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Arriving at Narita Airport for the first time?
Narita is often thought of as Tokyo’s airport, but it’s actually located quite far from the city center. Tokyo Station is about 60 kilometers away, and the journey usually takes between one hour and one and a half hours depending on how you travel.
For first-time visitors, the choices can feel a little overwhelming. This article covers three main options:
- N’EX
- the limousine bus
- local JR train
I also include the Keisei Skyliner for those heading to Ueno or Asakusa.
Narita Express (N’EX)
The Narita Express, also known as N’EX, is a popular choice for travelers heading from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. It connects directly to major stations without any transfers.
What it is and how it works
N’EX is a reserved-seat express train operated by JR East. All seats are assigned. Each car has space set aside for large suitcases, and power outlets are available at the seats.
You can travel from the airport to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya and other major stations without changing trains.
English signage and ticket machines are available throughout the station, which makes the process easier even on a first visit to Japan.
Travel time, cost, and how to book
From Narita Airport to Tokyo Station takes about 55 to 60 minutes. If you’re heading to Shinjuku, add another 20 to 30 minutes.
The regular one-way fare is around ¥3,200.
Tickets are also available through Klook at a discounted rate. If you are traveling with a JR Pass, N’EX is included at no extra cost.
Limousine bus to Tokyo Station
The airport limousine bus is a popular option for travelers with large luggage, or for those who’d rather avoid the stairs and platform changes that come with the train. The boarding process is simple, and there’s very little walking involved.
What it is and how it works
The limousine bus runs directly from Narita Airport to the Tokyo Station area. Staff will load your large suitcases into the storage compartment. Once on board, you can relax without worrying about heavy bags on stairs or crowded platforms.
The bus also stops at a number of major hotels in Tokyo. If your hotel is on the route, you may be able to get off without going to Tokyo Station first.
→ Check bus stops (PDF)
Timetable, cost, and where to board
On arrival at Narita, buy a ticket at the limousine bus counter in the arrivals lobby. The journey to Tokyo Station usually takes between 70 and 90 minutes, though traffic can affect the arrival time.
The fare is around ¥3,000. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through Klook, which allows you to board using a QR code.
→ Book limousine bus tickets on Klook
Airport Bus TYO-NRT
If you want to spend less, there is also a more affordable option called Airport Bus TYO-NRT. It runs the same route for around ¥1,500 and takes a similar amount of time, though the service is more basic.
This can be a good choice if you are traveling light and want to keep costs down. No advance booking is available, so if a bus is full, just wait for the next departure.
Local JR trains (cheapest option)
If keeping transport costs low is a priority, the local JR train is worth considering. There’s no express surcharge, which makes it the most affordable way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station.
That said, unlike N’EX, these are regular commuter trains. They can get crowded depending on the time of day.
What it is and how it works
From Narita Airport, regular JR trains run toward Tokyo Station. Some go directly, while others require one transfer along the way.
Not sure which train to take? A navigation app can help you find the right platform in real time.
Travel time, cost, and how to use
The journey to Tokyo Station takes around 80 to 100 minutes. The fare is approximately ¥1,300 to ¥1,500, making it the most affordable option among the routes in this article.
No advance reservation is needed. You can pay with a Suica or PASMO card, or buy a ticket at the machine. Seats are not reserved, so during busy hours you may need to stand.
Keisei Skyliner
If you’re heading to Ueno, Asakusa, or Akihabara rather than Tokyo Station, the Keisei Skyliner is a fast and comfortable option. It’s especially popular with travelers staying in the Ueno or Asakusa area, including those visiting Senso-ji Temple or Tokyo Skytree.
What it is and how it works
The Keisei Skyliner is a reserved-seat limited express train operated by Keisei Electric Railway. It runs from Narita Airport to Nippori and Keisei-Ueno stations, with luggage space and free Wi-Fi on board.
One thing to keep in mind: the Skyliner does not go directly to Tokyo Station. If Tokyo Station is your destination, you’ll need to transfer at Nippori or Ueno. From Nippori, the JR Yamanote Line connects to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other central areas.
Travel time, cost, and how to book
The Skyliner reaches Nippori in about 36 minutes and Keisei-Ueno in about 41 minutes from Narita Airport.
The fare is around ¥2,200 through Klook, or around ¥2,600 at the station window. A combined ticket with the Tokyo Subway pass is also available, which can be handy if you plan to use the metro during your stay.
→ Book Skyliner tickets on Klook
Comparison at a glance
Here is a quick overview of the three main routes from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station.
Each one takes a different path through the city, so the map below can help you see at a glance where each route goes before comparing the details.
The table below breaks down the key details for each option.
| N’EX | Limousine bus | JR local train | Keisei Skyliner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel time | ~60 min | ~70–90 min | ~80–100 min | ~41 min + transfer |
| Fare | ~¥3,200 | ~¥3,000 | ~¥1,300–1,500 | ~¥2,200 (Klook) |
| Transfers | None | None | Sometimes 1 | 1 required |
| JR Pass | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Good for | Direct, comfortable ride | Heavy luggage, no stairs | Lowest cost | Ueno / Asakusa area |
| Watch out for | Higher cost | Traffic delays | Crowded, less luggage space | No direct access to Tokyo Station |
Common questions
For official timetables, fares, and FAQs, visit the links below.
→ N’EX — JR East official website
→ Limousine Bus
→ Keisei Skyliner — Keisei official website
Before you go
Not sure which option suits your trip? Here’s a quick way to decide.
- Heading to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku without transfers → Narita Express
- Traveling with heavy luggage → Limousine bus
- Keeping costs as low as possible → JR local train
- Going to Ueno or Asakusa → Keisei Skyliner
Tokyo Station is large, so it helps to check which exit is closest to your destination before you arrive. The two main options are the Yaesu Exit and the Marunouchi Exit.
If you have some time before heading into the city, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is just a short train ride from the airport. It’s a popular stop for travelers and a good introduction to Japan before the journey to Tokyo.
