Narita Airport Transportation Guide: How to Travel to Central Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Karuizawa, and More

How to get to central Tokyo from Narita Airport by Japan Railways

At Narita Airport, there are two Japan Railways (JR) stations: Narita Airport Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station. The JR Narita Express (N'EX) and regular JR trains pass through these stations, providing convenient access to central Tokyo. Below, we've compiled various methods for direct travel from Narita Airport to different areas in Tokyo. Choose the transportation option that best suits your destination, schedule, and budget.

JR Narita Express (N'EX): Direct access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama

All seats on the JR Narita Express (N'EX) are reserved, so you'll need to purchase both a regular ticket and a reserved seat ticket. Although the fare is higher compared to buses, it offers fewer delays and spacious, comfortable seats. It brings you directly to popular hotel areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

However, please note that not all trains stop at every station, like Shinagawa and Shibuya, and travel times vary based on your destination. See below for a list of travel times to popular areas in Tokyo.

• To Tokyo Station (total time: 1 hr 21 mins)
  Narita Airport Station → (JR Narita Express) → Tokyo Station

• To Shibuya Station (total time: 1 hr 24 mins)
  Narita Airport Station → (JR Narita Express) → Shibuya Station

• To Shinjuku Station (total time: 1 hr 31 mins)
  Narita Airport Station → (JR Narita Express) → Shinjuku Station

• To Ikebukuro Station (total time: 1 hr 36 mins)
  Narita Airport Station → (JR Narita Express) → Ikebukuro Station

JR Narita Express (N'EX)
Official website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/nex/tickets/

JR Sobu Line Rapid Service: The cheapest option to get to Tokyo and Shinagawa stations

If you're looking for the cheapest option to travel directly to Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, opt for the JR Sobu Line Rapid Service. Tickets for this train are about half the price of the JR Narita Express (N'EX,) but trains run less frequently, with only one journey approximately every hour.

Additionally, seats are not reserved and may not always be available, and the ride takes about half an hour longer than with the N'EX. If you don't mind the crowds, consider taking the rapid trains on the JR Sobu Line.

Board the JR Narita Express and JR Sobu Line with these budget-friendly JR Passes

If you're planning to explore destinations like Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture and Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, you can get better value for your money with the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. This special ticket allows unlimited rides for three consecutive days on trains and shinkansen within designated areas, including the JR Narita Express to Tokyo.

If you're headed to the Tohoku Region, home to places like Sendai City, and Akita and Aomori prefectures, you might want to consider getting the JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area).

If you're interested in exploring areas like Nagano and Niigata prefectures, instead, the JR East Rail Pass (Nagano, Niigata area) is your ticket to greater savings.

Reach Ueno Station and Tokyo Skytree by Keisei Skyliner and Keisei Access Express

If you're headed to popular attractions near Ueno Station like Ueno Zoo or Ameyoko Shopping Street, use Keisei Electric Railway trains, which depart from platforms 2 and 3 at Narita Airport Station. Check the two affordable options below.

Keisei Electric Railway
Official website: http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php

Keisei Skyliner

A Keisei Skyliner ticket costs JPY 2,570 in total and runs at 20-minute intervals. It takes around 45 minutes to reach destinations like Keisei Nippori and Keisei Ueno stations. All seats on board are reserved, so in addition to the base fare of JPY 1,270, you'll need to purchase a reserved seat ticket of JPY 1,300.

Keisei Access Express

If you're looking to save on train fares, opt for the Keisei Access Express. A ticket is about half of that of the Keisei Skyliner and costs JPY 1,240. Trains run at 30 to 40-minute intervals and travel from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno Station. Although there are direct trains, some connections include one transfer at Aoto Station to the Keisei Main Line. It takes around one hour to reach destinations like Keisei Ueno and Keisei Asakusa stations.

If you plan to visit Sensoji Temple on the last day of your trip, you can take the Keisei Access Express via the Toei Asakusa Line directly from the Toei Asakusa Subway Station, which connects seamlessly with the Keisei Access Express and takes an hour to reach Narita Airport. If you're starting from Tokyo Skytree, you can also board the Keisei Access Express from Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station, which will take you to Narita Airport in an hour.

• From Keisei Ueno Station (total time: 1 hr)
  Narita Airport Station → (Keisei Access Express) → Keisei Ueno Station

• From Toei Subway Asakusa Station (total time: 1 hr)
  Narita Airport Station → (Keisei Access Express) → Asakusa Station

Opt for the Limousine Bus or TYO-NRT Airport Bus when traveling with kids

If you're traveling with kids or lots of luggage, the express buses are a great option to reach your destination hassle-free. At Narita Airport, there are even express buses available to popular nearby tourist destinations such as Mount Fuji, and Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.

