How to get from Narita to Tokyo
Despite what you might think at first, Narita International Airport is not located in the city of Tokyo. In fact, it is quite far from Tokyo. This may come as a surprise to first-time visitors, and it is not uncommon to see scared people at the airport, looking for a way to get to the center of Tokyo. But don't worry, in this article we will explain the different ways to get to the center of Tokyo and help you choose the best one for you.
ℹ️ Don't miss the rest of the posts about Traveling to Japan:
By Train - The Skyliner
He Skyliner is operated by Keisei Electric Train Company and is its exclusive service for the airport. It is the fastest route to the city and only has 2 stations, first in Nippori and then in Ueno.
Nippori Station, offering easy connections to the JR and Ueno lines, is in the heart of Tokyo. The Skyliner offers three services every hour.
The Skyliner is very convenient if you are staying around Ueno, or on the east side of Tokyo in general, whether in the Asakusa area, Tokyo Sky Tower... it is the quickest way to get there, only 42 minutes from the airport.
We always use this option when we have our flight to Narita airport, and we always buy our ticket through Klook, it's super easy and when you arrive you already have your QR that you just have to show at the ticket office to get your seat. We leave you with here the link so you can buy it when you are planning your trip!
The Skyliner option is also somewhat cheaper than many of the other services dedicated to the airport, its base price is 2,520 yen per trip, you can buy Skyliner tickets online in advance. The combination of Skyliner and subway ticket (1, 2 or 3 days) can also be a good option, as with it you can explore the city for several days, as the metro is usually the quickest and easiest way to get around.
Keisei Limited Express
It is the cheapest train from Narita to Tokyo. At the Keisei train ticket window, you just need to ask for a ticket to your destination (but explicitly say no to the Skyliner). On the other hand, if you plan to spend a few days in Tokyo, ask for a Suica or Pasmo card: this is a recharge IC card usable on all trains, buses, etc. in the Tokyo area, you can find out more about these cards in this post.
As this is a regular train, with no reserved seats, you don't have to worry about buying a special ticket: just use a recharged Suica or Pasmo to go through the ticket gates and board the train, without any problems.The price to Nippori or Ueno is 1030 yen.
By Train - Narita Express (NEX)
Another way to go from the airport Narita to central Tokyo is the Narita Express, The NEX, also known as NEX, is operated by Japan Rail East and is an airport-only service. This option is particularly useful if you have a Japan Rail Pass that you plan to activate immediately, as the cost of the ticket is included.
The Narita Express is also convenient if you're heading to major hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama. You can get to other stations, but you'll usually have to change to a local train or subway at some point along the way. All tickets include seat reservations and they run very frequently. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and if you go to Shibuya will take 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The base price of the ticket from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station is 3270 yen in economy class and 4640 yen in green class or preferential. To other stations on the line, such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, it costs a little more, since they are a little further away.
You can buy the tickets online in advance via the JR ticket office at the airport or by using the reserved seat ticket vending machines. There is a JR East Travel Service Center at all Narita terminals., where you can exchange your JR Pass or purchase a Narita Express ticket.
By Bus- Airport Bus “TYO-NRT”
The Tokyo Shuttle Bus -also known as Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita (TYO-NRT)-runs between Narita and Tokyo, connecting the three terminals of Narita Airport with Tokyo Station, the city's central station. However, it is not possible to book in advance (tickets must be purchased on the day) and schedules are subject to change. The price is 1,300 yen for a one-way ticket between Tokyo Station and Narita Airport.
By Bus - Airport Limousine Bus
If you have had a long flight to Japan and you think you will be tired or you are worried about the luggage issue on the train and to the hotel, the airport limousine bus It can be a great option, too allows up to two large suitcases per passenger.
The convenience of not having to lug around luggage is great, but the airport limousine bus service isn't the cheapest option. Also, while comfortable, the buses are nothing like limousines. They're simply coaches (with more comfortable seats and WiFi) that go to major hotels and stations (though currently only Shinjuku Station and TCAT).
The price is 3,400 yen for a bus ticket and a 24-hour ticket for the Tokyo subway.
Private Transfers from the Airport
Another option is private transfers, which are a bit more expensive than the other options, however, it is a super comfortable option since they take you from the airport to the hotel and can be a super good option if you are a group of 3 or 4.
You can book it in advance online at this link.
From Narita to Tokyo: Transportation List
| TRANSPORT | PRICE | TRAVEL DURATION | WEB OFICIAL |
| Skyliner | 2570¥ (22€) | 41 minutes to Ueno Station | https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner |
| Keisei Limited Express | 1300¥ (13€) | 80 minutes to Ueno Station | https://www.keisei.co.jp |
| Narita Express | 3270¥ (33€) | 100 minutes to Tokyo Station | https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/es/nex/ |
| Narita「Tokyo Shuttle」 | 1300¥ (13€) | 1 hour 30 minutes approximately | https://tyo-nrt.com/en |
| Airport Limousine | 3400¥ (34€) | 60 to 90 minutes | https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp |
| Transfers | Up to 20,000¥ (170€) | 60 to 90 minutes | https://www.civitatis.com/es/tokio/traslados/?aid=99847 |
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