins
- Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station: 1 hr 25 mins
JR Narita Express | |
|---|---|
Frequency | Once every ~30 mins |
First Train from Narita Airport | 7:37 am |
Last Train from Narita Airport | 9:44 pm |
First Train from Tokyo Station | 6:18 am |
Last Train from Tokyo Station | 8:02 pm |
You'll get your own designated seat in the Narita Express Ordinary Car.
There are two seat classes for you to choose from — Green cars and Ordinary cars; basically meaning first class and economy class respectively, and all are reserved seating. Regardless of cars, the train carriages are clean, comfortable, and spacious. They also come with designated luggage storage racks with numbered locks for extra security.
Purchasing N’EX tickets is easy and straightforward. Operated by JR East, the Narita Express is also covered with a Japan Rail Pass. Alternatively, you can easily book single-journey tickets for N’EX trains on Klook. All you have to do after booking is to redeem your tickets at the ticket vending machines at the station, and you're all set!
2. Keisei Skyliner
If you're looking for the fastest way to get into Tokyo, you've got it. The Skyliner is a limited express train that will take you from Narita Airport to Nippori Station in 36 minutes and Ueno Station in only 41 minutes! At Ueno Station, you can also quickly change to the Tokyo Metro's Ginza Line and Hibiya Line, Toei's Oedo Line, and even access the JR Ueno Station via a short walk.
Keisei Narita Skyliner | |
|---|---|
Frequency | Once every 20-30 mins |
First Train from Narita Airport | 7:23 am |
Last Train from Narita Airport | 11:00 pm |
First Train from Tokyo Station | 5:40 am |
Last Train from Tokyo Station | 8:20 pm |
Unlike the JR Narita Express, the Skyliner only offers a single class of reserved seats, which are equally comfortable, wide, and clean. There is also a luggage storage area at the ends of each car so you can enjoy the view and ride comfortably. This makes it perfect for those wanting quick access between Narita Airport and central Tokyo.
The Skyliner provides the greatest flexibility and convenience when it comes to purchasing tickets. You can book your tickets at a discount on Klook, and when you're at the station, all you have to do is scan the QR code provided on the Klook app. You can then select the next available train or any other time, and you'll be on your way!
Klook Tip: Bundle your Skyliner tickets with a 24/48/72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket for even more savings here!
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3. Local Trains
In addition to the N'EX and Skyliner, several local train lines also operate between Narita Airport and Tokyo, these are the more economical ways for budget-conscious travelers to reach the capital.
However, these local trains are slower, crowded, and may require one or more transfers. There's also no dedicated storage area to keep your luggage, so if you have quite a few, it's best to avoid using these local trains during peak hours.
JR Sobu Line (Rapid Service)
The JR Sobu Line (Rapid Service) has stops at all major stations between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. There is a train every hour and the journey to Tokyo Station takes about 90 minutes. You can purchase a ticket from one of the vending machines at the airport station. Alternatively, you can buy a Suica or Pasmo pre-paid card and tap in through the fare gates. As of writing, the train ticket costs around ¥1,340.
Keisei Access Express & Rapid Limited Express
The Keisei Access Express and Rapid Limited Express are both train services operated by Keisei Electric Railway that connect Narita Airport to Tokyo City. There are two to three train services every hour.
The Keisei Access Express takes a more direct route with a journey time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno Station. This ride will cost you ¥1,480. The Keisei Rapid Limited Express makes more stops along the way, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it's cheaper at ¥1,030.
Narita Airport to Tokyo via Bus
4. Airport Limousine Bus
While the express trains may get you to Tokyo in the fastest time, the Airport Limousine Bus may be a more convenient and hassle-free way for you to get to your hotel. These buses operate from all terminals and make direct stops at many major hotels in Tokyo, including Disney Resort and those in the Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza districts.
The list of stops for the Airport Limousine Bus can be found here.
There are multiple buses each hour and the journey time to most hotels in Tokyo is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The buses are also comfortable and offer lots of space, with dedicated luggage storage for large suitcases. They're also equipped with free Wi-Fi and of course, air conditioning.
You can book your Limousine Bus tickets on Klook ahead of time. When you arrive at Narita Airport, all you have to do is find the Limousine Bus Ticket Counter on the first floor of each terminal. Once there, just present your voucher, and the friendly staff will advise you on the next available bus. And you're all set!
Narita Airport to Tokyo via Private Car Transfer
5. Private Airport Transfers
If you're traveling to Tokyo as a family or are a slightly bigger group, try considering private airport transfers! There's nothing more convenient and fuss-free than a door-to-door private transfer directly to your hotel.
We recommend the Toyota Alphard limousine, it comfortably fits 5 and of course – lots of luggage space. And after that insanely long flight, you can take that much-needed power nap on your ride to the hotel! The journey will take around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Klook Tip: If you do the math, it can cost less per person AND you'll have more convenience and privacy – what we ALL need after a LONG FLIGHT.
6. Taxis
Taxis are available at Narita Airport 24/7. Like private airport transfers, they also offer convenience. However, you should know that taxis in Japan are notoriously expensive. A ride from Narita Airport to Tokyo can easily set you back ¥30,000 (~ USD 202). There's also an additional surcharge for rides after 10pm.
Klook Tip: Taxi drivers may not always speak English, so do the old school way and have your destination address written in Japanese ahead of time.
7. Car Rental
If you're all ready to hit the road once you arrive at Narita Airport, why not consider renting a car and kickstart an epic road trip around Japan? Renting a car at Narita Airport is really easy and affordable from only ¥5,000 a day.
All you have to do is book one on Klook from the many different car rental companies to choose from, and they all have offices located at the airport.
I promise you that a road trip will be the best way to experience Japan and see all that it has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo city?
The fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo is by train. The Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner trains can take you to Tokyo Station in around 50 minutes.
Q: What options are available if I'm arriving at Narita Airport late at night?
If you're arriving after the last train, it'll be best if you pre-arrange a private airport transfer as it'll be considerably cheaper than hopping onto a taxi.
Q: What is the most convenient method to get from Narita Airport to my Tokyo hotel?
If you have a lot of luggage, the best way to get from Narita Airport to your hotel in Tokyo is by limousine bus or private transfer. This will allow you to avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs and navigate the train stations.
Q: Which airport should I choose for Tokyo: Narita or Haneda?
Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo, making it more convenient for many travelers. However, flight options, costs, and your specific travel plans should also influence your decision.
Q: What is the best way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo with a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Yokohama stations.
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