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As surprising as it may seem, Narita Airport (NRT) -- Tokyo's main international gateway -- is not close to Tokyo at all. So getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo is a bit of a trek. In fact, this Tokyo airport is so rural and remote that on the journey into Tokyo you'll see rice paddies long before neon lights. In more practical terms, you're looking at a distance of about 80 km (50 miles) from Narita Airport to Shibuya Crossing. In a hurry? Narita Airport to Tokyo: Easiest & best value: Keisei Skyliner discount ticket — , about 1 hr, transfer at Nippori Door-to-door with luggage: Pre-booked shared taxi — from per person, about 1 hr, tolls included Cheapest: Keisei main line — , 95 mins, buy at the station Direct to major hotels: Airport Limousine Bus — from , 70–120 mins Narita to Tokyo at a glance: every option compared, plus our field-test ratings Since Tokyo is so huge, there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer as to which method or route is cheapest/best for getting from Narita to your accommodation in Tokyo. Quick comparison of Narita to central Tokyo transport options Tap any option in the first column to jump straight to its full details below. These are the main ways of getting from Narita Airport into Tokyo. Transport Approx. cost Travel time Frequency Notes Booking link Airport express train (Keisei Skyliner) From 1 hr Every 15–20 mins Transfer at Nippori Station for onward travel on JR lines Book on Trip To Japan or Klook Airport express train (JR Narita Express) 1 hr Every hour Direct to Tokyo Station (with less frequent departures for Shinjuku and Shibuya) Book on Klook Commuter train (Keisei main line) 95 mins Every 15–20 mins Transfer at Nippori Station for onward travel on JR lines Buy at the station Commuter train (JR Sobu Line Rapid Service) 90 minutes Every hour Local commuter train with stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Yokohama Buy at the station Narita Airport Limousine Bus From 70–120 mins Every 15–20 mins Time varies according to destination Book on Klook Low-Cost Bus (LCB) 60–90 mins Every 10–20 mins Direct to Tokyo Station. Less frequent departures to other stations. Buy at the airport counter Regular taxi From 90 mins Generally available outside the airport Price may vary considerably depending on traffic and time of day Grab a taxi outside the terminal Pre-booked shared taxi From (inclusive of highway tolls) 1 hour Pre-book only Price per person; from one person (no minimum people required) Book on NearMe Pre-booked private taxi From (inclusive of highway tolls) 1 hour Pre-book only Price per car; great for groups Book with NearMe Note: All details above were calculated on travel to Tokyo Station. Exact fares, times, and transfers will vary depending on your destination. In June 2026, two of our writers -- Jane Pipkin and Aarohi Narain -- went out and tried five of the main Narita transfer options and scored each one on the things that actually matter when you're hauling bags across a city. Here's how they compared. We judged each mode on five counts: Comfort -- how calm and easy the ride feels Luggage handling -- how simple it is to move and stow your bags Family-friendliness -- how manageable it is with kids or a stroller Convenience -- tickets, transfers, navigation, and timing Amenities -- Wi-Fi, charging, toilets, and other extras How the five main options scored in our field test Mode of transport Comfort Luggage Family-friendliness Convenience Amenities Overall score Keisei Skyliner ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ 4.2 Narita Express ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ 3.8 Limousine Bus ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ 4.4 Low-Cost Bus ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ 3.8 Shared pre-booked taxi ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ 4.2 Rating key: 1 = Poor | 2 = Below average | 3 = Acceptable | 4 = Good | 5 = Excellent. The overall score is the average of the five ratings. Now we'll give you all the information you need on each of the modes of transport. Express trains from Narita Airport Two operators run special express trains from Narita Airport to central Tokyo: Keisei (the Skyliner) and JR (the Narita Express, or N'EX). Keisei Skyliner From (if you buy a discounted Skyliner ticket on Trip To Japan or Klook) 1 hr to Tokyo Station The snazzy Skyliner offers the speediest travel time -- just 36 minutes to Nippori Station or 41 minutes to Ueno Station. From Nippori, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line for onward travel; from Ueno, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote line and also the Hibiya and Ginza subway lines. Hot tip: On your last day, you can also have your luggage delivered from Ueno Station to Narita airport same day. The Skyliner service runs between 7:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., with one to three departures every hour. On weekends, the timetable changes slightly, but