Narita Airport
Photo: Kazukiatuko/PixtaTokyo's main air transport hub, Narita Airport, in Chiba
Photo: Kazukiatuko/Pixta

How to get from Narita Airport into Tokyo city – with price and travel time

The best and cheapest options travelling to and from Tokyo's main airport in Chiba for international and domestic flights

Kaila Imada
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Tokyo has two main airports: Narita and Haneda. While Haneda is more convenient due to its proximity to the city centre, many international flights and most discount airlines tend to be serviced out of Narita Airport. The good news is that with recent additions such as a brand new gourmet food court to the Terminal 2 international departure zone, Narita is now even more enticing to fly out of. 

Narita is located in Chiba prefecture, roughly 60 kilometres from central Tokyo, so you need to give yourself ample time to get to and from the airport. The most common and economical modes of transport are train or bus. Taking a taxi is possible, but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg for just a one-way journey (easily upwards of ¥20,000), so we really don’t recommend hailing a cab if you can avoid it.

When catching a flight from Narita, it’s a good idea to find out which terminal you are flying out of ahead of arrival. Narita Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1 and 2 mainly service international flights while Terminal 3 operates domestic flights (though there are exceptions). Terminals 2 and 3 are fairly close together. Terminal 1, however, is not as easy to access – you’ll need to take a shuttle bus or train to get to this terminal from the other two.

To help you plan your journey, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best ways to travel between Tokyo and Narita Airport. 

RECOMMENDED: Useful travel tips for visiting Tokyo

By train

JR Narita Express (N’EX)

How much? From ¥3,070 
How long does it take? Around one hour

The most straightforward and easy way to get to and from Narita Airport is on the Narita Express. The train stops at major stations including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya and Shinjuku as well as Yokohama and Ofuna.

If you’re an international tourist, you can take advantage of the Narita Express (N’EX) Round Trip Ticket, which costs just ¥5,000 and can be used within a two-week period. Better yet, the N’EX is covered by Japan Rail Pass, so you don’t need to buy tickets to board this train. N’EX seats are reserved, so you’re guaranteed a seat for your journey. The train also has a dedicated area where you can store your luggage (locks are provided).

JR Sobu Line Rapid Service

How much? ¥1,340
How long does it take? Around an hour and a half

The JR Sobu Line Rapid Service train is the most affordable JR alternative to the Narita Express. It's also covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The line stops at a number of stations in the city as well as through Chiba, including Shin-Nihonbashi, Bakurocho, Kinshicho, Shin-Koiwa, Ichikawa and Funabashi stations.

This train is a good alternative if you are travelling to or from Yokohama and areas further south, as certain trains go all the way down to Yokosuka and even Zushi. Note that seat reservations are not available on these trains and there is no luggage space.

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Keisei Skyliner

How much? From ¥2,570 
How long does it take? Around 40 minutes

The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest route between Narita and Tokyo, as it can get you to Keisei-Ueno Station in 41 minutes and to Nippori Station in just 36 minutes. While there are only two direct access points within the city (Keisei-Ueno and Nippori stations), these are both major stations, so it's easy to connect to local trains including the JR Yamanote, Hibiya and Ginza lines.

Seats are reserved on the Skyliner, so you are guaranteed a place. There are also dedicated luggage storage on these trains.

Keisei Main Line Rapid Limited Express

How much? From ¥1,050 
How long does it take? Around an hour and a half 

The Keisei Main Line connects Narita Airport to Nippori and Keisei-Ueno stations. It’s a more affordable choice compared to the Keisei Skyliner, but there are no reserved seats, just benches because this is a regular commuter train.

If you want a comfortable ride, avoid this train during rush hour as it can get quite packed. There is also no dedicated luggage storage space, so you’ll have to hold or carry your luggage with you.

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Keisei Access Express

How much? From ¥1,240
How long does it take? Around an hour and 20 minutes

The Keisei Access Express is the slightly faster and more direct route run by Keisei Electric Railway. It runs along a similar route as the aforementioned Limited Express, but with fewer stops in between. Additionally, there is direct connection to other central Tokyo stations including Shinagawa, Shinbashi and Nihonbashi stations. The Access Express is a regular commuter train, so there is no reserved seating or luggage storage space.

By bus

Airport Limousine Bus

How much? From ¥3,100
How long does it take? Around an hour and a half

The Airport Limousine Bus is a great option if you want to get on at or near your hotel, as it makes direct stops at many accommodations in major Tokyo districts including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and even Tokyo Disney Resort.

Rides can be booked and reserved ahead online, so you don’t have to worry about scrambling for a ticket when you first arrive at the airport or when leaving the city. Tickets can also be purchased at dedicated counters at all airport terminals. To see the full list of bus stops, visit the website.

Discount Airport Bus TYO-NRT

How much? ¥1,300
How long does it take? Around one hour

This discount airport bus operates between Narita Airport and Tokyo/Ginza stations. It’s an affordable and fairly fast way to get to or from the airport without worrying about any train transfers. If you are departing in the early morning or late at night, the fare is ¥2,600.

Since the buses operate on the road, travel times may vary due to traffic conditions. It’s worth noting that you are limited to one suitcase per person, and the bus does not accommodate oversized or special luggage such as golf bags, skis and snowboards.

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