Landing at Narita and heading to Tokyo? This guide shows you how to reach Tokyo’s main areas – Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa.
The fastest route to central Tokyo takes 50 minutes and costs ¥2,750, while budget travelers can get there for ¥1,230 in 95 minutes.
Read on for all your options, including trains, buses, and taxis, plus tips to make your journey easier. 😊
1. Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
Narita Airport is located 65 kilometers from Tokyo Station. Here are 4 convenient ways to reach your destination from Narita.
a. Narita Express (N’EX): Direct Train to Tokyo Station
- Direct Connection: The Narita Express offers a direct route from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station without any transfers
- Journey Time: About 55 minutes
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥3,070 for a one-way ticket or ¥5,000 for a round-trip
- Frequency: Trains depart every 30 minutes during most of the day
- Amenities: Reserved seating with comfortable seats, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi
b. Keisei Skyliner: Fast Train with a Transfer
- Route: First, take the Skyliner to Nippori Station. Then, switch to the JR Yamanote Line to get to Tokyo Station
- Journey Time: The whole trip takes about 50 minutes
- Combined Fare: It costs ¥2,750 in total
- Frequency: You can catch a Skyliner every 20-30 minutes
- Note: While it’s quick, you’ll need to change trains once at Nippori Station
c. Limousine Bus: Direct Bus Service
- Direct Service: The bus takes you straight from the airport to Tokyo Station
- Journey Time: It usually takes 95 minutes, but this depends on traffic
- Fare: A one-way ticket costs ¥3,100
- Frequency: Check the bus schedule for exact times
- Amenities: You’ll have plenty of room to sit and store your luggage
d. Keisei Limited Express and JR Yamanote Line: Budget-Friendly Route
- Route: Take the Limited Express to Nippori Station, then switch to the JR Yamanote Line for Tokyo Station
- Journey Time: The trip takes about 95 minutes
- Combined Fare: You’ll only pay around ¥1,230, making it the cheapest option
- Frequency: Trains run often throughout the day
- Considerations: The trains can get packed during rush hour, and there’s no special space for large bags
Read More: 10 New Changes in Tokyo Tourists Should Know About
2. Narita Airport to Shinjuku
Narita Airport is approximately 82 kilometers from Shinjuku. Here are the 4 best ways to travel between these two points.
a. Narita Express (N’EX): Direct Train to Shinjuku
- Direct Connection: Narita Express is a direct train from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station
- Journey Time: Your trip will take about 1 hour 25 minutes
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥3,250 for a one-way ticket or save money with a ¥5,000 round-trip ticket
- Frequency: A train leaves every 30 minutes during most of the day
- Amenities: You’ll get a comfortable seat with access to power outlets and free Wi-Fi
b. Keisei Skyliner: Fast Train with a Transfer
- Route: First, take the Skyliner to Nippori Station, then switch to the JR Yamanote Line to reach Shinjuku
- Journey Time: Your total trip takes about 1 hour
- Combined Fare: The total cost is ¥2,790
- Frequency: A Skyliner train departs every 20 to 30 minutes
- Considerations: This option is a bit faster but remember you’ll need to change trains at Nippori
c. Limousine Bus: Direct Bus Service
- Direct Service: The bus takes you straight from Narita Airport to Shinjuku
- Journey Time: Your ride typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes, but this can change depending on traffic
- Fare: A ticket costs ¥3,600
- Frequency: Buses leave every 15 to 30 minutes
- Drop-off Points:
- Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku)
- Keio Plaza Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Tokyo
- Shinjuku Washington Hotel
- Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Hilton Tokyo
- Century Southern Tower
- Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
d. Keisei Limited Express and JR Yamanote Line: Budget-Friendly Route
- Route: Take the Keisei Limited Express to Nippori Station, then change to the JR Yamanote Line for Shinjuku
- Journey Time: Your journey will take about 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Combined Fare: You’ll only pay ¥1,270 total
- Frequency: Trains run often throughout the day
- Considerations: These trains are more basic than express trains and don’t have special space for luggage
Read More: 17 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku with My Perfect Itinerary
3. Narita Airport to Shibuya
Narita Airport is located 80 kilometers from Shibuya. Here are 4 convenient ways to get from the airport to Shibuya.
a. Narita Express (N’EX): Direct Train to Shibuya
- Direct Connection: The Narita Express offers a direct route from Narita Airport to Shibuya Station, eliminating the need for transfers
- Journey Time: It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥3,250 for one way or ¥5,000 for a round trip
- Frequency: Trains depart every 30 minutes throughout the day
- Amenities: You’ll get comfortable seats, power outlets to charge your devices, and free Wi-Fi
b. Keisei Skyliner: Fast Train with a Transfer
- Route: First, take the Skyliner to Nippori Station. Then, switch to the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya
- Journey Time: The whole trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Combined Fare: It costs ¥2,790 in total
- Frequency: The Skyliner departs every 20 to 30 minutes
- Considerations: This is faster than the N’EX but you’ll need to change trains once
c. Limousine Bus: Direct Bus Service
- Direct Service: The bus takes you straight from the airport to Shibuya
- Journey Time: Usually takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, but can be longer in traffic
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥3,600
- Frequency: Check the bus schedule for times
- Drop-off Points:
- Shibuya Station
- Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
- Shibuya Mark City
d. Keisei Limited Express and JR Yamanote Line: Budget-Friendly Route
- Route: Take the Keisei Limited Express to Nippori Station, then change to the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya
- Journey Time: Takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes
- Combined Fare: It’s the cheapest option at ¥1,270
- Frequency: Trains run often throughout the day
- Considerations: The trains can get busy during rush hour, and there’s no special space for luggage – you’ll need to keep your bags with you
Read More: 17 Top Things to Do in Shibuya with My Ideal Itinerary
4. Narita Airport to Ueno
Narita Airport is 70 kilometers away from Ueno. Here are 2 easy ways to get to Ueno from the airport.
