In this post we write about several options to get from Narita Internation Airport into Tokyo by taxi, private transfer, train, or bus.
Narita International Airport is the most used international airport for Tokyo travelers. But it is not at all close to Tokyo. Narita is about 45 miles east of Tokyo and can take anywhere from 50 to 90 minutes to get to Tokyo. Your choice will affect the price and how long it will take. Below, we offer several choices
$100.00 in Japanese Yen is currently 15,567.58. *
Taxi
Time: 50 to 90 minutes
Cost: 21,500 to 35,500 Yen plus tolls
This is the most expensive option and not necessarily the fastest. Taxis can provide door-to-door service, and the cost will be the highest of the choices presented here except, perhaps, a private car (see below). But because of traffic, they might not be the fastest.
There are fixed fares based on the region of your destination. There are 6 regions with pricing from 21,500 to 35,500 Yen. A list of regions, cities, and prices can be found here.
You can find taxis at:
- Terminal 1 – south exit S2, Taxi Stand 15
- Terminal 2 – out Central Exit 1, across to the meridian, at position 30 & 31A
- Terminal 3 – near the bus stops.
Check out Narita Airport Taxi Info for the most current info.
Private Transfer
Private cars for hire are a similar option to taxis, but you can pre-arrange the pick-up and optionally add-on a stop or two or even a tour. GoWithGuide has some excellent customizable options.
Cost: This depends upon your preferences, but the cost can be comparable to a taxi or higher.
Fast Trains
Trains can be found in the basement level of terminal 1 and 2. There are a few choices ranging in price and the time to get to Tokyo.
JR Narita Express – The N’EX
Time: 55 minutes to Tokyo Station
Cost: 3,070 Yen to Tokyo in ordinary cars (this is the most common option)
The N’EX is a high-speed train direct to Tokyo Station with more stops beyond to such major stations as Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya. It also serves Yokohama and Ofuna. The seats are reserved and there is a dedicated luggage area. The ordinary seats are comfortable and the first-class cars, called the “Green Cars” are a bit more luxurious.
For First Class seats or farther destinations than Tokyo Station, costs can be as high as 6,160 Yen.
Buy tickets at the airport, basement level. Look for JR East N’ex or Narita Express signs.
Get more information at the JR East N’ex website.
Keisei Skyliner
Time: 36 minutes to Nippori, 41 minutes to Ueno Station
Cost: 2,567 Yen
The Keisei Skyliner is a fast train similar to the N’EX but only goes to two stations. At Nippori or Ueno stations, you can easily transfer to other places in Tokyo. There is a dedicated luggage area, and seats are reserved.
You can buy tickets in the basement of Terminal 1 or 2 at the Skyliner Ticket counter.
Get more information at the Keisei Skyliner website.
Slower Trains
These trains are cheaper and a bit slower. Noted first are the express trains, but all of these trains are commuter trains. There are no reserved seats or luggage racks. You will need to keep your luggage with you and you may need to stand.
Keisei Access Express
Time: 54 minutes to Ueno Station, 50 minutes to Asakusa
Cost: 1,240 to 1,520 Yen
There are two lines, one to Nippori and Ueno stations, and the other to Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and on to Haneda. the price will vary depending upon your destination.
Keisei Rapid Limited Express
Time: 75 minutes to Ueno Station
Cost: about 1,052 Yen
These are regular trains and can be crowded with no dedicated luggage area.
Buses
The buses have comfortable seats and you can store your luggage in the undercarriage. They go to major hotels and train stations. The Airport Limousine is about 3x more costly than the Shuttle buses.
Airport Limousine Bus
Time: 60 to 120 minutes depending upon traffic
Cost: About 3,000 Yen
The Airport Limousine bus has about 16 different bus lines to choose from. If you want to plan your bus ride before arriving in Japan, I recommend using the user-friendly Airport Limousine website to find your destination and pricing. You can even book tickets in advance. When at Narita, you can purchase tickets at their counter.
Discount Shuttle Bus
Time: 60 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: 900 to 1,000 Yen. Late-night/early-morning prices can double
Two companies run lines to Tokyo Station: Tokyo Shuttle and The Access Narita. Pricing and schedules can be found on their websites.
Summary
There are several options to match anyone’s budget or time needs. The fast trains are the easiest to purchase tickets for, the most comfortable, and the most direct. The slower trains are more difficult to figure out how to buy and use your ticket and may be crowded. The busses, although pretty easy to find and get tickets for, are a bit slow due to quite common traffic.
* Currency Conversion Disclaimer: The exchange rate data is provided for free via the Open Source Exchange Rates project. Its accuracy and availability are never guaranteed, and there’s no warranty provided.
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