There are several ways to travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo. The best option depends on your budget, time, and comfort.
| Option | Transport | Time | Cost (JPY) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Train | Narita Express (N’EX) | ～60 min | ¥3,200 | No | First-time visitors / luggage |
| 2. Train | JR Narita Line | ～90 min | ¥1,500 | Yes/No | Budget travelers |
| 3. Train | Keisei Skyliner | ～60 min | ¥2,800 | Yes | Balance of speed & price |
| 4. Train | Keisei Main Line | ～95 min | ¥1,300 | Yes | Budget travelers |
| 5. Bus | Low Cost Bus (LCB) | ～60 min | ¥1,400 | No | Budget travelers |
| 6. Bus | Airport Limousine Bus | ～60 min | ¥3,100 | No | Direct to hotel / convenience |
| 7. Car | Taxi | ～60 min | ¥30,000～ | No | Groups / late night |
How to book the Narita Express(N’EX)
The Narita Express (N’EX) is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. The Narita Express runs every 30 to 60 minutes, with around 1–2 trains per hour throughout the day.
Option 1: Book Online in Advance (Recommended)
You can reserve your ticket before arriving in Japan. This is the best option during busy travel seasons.
Steps:
- Visit the website or a trusted booking site.
- Choose:
- Departure station: Narita Airport Terminal 1 / Terminal 2-3
- Arrival station: Tokyo / Shinjuku / Shibuya / Yokohama etc.
- Select date and time.
- Pay by credit card.
- Receive your e-ticket or reservation confirmation.
Option 2: Buy at Narita Airport
You can buy tickets after landing.
Where to buy:
- JR East Travel Service Center
- JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi)
- Ticket Machines
How:
- Go to the JR station inside the airport.
- Choose your destination.
- Select available departure time.
- Pay and receive your ticket.
Option 3: Use a Rail Pass (No.1 pick for travelers who move around Japan by train)
If you have a JR Rail Pass or some regional JR passes, Narita Express may be included.(50,000yen/7days, 80,000yen/14days)
The Japan Rail Pass is a special train pass for foreign visitors that offers unlimited travel on most JR trains across Japan, including many Shinkansen bullet trains, for a fixed number of days. It’s a great value!
Show your pass at the JR counter and reserve a seat for free
Buy now, activate later!
https://click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_id=19&aff_id=2333&lang
There is some more information about the JR Rail Pass on the “How to Use the Train” page.
Important Tips
- All seats are reserved seats.
- Booking early is recommended during holidays.
- Large luggage space is available.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on board.
Best Stations to Choose
- Tokyo Station – for central Tokyo / transfers
- Shinjuku Station – for west Tokyo
- Shibuya Station – for shopping / hotels
- Yokohama Station – for Yokohama area
Final Advice
If it is your first time in Japan and you want an easy, stress-free trip, the Narita Express is one of the best choices.
If you’ve purchased the Japan Rail Pass, it’s already included in the price, so it’s definitely highly recommended.
Low-cost buses are recommended for those who want to save money. They take about an hour to reach Tokyo Station, and since there are many departures throughout the day, they’re a great option.
How to Buy a Ticket for the JR Narita Line
The JR Narita Line is a local train route connecting Narita Airport with Tokyo and Chiba areas. It is usually cheaper than the Narita Express.
Option 1: Buy at a Ticket Machine (Easiest)
After arriving at Narita Airport, go to the JR station inside the terminal.
Steps:
- Find a JR ticket machine.
- Select English on the screen.
- Choose your destination.
- Check the fare.
- Pay by cash or IC card.
- Receive your ticket.
Option 2: Use an IC Card (Recommended)
You can use:
- Suica
- PASMO
- Welcome Suica
How:
- Tap your card at the gate.
- Board the JR Narita Line train.
- Tap again when you arrive.
No need to buy a paper ticket.
Option 3: Buy at the JR Counter
If you need help:
- Go to the JR Ticket Office.
- Tell staff your destination.
- Pay and receive your ticket.
Important Tips
- This is a regular commuter train, not the Narita Express.
- It takes longer but costs less.
- Some trains require transfers.
- Good for budget travelers.
How to Book the Keisei Skyliner at Narita Airport
The Keisei Skyliner is one of the fastest trains from Narita Airport to Tokyo, especially for Ueno and Asakusa areas.
Buy your tickets in advance.
Option 1: Buy at Narita Airport (Easy)
After arriving, go to the Keisei Skyliner ticket counter or ticket machine.
Steps:
- Follow signs for Keisei Line / Skyliner.
- Go to the ticket counter or machine.
- Choose your destination:
- Ueno
- Nippori
- Select departure time.
- Pay by cash or credit card.
- Receive your ticket.
Option 2: Book Online in Advance (Recommended)
You can reserve your ticket before arriving in Japan.
Steps:
- Visit an official booking website or travel platform.
- Choose:
- Narita Airport Terminal
- Destination station
- Date and time
- Pay online.
- Receive QR code or voucher.
- Exchange or scan at the airport.
Great for busy seasons.
Option 3: Use an IC Card + Limited Express Ticket
You need:
- Basic train fare
- Skyliner reserved seat ticket
Some machines allow payment with IC card.
Important Tips
- Reserved seating only.
- Trains are frequent.
- Very fast to Ueno area.
- Good for travelers staying in northeast Tokyo.
