Last updated on April 27th, 2024
Looking for how to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo? Read on our transportation guide if you are looking for the cheapest, fastest and easiest transport option to Tokyo downtown including Ueno, Shibuya, Ginza and more.
Narita International Airport is the busiest airport in Tokyo Japan. It handle thousand of international and domestic flights per day. It is located in Chiba prefecture which about 40 miles away from the city center. The journey from the airport to Tokyo downtown took about 30 to 160 minutes. You can opt for various transportation options depend on your preference. The best thing when traveling to Japan is Narita Airport is well connected by multiple rail and bus lines.
However, finding the best transport from Narita Airport to Tokyo can be a headache especially for first-time travelers. Depend on your next destination, there are various transport options available. While most of the travelers have three major factors: fastest, cheapest or easiest way from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Here are the best ways to get from the Narita airport if you are heading to Tokyo downtown including Ueno, Shibuya, Ginza and more.
How To Get To Tokyo From Narita Airport
How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Bus:
- Limousine Bus
- Keisei Bus Tokyo Shuttle
- The Access Narita Bus
How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Train:
- Kensei Skyliner vs Limited Express
- Narita Express (N’EX) vs JR Rapid Service
Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport By Private Shuttle or Bus.
From Narita To Tokyo By Bus
From Narita Airport to Tokyo by bus is getting more popular among travelers. It is one of the convenient options connected to various places in Tokyo downtown. This popular route is running by conventional limousine bus and several cheaper bus service in cheaper fare.
Airport Limousine vs Regular Bus
By Limousine Bus: The best and most convenient option if your hotel is located at one of the drop off points along the bus route. The airport limosine bus makes direct stops at many accommodation in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and even Tokyo Disney Resort. It greatly help for those with lots of luggage. Ticket can be purchase at the dedicated counters and booked ahead online.
- Transport Cost: From ¥3,100 yen for one way. (Book via Klook)
- Traveling Time: 90-100 minutes.
- Frequent: 3 to 4 buses per hour.
By Keisei Bus Tokyo Shuttle: Discounted bus service run between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. The one way is only about ¥1,300 and can be even cheaper if purchased in advance via the internet. Midnight bus will be slightly more expensive with about ¥2,600.
You can buy the bus ticket at Keisei Ticket counter during the operating hour (7:00 to 22:00) or on the bus. Once reach Tokyo Station, you can easily transfer to other Tokyo neighborhood by subway and JR train. The earliest bus is 1.30 am. Note that only one suitcase per person.
- Transport Cost: ¥1,300 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: 65 to 75 minutes.
- Frequent: 3 buses per hour.
By The Access Narita Bus: Similar option like Tokyo Shuttle, Narita Bus offering low cost and cheapest transport option. It runs between Narita Airport, Tokyo station (Yaesu South Entrance) and Ginza Station (Sukiyabashi intersection). You can get on the bus at the terminal including Terminal 1, 2, 3. The bus fare also about 1000 yen during normal time and double up to 2000 yen during midnight. Just board the bus and pay to the driver directly.
- Transport Cost: About 1000 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: 65 to 75 minutes.
- Frequent: 2 buses per hour.
From Narita To Tokyo By Private Shuttle And Taxi
Taking a taxi from Narita to the Tokyo city area is possible but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg. It is not cheap and can cost about ¥20,000 for one way of taxi ride. So we would not recommend you hail a taxi if possible.
For a large group of travelers and family, you can consider spending a little extra by arranging a private shuttle. It is a great option to get to your accommodation easily and fast. An economical choice for family trips or large traveling parties with plenty of luggage.
Well-prepared private transfers can save you some money compared with taxis: Book via Klook with best price offer.
From Narita Airport To Tokyo by Train
Two main train companies are running for the Narita Airport route. And both offered the express train with the fastest but slightly more expensive. Alternatively, you can go on a budget with cheaper fares but require a longer time.
Pro Tips: Get a Suica or Pasmo card is a top-up IC card that will greatly help you get around in the Tokyo area. The IC Card can be used in all of Japan.
Keisei Skyliner vs Limited Express
By Kensei Skyliner Train: Kensei Skyliner train direct to either Ueno or Nippori Stations. From there, you can change trains and proceed next destination by local trains such as JR Yamanote, Hibiya, Ginza Line using Suica. Seats are reserved and the train with dedicated luggage storage. Discounted price if you are purchasing the Skyliner train ticket online before your Japan trip.
- Transport Cost: From ¥2,500 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: 36 minutes to Nippori and 41 minutes to Ueno.
- Frequent: Runs every 20 minutes, start from 7: 28 to 22:30.
Pro Tips: Klook offer Skyliner ticket at cheaper price. Easy redeem at Narita, Ueno or Nippori.
By Keisei Main Line Rapid Limited Express: Similar options like Skyliner, the Keisei Limited Express will take you to Nippori and Ueno Station. It is slightly cheaper than Skyliner but still consider reasonable time to get you to central Tokyo. But take note it is the regular train that stops several stops along the train ride. Seat reservation is not available and there is no luggage storage. It can be crowded and difficult for those with big luggage.
- Transport Cost: From ¥1,050 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: About 90 minutes.
- Frequent: Runs every 20 minutes.
By Keisei Access Express: Another option run by Keisei Railway. The Access Express with similar offering as Keisei Limit Express, but it will fewer stops and slightly faster. Besides, it has direct access to Shinagawa, Shinbashi, and Nihonbashi station. Seat reservation is also not available and there is no luggage storage.
- Transport Cost: From ¥1,050 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: About 80 minutes.
JR Narita Express vs JR Rapid Service
By JR Narita Express (N’EX): Slightly more expensive but the most comfortable option for getting to Tokyo Station from Narita Airport. The departure train is every 30 to 60 minutes. The train ride takes about one hour to get you to the destination. Train stops at major train stations in the downtown area including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Ofuna. Seats are reserved and the train with dedicated luggage storage. Besides, you can purchase the round trip ticket at a cheaper price of about ¥5,000.
- Transport Cost: From ¥3,000 for one way.
- Traveling Time: About 60 minutes to Tokyo Station.
- Frequent: 2 trains per hour.
- Note: Japan Rail Pass is covered for this option.
By JR Rapid Service: This is a cheaper JR train option compared with Narita Express. The journey takes a long time roughly 90 minutes at ¥1,340. Note that seat reservation is not available and there is no luggage storage.
- Transport Cost: ¥1,340 yen for one way.
- Traveling Time: 90 minutes to Tokyo Station.
- Frequent: 1 train per hour.
- Note: Japan Rail Pass is covered for this option.
How To Decide Your Best Transport Option
Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport is pretty easy and simple. With only 1000 yen of bus fare, the bus is the cheapest and most budget option from Narita to Tokyo. For foreigners, sometimes the train is the better option compared with the bus. The express train is more comfortable with luggage storage to ease your journey.
It depends on your choice. Sometimes I am more prefer to spend a few more hundred yen for a more comfortable journey. You can easily transfer to any neighborhood once you get to the Tokyo Station. But, try to avoid peak office hours when you are taking a subway or regular train in Tokyo.
Last but not least, this Tokyo transportation blog is part of my travel post to Kanto Japan. Hopefully, my Tokyo Narita Airport transportation guide can help you to plan on your transport to downtown. So, what is your choice when getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport? Fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable way? Happy travel to Tokyo.
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