the number of departures is the same. One of the best things about the Skyliner is the train itself. It's a dedicated airport service -- meaning that you don't have to compete with daily commuters for seats. Reservations are required, so you're guaranteed a seat. The Skyliner's seats are incredibly comfortable, and each has its own charging port. There's separate luggage storage and free WiFi. For more details, check out our dedicated guide to taking Keisei trains. We cover the Skyliner along with regular Keisei trains (more on those below) from Narita to Tokyo -- it's chock-full of useful info and discount hacks. Pro tip: Make the most of your seat's charging ports, as rules for using power banks on flights have changed. Find out more here. Our experience Jane says: I caught the 9:05 a.m. Skyliner from Nippori on a Thursday, with a Klook voucher that isn't tied to a set departure -- you swap it at the counter and hop on whichever train suits. With big suitcases, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to claim a spot in the luggage racks. Comfort -- 5/5. Plush seats, a charging port at every one, and no commuters to jostle with. Luggage handling -- 4/5. Separate racks, close enough to keep half an eye on from my reserved seat. Family-friendliness -- 4/5. Reserved seats and no transfers to most central stations. Convenience -- 4/5. Simple to book, and the flexible voucher means you're not locked into one train. Amenities -- 4/5. Free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and proper luggage storage. My verdict: The smoothest ride of the lot, if comfort matters more than saving a few hundred yen. Best for: speed and comfort, especially to Ueno and Nippori. Narita Express , book on Klook 53 mins to Tokyo station The Narita Express is a trouble-free way of getting to the main JR stations in Tokyo, especially on the west side of town. All N'EX trains go to Tokyo Station (53 minutes). Some continue on to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or stations even further afield -- no transfer required. All seats are reserved and, like the Skyliner, there is free WiFi and ample luggage storage. Three to five N'EX trains depart from Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station each hour, between 6:52 a.m. and 11:42 p.m.; all trains also stop at Narita Airport Terminal 2. Check the timetable carefully to make sure that the service stops at your station -- while all services stop at Tokyo Station, not all will stop at Shinjuku Station, for example. N'EX tickets aren't cheap: It costs to Tokyo Station, one way. However, round-trip tickets are discounted. You can buy tickets at the JR stations and travel centers at Narita Airport. You could use a JR Pass (see below) to ride the N'EX; however, we only recommend this if you plan on traveling beyond Tokyo (e.g, to Kyoto or Osaka) the same day or the day after. When we spoke to Kikuno-san at the Narita Airport Information Desk recently, the Narita Express was their top recommendation because it's always on time, you get a reserved seat, and it stops at Tokyo Station. Read our full guide to taking the JR Narita Express. N'EX Tokyo Round-Trip ticket The N'EX Tokyo Round-Trip ticket gives you round-trip travel from Narita to Tokyo and back for for adults (and for children). It's only available at Narita Airport to foreign passport holders. The cool thing for residents is that you don't need a tourist visa. Our experience Aarohi says: My 4:35 p.m. Thursday N'EX from Terminal 2-3 to Shibuya was a touch shaky and fairly full, but there was room for big cases overhead and by the doors, plus a toilet on board. One warning: the Klook QR voucher has to be swapped at a ticket machine, and the queue builds at busy times -- give yourself a good 20 minutes. Comfort -- 4/5. A little rattly and busy, though the seats are roomy and reserved. Luggage handling -- 4/5. Space for large suitcases; just allow time to find your carriage. Family-friendliness -- 4/5. Direct and seated, with toilets; the ticket machine is the only faff with kids in tow. Convenience -- 3/5. That voucher swap, and the peak-time queues, knock a point off. Amenities -- 4/5. Toilets, big windows, and room to open a laptop. The free Wi-Fi was patchy for me. My verdict: A reserved seat straight through, for a bit more money. Best for: direct rides to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Shinagawa. Regular trains from Narita to Tokyo (Keisei and JR lines) The budget locomotion option. If you don't have much luggage or don't mind carting it around, it may interest you to know that the cheapest ways of getting between NRT and central Tokyo are regular Keisei and JR trains. Keisei A good thing about the Keisei Line is that some services connect directly with the Toei Asakusa subway line; other services terminate at stations on the JR Yamanote Line (Tokyo's central loop line). So it's pretty convenient for a lot of different stations in central Tokyo. The journey takes between 80 and 120 minutes, depending on where you're heading. JR Sobu