a. Keisei Skyliner: Fast and Direct Train to Ueno
- Direct Service: The Keisei Skyliner offers a direct connection from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno Station without any transfers
- Journey Time: You’ll reach Ueno in about 50 minutes – it’s the fastest way to get there
- Fare: Your ticket will cost ¥2,580 one-way
- Frequency: You can catch a train every 20-30 minutes throughout the day
- Amenities: You’ll have a comfortable seat with power outlets to charge your devices, and plenty of space for your bags
b. Keisei Access Express: Budget-Friendly Train Option
- Route: Take the Keisei Access Express from Narita Airport to Keisei Ueno Station
- Journey Time: Your trip will take around 70 minutes
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥1,280 one-way, which saves you money
- Frequency: Trains run often throughout the day
- Considerations: While you’ll save money, keep in mind these trains are slower than the Skyliner and have less space for luggage
Read More: Tokyo Itinerary: The Best 7-Day Guide for a Fantastic Trip
5. Narita Airport to Asakusa
From Narita Airport to Asakusa, you’ll need to travel about 65 kilometers. Here are 3 best ways to get there.
a. Keisei Access Express: Direct Train to Asakusa
- Direct Route: The Keisei Access Express offers a direct connection from Narita Airport to Asakusa Station without the need to change trains
- Journey Time: Your trip will take about 1 hour
- Fare: You’ll pay ¥1,380 for a one-way ticket
- Frequency: A train comes every 20-40 minutes, so you won’t wait too long
- Comfort: It’s a regular train, but since you’re getting on at the first stop (Narita), you’ll probably find a seat
b. Keisei Skyliner with Transfer: Fast Option with One Transfer
- Route: First, take the Skyliner to Ueno Station. Then, switch to the Ginza Line subway to get to Asakusa
- Journey Time: You’ll reach Asakusa in about 50 minutes
- Combined Fare: The total cost is ¥2,760
- Frequency: You can catch a Skyliner every 20-30 minutes
- Comfort: The Skyliner has nice seats and space for your bags, but remember you’ll need to change trains at Ueno
c. Keisei Main Line: Budget-Friendly Route
- Route: This train takes you directly to Asakusa, but it’s slower than the Keisei Access Express
- Journey Time: Your journey will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Fare: The cheapest option at ¥1,180 one-way
- Frequency: Trains run often throughout the day
- Comfort: This is a local train without reserved seats, and it can get busy during rush hours. Plus, it don’t have special space for luggage
Read More: 17 Wonderful Things to Do in Asakusa for First-Timers
Train Stations at Narita Airport Terminals
To catch your train at Narita Airport, simply go down to the train stations below each terminal. Here’s your guide:
a. Terminal 1
The train station (Narita Airport Station) is on basement level 1. Follow the train signs to reach escalators and elevators that lead down to the station.
b. Terminal 2 and 3
The train station (Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station) is located under Terminal 2 (basement level 1). From Terminal 3, take the free shuttle bus or use the indoor walkway to reach Terminal 2.
Free Shuttle Bus Service
The bus stops at all terminals in this order: Terminal 1 > Terminal 3 > Terminal 2
Travel Times Between All Terminals:
- Terminal 1 to Terminal 3: About 14 minutes
- Terminal 3 to Terminal 2: About 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 to Terminal 1: About 10 minutes
Direct Bus Between Terminals 1 and 2:
- Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: About 10 minutes
- Terminal 2 to Terminal 1: About 10 minutes
Direct Bus Between Terminals 2 and 3:
- Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: About 6 minutes
- Terminal 3 to Terminal 2: About 3 minutes
Limousine Bus Boarding Points at Narita Airport
Terminal 1
After going through customs, go down to the first-floor arrival area. You can buy your bus tickets at counters in both the North and South Wings.
Your bus will pick you up right outside – just look for the bus stop signs.
Terminal 2
When you finish customs, take the elevator or stairs to the first floor arrival area. Look for ticket counters in front of Zone A and Zone B.
After you buy your ticket, your bus stop is just a short walk outside the building.
Terminal 3
Once you arrive, you’ll see the ticket counter right on the first floor in the main area.
Got your ticket? Great! Just step outside the terminal building – the bus stops are right there waiting for you.
Extra Option: Taxi or Private Transfer
Takes you straight from Narita Airport right to where you need to go.
- Cost: Starts at ¥25,000 – it’s pricey, but can work well if you’re sharing with others
- When Available: You can get a taxi anytime, day or night
- Good to Know: Perfect if you have lots of bags or arrive late at night when trains and buses aren’t running often
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Photo Credit
Photos by PIXTA