Keep reading for the details of the Limousine Bus and TYO-NRT Airport Bus that bring you directly to tourist hotspots and hotels in central Tokyo.

Limousine bus

You can board the Limousine Bus at various locations at Narita Airport: Gates 9 to 13 at Terminal 1, Gates 9 and Gates 14 to 17 at Terminal 2, Gates 3 to 6, and Gate 9 at Terminal 3.

Each boarding location serves different destinations, so confirm with the staff before queuing up. Bus tickets can be purchased at service counters in the arrival halls of each terminal, and payments can be made in cash or by credit card.

Limousine Buses provide direct access to popular hotels in the city center, such as Asakusa View Hotel or Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier. There are also direct buses to Tokyo Disney Resort that run multiple times daily.

Limousine Bus
Official website: https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/Top.aspx

TYO-NRT Airport Bus

The TYO-NRT Airport Bus has four boarding locations at Narita Airport: boarding area 7 at Terminal 1, boarding area 6 at Terminal 2, and boarding areas 1 and 2 at Terminal 3. Tickets are available at each boarding location, and there are no reserved seats.

A one-way trip from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station or Ginza Station costs only JPY 1,300, making it a great option if you're traveling on a budget. However, not every bus stops at Ginza Station, so please check the official website before departure.

TYO-NRT Airport Bus
Official website: https://tyo-nrt.com/en

Opt for a taxi from Narita Airport for more convenience

There are four taxi boarding locations at Narita Airport: Stand 15 at Terminal 1, Stand 30 and 31-A at Terminal 2, and the taxi stands across the pedestrian deck at Terminal 3.

Generally, taxi fares are metered based on the traveled distance and time. However, some taxi companies offer fixed-rate fares. Opting for a fixed-rate fare means you won't have to worry about the meter ticking up as you travel, making it easier to split the fare evenly among your travel companions. You can check the official website of Narita Airport for more information on fixed-fare rates.

Transportation options to popular attractions near Tokyo

Tokyo is conveniently located near popular sightseeing spots like Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, Mount Fuji, and Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as Kamakura and Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture. Keep reading to find out the best ways to travel to these locations from Narita Airport.

Karuizawa: Take the JR Narita Express and Hokuriku Shinkansen

Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and ski resorts. To travel directly from Narita Airport to Karuizawa, you can first take the Narita Express (N'EX) to JR Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Opt for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass to enjoy greater savings on your trip.

Alternatively, you can take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport directly to Keisei Ueno Station, then walk for about 15 minutes to JR Ueno Station to catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa. You can refer to the official websites of the Narita Express (N'EX) and the Keisei Skyliner for departure times.

Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi: Ride the Fujikyu Bus

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Mount Fuji and the nearby area surrounding Lake Kawaguchi are perfect day trip destinations from Tokyo. You can take the Fujikyu Bus directly to places like the amusement park Fuji-Q Highland, Mount Fuji Station, and Kawaguchiko Station.

You can board the Fujikyu Bus from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 of Narita Airport. A one-way ticket costs JPY 5,000, and JPY 2,500 for children.

Fujikyu Bus
Official website: https://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/39

Kamakura and Enoshima: Travel on the JR Sobu Line

Kamakura boasts historic temples and the iconic Great Buddha, while Enoshima offers stunning coastal views and beaches. From Narita Airport, you can take the JR Sobu Line and reach Kamakura Station directly in 2.5 hours.

To travel from Narita Airport to Enoshima or Kamakura stations, you'll first need to take the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Fujisawa Station, and finally take the Enoden train to either Enoshima or Kamakura station.

Discover the best transportation options from Narita Airport

From Narita Airport, there are several ways to get to Tokyo as well as nearby travel destinations like Karuizawa, Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Kamakura, and Enoshima. If you're planning to arrive in Japan via Narita Airport, be sure to use this article as your guide to buying the best transportation tickets for your trip.

Discover more activities and tours across Japan.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) 5 days

・Unlimited rides on all trains and shinkansen in the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
・Available for foreign residents and tourists with non-Japanese passports.

JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area) 5 days

・Unlimited rides on all trains and shinkansen in the Kanto, Nagano and Niigata areas.
・Available for foreign residents and tourists with non-Japanese passports.

Book Keisei Skyliner tickets

・Travel between Narita Airport and central Tokyo in just 36 minutes.
・Reserved seats only to ensure a comfortable trip.