【2024 Edition】Complete Guide to Transportation from Narita International Airport to Tokyo City

Japan's hub airport, Narita International Airport (NRT), is served by many international flights. With many transportation options available from the airport to various parts of Tokyo, many tourists may be unsure about which mode of transportation to use.

In this article, we introduce transportation methods from Narita International Airport to downtown Tokyo. We also compare the time and cost to popular tourist areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa.

Once you read this, you won't have to worry about transportation anymore!

※All information in this article is as of November 2023. Please check the official website for the latest information.
※The travel time for each transportation method is an estimate from Narita Airport Station or Narita Terminal 3 to the destination. It may vary slightly depending on the train or flight used.

There are mainly three types of transportation from Narita International Airport to downtown Tokyo

Narita International Airport, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, is an international hub airport about 60km away from downtown Tokyo.

The main means of transportation from the airport to the city center are trains (Keisei Electric Railway, JR East) and airport buses. If you want to get to each terminal station in the shortest time, the train is convenient. On the other hand, the advantage of the airport bus is that you can avoid the hassle of changing trains while carrying luggage, and you can go directly to major hotels.

Since both the departure and arrival locations and the required time vary, let's decide on the best means of transportation according to your destination and accommodation.

1. Travel time & fare for Keisei Electric Railway (Skyliner, Access Express, Keisei Main Line)

The "Skyliner" is an airport express train that connects Narita Airport and Keisei Ueno Station in as fast as 41 minutes, with all seats reserved. The 470mm wide seats are equipped with AC outlets, and the train also has luggage space, washrooms, and multi-functional toilets. Except for certain times, it operates at 20-minute intervals throughout the day.

To ride the Skyliner, you need a ticket and an express fare (liner ticket), but the "Access Express" via the Narita Sky Access Line and the "Express" via the Keisei Main Line can be used without an express fare. The "Access Express" trains operate directly between multiple railway companies and stop at stations such as Asakusa Station and Ginza Station. On the other hand, the "Express" takes a relatively long time, but the point is that it can be used at a reasonable price.

Official website: https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php

2. Travel time & fare for JR East Narita Express (N’EX)

The Narita Express (N'EX) is a limited express train with all reserved seating that connects Narita International Airport with terminal stations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa. It operates 2 to 3 times per hour, and you can travel from Narita Airport Station to Tokyo Station in as little as 53 minutes.

In addition to large luggage storage areas, the train also features a large LCD information display that provides route guidance and operation information in four languages (English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese*2). Furthermore, JR-EAST Free Wi-Fi is available, making it a convenient service for tourists visiting Japan.

*2: Some content is only available in English and Japanese

💡Tourist TIPS：

※Only passport holders from countries other than Japan can purchase the 'N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket' for 5,000 yen, which allows round-trip use within a 14-day validity period. It's about 18% cheaper than buying one-way tickets!

Official website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/nex/

3. Travel time & fare for airport buses (limousine buses, low-cost buses)

The airport bus directly connects major terminal stations, some hotels in Tokyo, and tourist spots. The appeal is that you can move stress-free without having to transfer to a train with luggage, avoiding crowded trains and bad weather.

In addition to the limousine buses that use vehicles with gorgeous interiors, low-cost buses (LCB) that simplify services have also appeared in recent years. Because the fare is reasonable, passengers may need to load and unload their luggage themselves, and some operating companies may impose restrictions, so check before boarding.

Transportation from Narita International Airport to Shinjuku Area

If you want to get from Narita International Airport to Shinjuku Station in the shortest possible time, it's efficient to use the Narita Express (N'EX), which goes directly to Shinjuku Station.

When accessing hotels around the station, it's convenient to use the limousine bus, which has many drop-off points. In addition to the Shinjuku Station West Exit, Busta Shinjuku, and Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, it also stops at Hilton Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel, and Shinjuku Washington Hotel.

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Transportation from Narita International Airport to the Shibuya area

Shibuya, known as a trend-setting area, is characterized by having many options such as airport connection trains and limousine buses. If you are using the railway, the Narita Express, which goes directly from the airport to Shibuya Station, is recommended.

On the other hand, there are a total of 8 services per day (6 limousine buses and 2 low-cost buses) from the airport to the bus terminal in front of Shibuya Station. The low-cost bus has limited services at 10 o'clock and 12 o'clock, which may be difficult for tourists arriving at the airport in the afternoon to use.

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Transportation from Narita International Airport to the Ikebukuro area

Since Ikebukuro Station is not a stop on the Narita Express, it is convenient to use a combination of the Keisei Skyliner & JR Yamanote Line if you are traveling by train.

Although the travel time is slightly longer compared to trains, limousine buses and low-cost buses operate 9 and 13 flights a day, respectively.

Transportation from Narita International Airport to the Asakusa area

Sensoji Temple is famous in Asakusa, but as of November 2023, the limousine bus from Narita International Airport is suspended, so the only means of transportation is by train.

If you use the Skyliner, you will have to transfer once at Keisei Ueno Station from the terminal. If you want to move without transferring, use the Access Express, which operates direct services with some Toei Asakusa Line and Keikyu Electric Railway.

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Transportation from Narita International Airport to Ueno area

As of November 2023, there are no airport buses running from Narita International Airport to the Ueno area, so it is common to use Keisei Electric Railway.

If you use the Keisei Electric Railway, all routes connect the airport to Keisei Ueno Station with a single train, but the number of stops and travel time vary depending on the fare. Choose the route that suits your needs, whether it's the well-equipped Skyliner or the reasonably priced Access Express or Keisei Main Line.

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Transportation from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Station / Ginza Area

There are plenty of options to get to the Ginza area around Tokyo Station and within walking distance, including the Narita Express directly connected to Tokyo Station and an extensive airport bus service.

In addition, the limousine bus stops not only around Tokyo Station but also in front of hotels in the Shimbashi, Toranomon area and around Tokyo Tower, which is convenient if you are staying around Tokyo Station. However, because it stops at each hotel, the ride time to Ginza Station will be longer. If you want to get to the Ginza Station area in the shortest time by bus, a low-cost bus is convenient.

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Find the best way to get from Narita International Airport to Tokyo city

When touring Tokyo, where the transportation network is complex, one of the concerns might be how to get from Narita International Airport to various places in the city. Since the best mode of transportation changes depending on the destination, make sure to check the best route to your destination.

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