The good thing about the JR Sobu Line train is that it’s a rapid service with stops at major stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Yokohama. Getting to Tokyo takes around 90 minutes and costs . The thing to remember about both trains, however, is that they’re local commuter trains -- so catching them with your suitcase during rush hour may be less than ideal. Pro tip: To help you on your visit, we've put together a comprehensive guide to taking Keisei trains from Narita to Tokyo. Keisei Sky Access Express Keisei has another useful regular train service: the Sky Access Express (not to be confused with the Skyliner). This service connects directly with the Toei Asakusa Subway Line (rather than terminating at Nippori or Ueno Stations). You can travel directly to destinations including: Asakusa (55 mins), Nihonbashi (65 mins), and Shinbashi (70 mins), faster than you could on the Keisei Limited Express. The total travel cost to destinations on the Toei Asakusa line is about more than using the Keisei Limited Express routes outlined above; so, for example, the trip from Narita to Asakusa will cost you . In our opinion, the extra couple hundred yen is worth it. But for maximum comfort and convenience, the Skyliner is still your best bet. Again, we recommend looking at our dedicated guide to taking Keisei trains (Limited Express, Sky Access Express, and Skyliner) from Narita to Tokyo -- it's full of useful info and discount hacks. Buses from Narita to Tokyo There are a few different buses running from Narita to Tokyo and back. Narita Airport Limousine Bus From 90 to 120 minutes (depending on traffic) The convenience of not having to cart your luggage around is great, but the Airport Limousine Bus service is not the cheapest option. Also, while comfortable, the buses are, in fact, not very limousine-like. They are simply coaches (with comfier seats and WiFi) that run to major hotels and stations in the Greater Tokyo area for one way. The time it takes to get to central Tokyo depends on traffic, but even when we traveled from Narita to Shinjuku Station in peak-hour traffic recently, it took exactly 1 hour and 50 minutes. You get space for two suitcases per passenger and an assigned seat. If the bus isn't full, you might be able to get away with an extra bag, but to be safe, we recommend sending additional luggage to your accommodation from the airport. You can book Airport Limousine Bus tickets online in advance. You can also buy tickets from the bus counters and ticket machines in the airport arrivals hall on the day. When we visited Narita recently, there were several machines and a couple of counters at each terminal, so it was quick and easy to buy tickets. Limousine Bus luggage rules This can vary by operator, but you generally get two pieces of luggage per person, each up to 50 x 60 x 120 cm and 30 kg, and the driver will load and unload them for you -- although there have been times we have been asked to do that ourselves. On one rather full ride a few year ago, passengers were limited to one piece of luggage per person, so do confirm when buying your ticket. We've also been on near-empty buses a few times where nobody was counting bags, so you might get away with more luggage -- just don't bank on it. tl;dr: always check ahead! Prams and wheelchairs are carried as extras, while sports gear such as snowboards counts towards your two-piece allowance. Pro tip: If you're travelling with a lot of bags, it's worth sending the extras ahead to your accommodation from the airport. Our experience Aarohi says: Finding the Shibuya stop was the fiddly part of my 10:35 a.m. ride to Terminal 2-3 -- it's near Shibuya Fukuras, so allow a good 20 minutes. After that it was easy: staff scan your Klook QR code (no paper ticket), and despite the traffic warnings we pulled in on schedule, in just under two hours. The bus was a third full, roomy and calm. Comfort -- 5/5. Smooth and unhurried, with plenty of space to spread out. Luggage handling -- 5/5. Two cases in the hold, loaded for me -- just out of reach mid-journey. Family-friendliness -- 4/5. No transfers or stairs; board early to sit together, and the single small toilet isn't ideal for babies. Convenience -- 3/5. Boarding is painless; the stop hunt and the traffic are the wildcards. Amenities -- 4/5. A USB port per pair of seats, weak Wi-Fi, and no seat-back trays. My verdict: Direct, comfortable, and good value. Best for: families and heavy packers who'd rather not haul bags through stations. Low-Cost Airport Bus services Buses to Tokyo Station, Ginza, and Shinonome About 65 minutes Note: As of August 2025, the Low-Cost Airport Bus -- also known as the Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita (TYO-NRT) -- still can't be booked in advance. You need to buy your ticket on the day. The Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita (TYO-NRT) is also known as the Low-Cost Airport Bus or LCB. Regular daytime tickets cost for adults and for kids. While the Airport Limousines stop at central Tokyo hotels, this no-frills