International travellers arriving in Tokyo are still not allowed to use public transport – including taxis – for their first two weeks in Japan due to Covid-19 restrictions, so finding a reasonably priced alternative was quite a challenge. But Keisei Electric Railway has now launched Keisei Smart Access. The service, which has been under discussion since December, lets overseas arrivals use a designated car of the Keisei Skyliner.
The train brings you directly to Keisei-Ueno Station (¥4,500, children aged 6 to 12 ¥3,250), where you have to use a pre-arranged private car to reach your place of quarantine. If you’re not able to drive or get a lift, then opt for Keisei Smart Access Premium (from ¥20,000), which includes a private transfer by car to your accommodation within Tokyo’s 23 wards. Note that reservations for the premium option have to be made one day in advance.
Reservations for Keisei Smart Access can be made here, and reservations for Keisei Smart Access Premium are available here. You’ll have to provide your passport number and the address of the place you'll be quarantining. Pick up your pre-booked train ticket at the Skyliner & Keisei Information Center at Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station. You’ll have to use designated routes within the airport and train stations to minimise contact with other passengers.
Car eight of each train is reserved for quarantined travellers – you’re not allowed to get off the train at any other station between Narita Airport and Keisei-Ueno Station. Only those who tested negative for coronavirus at Narita Airport upon arrival and those who don’t require a coronavirus test on entry into Japan are eligible to use the service.
Keisei Skyliner trains currently depart from Narita Airport 15 times a day, roughly once an hour between 8:22am and 11:20pm. Here's the latest timetable.
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