How to get to and from Narita Airport

Narita airport Transportation

To access Tokyo, there are two international airports, Haneda and Narita. Narita is the main hub for international flights with connections to more than 140 cities globally, of which 22 are in Japan. When you are traveling to Tokyo by plane internationally, you will most likely arrive at Narita airport, located in Chiba prefecture. This isn’t exactly close to Tokyo, and depending on where you are staying it will take you 60 – 90 minutes to get there. This article will introduce several ways how to get there and which one is the best option for you.

▼Looking for something to do during your layover? Book our Narita private tour!

Narita 4 Hours Private Walking Tour (For Transit / Layover) *Customizable
Are you planning a layover at Narita International Airport and wondering what to do with your time? Tokyo is a couple of...

Train

There are two lines from central Tokyo to Narita. Keisei line is convenient for passengers heading to Ueno. On the other hand, JR line is going to the major terminal stations of JR line such as Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku. Although the local trains cost you less, you will be packed with commuting passengers, especially during rush hour (7am – 9am – to Tokyo & 6pm – 8pm – to Narita) you might want to consider another option.

Keisei Line

From and to Narita there are three different types of trains on the Keisei Line: the Skyliner, Access Express and Main Line. Which one you should take depends on where you are going, how fast you want to get there, and how much you’re willing to pay. The Keisei Line trains (regular and Access Express) leave regularly and start running around 5am and shut down just after 11pm. The Skyliner starts running up around 7.30am and shuts down around 11.30pm.

1. Keisei Skyliner

The fastest connection from Tokyo downtown in the Skyliner. From Ueno station to Narita airport and vice versa takes 41 minutes and will set you back at ¥2.507.

+ All seats are reserved and comfortable. Luggage space is available.
+ This train is the fastest of all the Keisei train.
– This train stops only at Keisei Ueno station and Keisei Nippori station.
– Being the fastest, also mean being the most expensive

Buy your discounted Skyliner tickets!

Photo by Rakuten Travel Experiences

2. Keisei Access Express

The Access Express is relatively the cheapest of all the Keisei line trains. With several direct connections, this might be your best option. From Ueno station to Narita airport and vice versa takes 65-70 minutes and will set you back at ¥1.240.

+ You do not have to pay the Limited Express fare.
+ Direct connections with Shinagawa, Shimbashi, and Nihombashi.
– There is no luggage space and no reserved seats.

3. Keisei Main Line

The slowest connection and often the busiest due to the commuters living in Chiba prefecture. From Ueno station to Narita airport and vice versa takes 80 minutes and will set you back at ¥1.030.

+ This train has the cheapest fare of all the Keisei line, no Limited Express fare.
+ Good connections to multiple other train lines.

– There is no luggage space and no reserved seats.
– Gets very busy during rush hour.
– The slowest connection.
– Ueno station > Narita airport takes 80 minutes.

JR Line

The JR train is one of the most trouble-free ways of getting to the main JR stations in Tokyo; you don’t have to fight for a seat, there is lots of luggage space and there is no need to change trains. Another bonus: your JR pass is also valid on this line! Please note that for the Super Express Train you need to make a seat reservation.

Read more about the JR Pass

If you don’t have a JR Pass or when you want to activate at a later moment there is another option: N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket. If you hold a foreign pasport and make a return trip between Narita and Tokyo within two weeks, this ticket is recommended. You can buy this ticket at the airport or at the JR Travel Service Center at a price of ¥4,070.

1. Super Express Train – JR Narita Express

+ This train stops at major JR station, including JR Tokyo station, JR Shinagawa and JR Shibuya.
+ All seats are reserved and they are comfortable seats.
+ Luggage space is available with a lock.
+ Large number of trains in operation with 30 minute internal.
– The highest fare of all the trains. Also, the cost varies depends on seasons.

Official website JR Narita Express

2. JR Sobu Kaisoku line

JR also offers a cheaper alternative; the Sobu Kaisoku line. This JR train links Narita and Tokyo in about 1 hour 30 minutes for ¥1,320 and runs every hour. However, this is the slowest and least comfortable as it doesn’t offer reserved seating nor luggage racks.

Bus

One of the benefits of taking bus from and to Narita airport is it arrives at the entrance of the departure floor. Different places for picking up are available. If you have a bus stop near your hotel, this is your most convenient option. The trip takes about 90 minutes, however, the actual travel time depends on the traffic situation. There are several bus companies offering the transfer between Narita Airport and Tokyo station. Here we mention two options.

1. The most luxurious bus: Airport Limousine

+ Many pick-up points available.
+ All seats are reserved.
+ Free wifi available.
– The round trip tickets are only available for the route between Narita airport and Tokyo station or Tokyo city air terminal.
– The most expensive of all bus options.

Get your tickets here

2. The cheapest bus: Tokyo Shuttle

+ This bus has the cheapest fare of all, with ticket prices starting at ¥1,000!
+ This bus runs every 10 minutes between 5am and 7pm.
+ The earliest bus starts at 3am and the last at 12pm.
– The stop is only at Tokyo station.

The most luxurious option: private car

It is also possible to get a private luxury transfer by car. The driver will wait for your at the pick up point and will take you to the airport or hotel. When you are traveling with a small group with children, this is an option to consider as it will be the most relaxing and comfortable option. Though, of course also the most expensive

The costs of a private taxi are starting at ¥10,000 for a one way trip to/from Narita airport. Round trips are also available.

Reserve your private transfer here

Complete overview of fares and travel time

From/To Ueno station

Keisei Main LineAdult ¥1,03080min
Keisei Access ExpressAdult: ¥1,24065min
The Keisei SkylinerAdult: ¥2,50741min

*per one person for one way

From/To Tokyo station

JR Narita Express TrainAdult: ¥4,07060min
JR Airport Narita TrainAdult: ¥1,32065min
Airport Limousine BusAdult: ¥3,20060min-90min
Tokyo Shuttle BusRegular fare
Adult: ¥1,000
Early morning & midnight fare
Adult: ¥2,000
60min-90min

*per one person for one way

Recommended hotels

  1. Narita Airport Rest House
  2. nine hours Narita Airport
  3. ANA Crown Plaza Narita

More hotels near Narita Airport ▼

We hope you will have a comfortable trip from and/or to Narita airport. With the many different options, we are sure there is a way that suits your needs and wishes. Have a nice trip in Japan!

Japan Wonder Travel Tours 

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan. 
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots! 
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

tsukiji tour

Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

Asakusa Tokyo private tour

Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

mount fuji chureito pagoda

Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy traveling!

Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.


This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra costs to you.

You may also like these articles


Booking.com

Transportation
Sponsored links
Share this article on your social media
Japan Wonder TravelFollow
Copied title and URL