Best Destinations
- Ueno – museums / budget hotels
- Nippori – transfer to JR lines
- Asakusa – transfer from Ueno or Nippori
Final Advice
If your hotel is near Ueno, Nippori, or Asakusa, the Keisei Skyliner is often the best choice from Narita Airport.
How to Buy a Ticket for the Keisei Main Line at Narita Airport
The Keisei Main Line is a cheaper train option from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It is slower than the Skyliner, but great for budget travelers.
Option 1: Buy at a Ticket Machine (Recommended)
After arriving at Narita Airport, go to the Keisei Railway station inside the terminal.
Steps:
- Follow signs for Keisei Line.
- Use a ticket machine.
- Select English on the screen.
- Choose your destination.
- Check the fare.
- Pay by cash or credit card (depending on machine).
- Receive your ticket.
Option 2: Use an IC Card
You can use:
- Suica
- PASMO
- Welcome Suica(It’s the most convenient option because foreign travelers can purchase it without paying a deposit. You can purchase it from ticket machines at airport train stations and major big station in tokyo)
How:
- Tap your card at the gate.
- Board the Keisei Main Line train.
- Tap again when you arrive.
No paper ticket needed.
Option 3: Buy at the Ticket Counter
If you need help:
- Go to the Keisei ticket counter.
- Tell staff your destination.
- Pay and receive your ticket.
Important Tips
- This is not the Skyliner.
- It makes more stops.
- Travel time is longer, but fare is cheaper.
- Good for Ueno, Nippori, and eastern Tokyo areas.
Best For
✅ Budget travelers
✅ Light luggage
✅ Travelers not in a hurry
Example Phrase
“One ticket to Ueno, please.”
Final Advice
If you want the cheapest Keisei train from Narita Airport, the Keisei Main Line is a smart option. If you want speed, choose the Skyliner instead.
How to Buy a Low Cost Bus Ticket at Narita Airport
A low cost airport bus is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Low-cost buses run every 10–20 minutes, with over 100 departures per day, making them a very convenient option.
However, please note that skis and snowboards are not allowed on board, so you need to be careful.
No reservation is required—you can simply go to the ticket counter and buy the next available bus, making it a very easy and convenient option.
Option 1: Buy at the Bus Ticket Counter
After arriving, follow signs for Bus / Limousine Bus / Low Cost Bus.
Please note that the ticket counters for limousine buses and low-cost buses are separate, so be careful not to mix them up. Also skis and snowboards/large luggages may not be allowed on board depending on the amount of luggage carried by other passengers, so please check with the staff on the day.
Steps:
- Go to the airport bus ticket counter.
- Tell staff your destination:
- Tokyo Station
- Shinjuku
- Ginza
- Yokohama
- Choose the next available bus.
- Pay by cash or credit card.
- Receive your ticket.
Option 2: Buy at a Ticket Machine
Some bus companies have self-service machines.
Steps:
- Select English.
- Choose destination.
- Select departure time.
- Pay.
- Get your ticket.
Option 3: Book Online in Advance
You can reserve online before arriving in Japan. I don’t highly recommend it, as your ticket may go to waste if your flight is delayed or you miss the bus.
There are plenty of buses available, so it’s safer and more convenient to buy your ticket after you arrive.
Steps:
- Visit official website or travel booking site.
- Select Narita Airport and destination.
- Choose date/time.
- Pay online.
- Show QR code or confirmation.
Popular Low Cost Bus Destinations
- Tokyo Station
- Ginza
- Shinjuku
- Ikebukuro
- Yokohama
Important Tips
- Great for travelers with luggage.
- Usually cheaper than train.
- May take longer in traffic. (not often)
- Easy for first-time visitors.
Example Phrase
“One ticket to Tokyo Station, please.”
Final Advice
If you want a cheap and simple way to reach Tokyo, a Low Cost bus from Narita Airport is a great choice.
My personal recommendation is this bus. There are multiple departures every hour, and it goes directly to Tokyo Station. It’s usually very reliable, everyone gets a seat, and you can use Wi-Fi and charge your devices at your seat. It’s fast and affordable!
The Airport Limousine Bus is another easiest ways to travel from Narita Airport to hotels and major areas in Tokyo. It’s slightly more expensive than a low-cost bus, but it’s also very convenient because it goes directly to major hotels.
Option 1: Buy at the Airport Counter
After arriving, follow signs for Bus / Limousine Bus.
Steps:
- Go to the Airport Limousine Bus counter.
- Tell staff your destination:
- Hotel name
- Tokyo Station
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
- Ginza
- Choose departure time.
- Pay by cash or credit card.
- Receive your ticket.
Option 2: Buy at a Ticket Machine
Some terminals have self-service machines.
Steps:
- Select English.
- Choose destination.
- Select time.
- Pay.
- Get your ticket.
Option 3: Book Online in Advance
Book your tickets now
Steps:
- Visit the website or booking platform.
- Select Narita Airport.
- Choose destination and date.
- Pay online.
- Show QR code or reservation confirmation.
Why Choose Airport Limousine Bus?
✅ Large luggage storage
✅ Comfortable seats
✅ Direct to many hotels
✅ Easy for families and first-time visitors
Important Tips
- Travel time depends on traffic.
- Arrive early for your bus.
- Some routes stop directly at hotels.
Example Phrase
“One ticket to Shinjuku, please.”
or
“Does this bus stop at my hotel?
Final Advice
If you have heavy luggage or want a direct ride to your hotel, the Airport Limousine Bus is one of the best options from Narita Airport.