service gets to where it's going quicker with stops only at Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit), Ginza Station, and Shinonome. Early-morning and late-night tickets are double the price at for adults and for kids. The journey takes about 65 minutes. Buses to Tokyo Station leave four to six times per hour, but only one or two of those continue to Ginza and Shinonome. When we spoke to them recently, the staff at the Narita Airport Visitor Service Center recommended LCBs as their favorite combination of price, speed, and convenience. The JR rapid train was their next top recommendation, as it's cheaper but takes slightly longer. Note that luggage restrictions are a little stricter on the budget coaches: typically just one suitcase (158 cm) per traveler. You can't buy LCB tickets from automated machines, but there are one or two counters in each terminal, and lines typically aren't very long. Buses to Ikebukuro one way About two hours The Ikebukuro service is run by Willer, with roughly one departure an hour between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (skipping 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 9 p.m.). It runs direct to Ikebukuro Station West Exit and takes around two hours. You can't book it ahead -- just buy your ticket at the airport counter. Buses to Shinkiba, Shibuya, and Toyosu - About two hours A handful of other operators run much less frequent services. Shinkiba has two buses a day, leaving Terminal 3 at 10:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. and reaching Shinkiba Station at 11:20 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. The Shibuya bus goes just once a day, leaving Terminal 3 at 10:10 a.m. and arriving at Shibuya Station (Shibuya Fukuras) around midday. Toyosu is the same story: one departure from Terminal 3 at 2:05 p.m., arriving at Michino Terrace Toyosu (La Vista Tokyo Bay) at 3:15 p.m. Timetables and stops vary by operator, so check before you set out. Our experience Jane says: The LCB can't be booked ahead, so I turned up at Tokyo Station 40 minutes early to find the JR Bus Express stop. Tickets come from a machine (separate cash and card lanes) or the desk, and aren't tied to a departure -- you just take the next bus out. My 8:10 a.m. run reached Terminal 1 by 9:22, but the bus was nearly full ten minutes before leaving, so don't cut it fine. Comfort -- 5/5. A smooth, efficient run, even with the traffic I'd been warned about. Luggage handling -- 3/5. Just one large case per person, stowed in the hold. Family-friendliness -- 4/5. Straightforward, though seating isn't assigned. Convenience -- 4/5. Easy tickets, any bus -- but it fills fast, so arrive 30 minutes early. Amenities -- 3/5. A toilet, charging ports, and temperamental Wi-Fi. My verdict: Cheap, quick, and no frills. Best for: light packers on a budget. Taxis from Narita Airport to Tokyo From per vehicle (non-toll roads) 90 minutes Taking a regular taxi (or Uber) from Narita Airport to central Tokyo is expensive. It only makes sense if you are traveling in a group or in a real pinch. Also, keep in mind that the above price and duration are for non-toll roads during the day. Toll roads will get you where you need to go quicker, to Tokyo Station in one hour in this example, but it also costs you more -- around total. And of course, don't forget the additional 20% surcharge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Recommended: Shared pre-booked taxi per person (from one person -- no minimum required) 1 hour A nice, personal service and direct to your hotel, a shared minibus/taxi service hits the sweet spot between budget and convenience. For about per person, you get frictionless transport from the airport to your accommodation. Vans can accept large luggage such as big suitcases and snowboards. Our experience Jane says: NearMe's price shifts with your pickup time and drop-off spot, so compare a few options before you book. Your slot is officially fixed -- be there bang on time -- though an hour before pickup they rang to ask if I could come earlier, as another passenger was ahead of schedule. The meeting point took some finding, and my driver spoke only Japanese. It's a long, non-stop run: use the toilet and grab a drink before you set off. Comfort -- 5/5. Plush seats and air-con I could adjust myself. Luggage handling -- 5/5. Loads of room, and they ask your bag count when you book. Family-friendliness -- 4/5. Door to door with no transfers -- but no stops along the way either. Convenience -- 4/5. Booking is simple; the catch is being at the pickup point on time. Amenities -- 3/5. A comfy vehicle, but nothing on board for the journey itself. My verdict: The premium, door-to-door pick. Best for: groups, families, and serious luggage. For groups: Private pre-booked taxi About per vehicle 1 hour A pre-booked private taxi could save a little money -- and you get the reassurance of a car waiting for you upon arrival at the airport. Another bonus is that you can choose a larger vehicle for a small extra fee -- which might