Narita-Tokyo

The Narita Express links Narita Airport and Tokyo in 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes, for 3 020 yen to Tokyo and 3 190 yen 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 Keisei Skyliner links Narita Airport and Ueno Station 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 2 470 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 advantage of Limousine Bus, is that there are no stairs to climb or descend, or long corridors to carry your luggage. The bus is just waiting for you outside the terminal and takes you to the door of your hotel.

The drawback to make the journey by road, is that no one is immune to congestion, especially at the height of rush hour in the morning from 7am to 9am and from 6pm to 8pm. For 3,100 yen, the Limousine Bus takes you to Tokyo in about 90 mins. Over 100 destinations are served, such as major hotels and the main stations. Of course, it is not necessary to staying at a hotel to use the Limousine Bus, you get off the nearest stop to your accommodation.

Purchase a Limousine Bus ticket

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 1 240 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 1 320 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.

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 Airport or Haneda Airport.

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 3 100 yen.

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.

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 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.