Located in Narita city, in Chiba Prefecture, about 60km away from Tokyo, Narita airport is quite far from Tokyo. It’s better to plan to allow 1 to 2 hours to get there.
Suffice to say that taking a taxi from the airport is not recommended, as it will cost you a lot and is not necessarily be the fastest means of transport.
However, as you will find out below, there are several practical ways to reach Tokyo depending on your needs, budget and destination within Tokyo.
The easiest way: the Narita Express
The Narita Express links Narita airport and Tokyo in 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes, for 2 940 yen to Tokyo, 3 110 to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa and Ikebukuro. Departures are every 30 to 60 minutes.
See the Narita Express’ timetable for departures from Narita Airport.
The Narita Express being a part of the JR group, you can take the train for free if you have the Japan Rail Pass (if you, of course, exchange your Japan Rail Pass voucher for your Japan Rail Pass beforehand). Please note that all the seats are booked, therefore, even if you travel with a Japan Rail Pass, you will need to get your pass at a ticket office or machine before boarding the train.
See Narita Express timetable for departures from Narita airport .
The fastest way: the Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner links Narita and Ueno in 41 minutes, or Narita and Nippori in 36 minutes. This line, which opened in 2010, now rivals with the best airport services in the US and Europe.
Ueno and Nippori are located on the North East side of the Yamanote line, therefore, the skyliner is the best way to reach Tokyo if you are staying on the East side of the city.
The ticket costs 2 400 yen, and the train runs every 20 to 40 minutes.
Like the Narita Express, you have to book your seat before boarding the train.
See Skyliner timetable from Narita airport.
The most comfortable way: the Limousine Bus
The best thing about the Limousine Bus is that it is easy to get to, especially with luggage; it waits for you just outside the terminal building and will take you directly to your hotel.
The problem with this solution is that you can never predict traffic jams especially if you take the bus during rush hours – in the morning 7am to 9am and in the evening 6pm to 8pm.
For 3 000 yen, the Limousine Bus will take you to Tokyo Station in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The other destinations are Tokyo City Air Terminal or “T-CAT”, Shimbashi (55 minutes), 8 stations and 56 hotels within Tokyo. Of course, you don’t need to be staying at a hotel to use this service.
The cheapest way: the Keisei and Sobu lines
* The Keisei line, that operates the Skyliner, also offers a cheaper alternative: The Keisei limited express. It’s a local train, also used by commuters, that links Narita and Nippori in around 1 hour 10 minutes (35 minutes more than the Skyliner) for 1 000 yen.
* The JR alternative to the Narita Express is the Sobu Kaisoku line that links Narita and Tokyo in about 1 hour 30 minutes for 1 280 yen. This train runs every hour or so.
These prices are for ordinary trains, this option is to be considered for people on a tight budget without a Japan Rail Pass but you have to be ready to spend more time in transportation.
Changing airport for a domestic flight: the journey from Narita to Haneda
If you are not planning to stay in Tokyo but are taking a domestic flight, depending on your destination, you might have to go to Narita or Haneda.
For the JR Pass holders, the best way is to take the Narita Express to Tokyo, then the JR Yamanote line to Hamamatsucho, than the Tokyo Monorail (you can use your JR Pass for the entire trip) to Haneda. This journey will take you about 1 hour 40 minutes.
If you wish to avoid the hassle of changing train with suitcases, you can take the Limousine bus that links the two airports in 65 to 85 minutes for 3 000 yen.
Arriving in Tokyo
The Narita Express’ first stop is Tokyo station, then the train goes around the Yamanote line by the South to serve the Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations that are the main stations of the city and connect with many train and subway lines in Tokyo.
The Skyliner reaches the Ueno and Nippori stations on the North East side of Tokyo. From there you can also take the Yamanote line, the Shinkansen reaching the Northern regions of Japan or the Ginza and Hibiya metro lines.
For the return trip from Tokyo to Narita
All the means of transportation described above are available for your return trip to the airport.
However, please find below some advice for a stress free return journey.
If you use the Narita Express, buying the “Suica & N’EX” for 5 500 yen is a good option because it includes the return trip for the airport and a Suica card with 500 yen credit, which will allow you to travel within the city.
If you wish to book your ticket in advance for the Narita Express, you can go to the JR ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi), the View Plaza travel centers, or on the Internet.
For the Skyliner you can do so at the information desk in the Ueno station or with main travel agencies.
For those who are planning on using the Limousine Bus, you can book your seat with your hotel’s concierge or by calling the booking center (+81-3-3665-7220 or +81-3-3665-7220) .
In order to avoid the traffic jams, taking the bus at the Tokyo City Air Terminal is the safest option as it’s located next to the highway.
More travel tips
Hyperdia, what is it?
> learn more