be necessary if you have a party of more than three and luggage. Narita Airport (NRT) to popular Tokyo destinations Check out our mini guides for getting from Narita to different parts of the city: Narita Airport to Shibuya Narita Airport to Shinjuku Narita Airport to Roppongi Narita Airport to Ikebukuro Narita Airport to Ueno Narita Airport to Asakusa Narita Airport to Tokyo Disney Pro tip: Getting in late at night? Check out our dedicated guide to late-night transfers from Narita Airport. Narita to Tokyo FAQs We answer some of the most common questions about getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo. Can I use a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) from Narita Airport to Tokyo? Yes. However, given that it doesn't cost much to get into Tokyo, you should think carefully before you activate your JR Pass -- especially if you plan to spend the first few days of your trip in the city. You might want to choose another option to get into Tokyo, and then activate the JR Pass when you embark on a longer inter-city trip. How far is Narita from Tokyo? Narita Airport is approximately 64 km from Tokyo. It is located in Chiba Prefecture. Can I store luggage at Narita Airport? Yes, see the airport section of our article on luggage storage in Tokyo. What is the fastest way to get to central Tokyo? The fastest way to get to central Tokyo from Narita is the Keisei Skyliner. It can get you to Ueno Station in just 41 minutes. What is the best way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station? The Narita Express and Low-Cost Buses are our favorite ways to get to Tokyo Station from Narita. The N'EX will get you there in about one hour and costs . The LCB costs and takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Limousine Buses also go to Tokyo Station but are more expensive. The Keisei Skyliner does not stop at Tokyo Station. What is the best way to get to Shibuya Station from Narita Airport? The Narita Express is the most direct, but it's a little pricey. The Skyliner requires a transfer but is a little cheaper. Check out our Shibuya-specific guide. What is the difference between Narita Station and the Narita Airport train stations? About 8 km, so make sure you don't get off at Narita Station by mistake on your way back to the airport! Narita Station is not the one at the actual airport. Stay on the train until you reach the station for your terminal -- Narita International Airport Terminal 1 Station or Terminal 2 Station (which serves both Terminal 2 and 3). How do I get to Narita Airport from Tokyo? On the way back, all of the same transport options apply. Simply reverse the route, check the times, and you're good to go. Which airport should I use to fly into Tokyo? If it's an option when you're booking your flight to Tokyo, Haneda (HND) Airport is the one to choose. It's closer to the city and much snazzier, too. However, flying into Narita (NRT) Airport is often the only -- or cheaper -- option, and, as you can see, it's well connected to Tokyo. For more pros and cons, check out our video: What is the difference between the Narita Airport Limousine Buses and Low-Cost Buses? There are three main differences. The first big difference is that Limousine Buses usually allow two pieces of luggage, while the LCB only allows one. The second major difference is the number of stops. Limousine Buses stop at train stations and major hotels, while the Low-Cost Buses only stop at the major central train stations. The last is the frequency of departures from Narita. The Limousine Buses depart for all stops fairly regularly, while the LCB only has regular stops for Tokyo Station; some other stops are less frequent. Is there a difference between the transport options at Narita Airport terminals 1 and 2? No, all buses and trains stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Are there trains at Narita Airport Terminal 3? There is no train station at NRT Terminal 3, where most LCCs arrive and depart. Instead, you'll need to use the train station at Terminal 2 (about a 15-minute walk). Buses and taxis do depart directly from Terminal 3, though. Are there shuttles running between each of the Narita Airport terminals? Yes, there are regular free shuttles that run between terminals 1, 2, and 3. Is there a way to see multiple transport options from Narita to my destination? Yes, the Narita Airport website has this handy navigation tool. Is there a hotel inside Narita Airport? The only accommodation directly connected to Narita Airport is a capsule hotel called Nine Hours Narita Airport. It has around-the-clock check-in and can be found in Terminal 2. The hotel provides basic toiletries and sleepwear. For recommendations on hotels near Narita Airport, see our accommodation listings. There are lots of options, with free shuttles running between the hotels and airport. While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published on July 30, 2012. Last updated in July 2026, by Jane Pipkin and Aarohi Narain.

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