Narita Airport is about 60–80 km from central Tokyo, so the best route depends on your destination, luggage, arrival time, and budget. Most travelers should use a train or airport bus rather than a taxi.
Best options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Typical time | Approximate one-way fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N’EX) | Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama | 55–90 min | Around ¥3,000–¥3,500 |
| Keisei Skyliner | Ueno, Nippori, easy transfer to northern/eastern Tokyo | 36–45 min to Nippori/Ueno | Around ¥2,500–¥2,700 |
| Airport limousine bus | Major hotels, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and other hubs | 60–120+ min | Usually ¥1,500–¥3,600 |
| Regular Keisei trains | Cheapest rail option, Asakusa area | 60–90 min | Roughly ¥1,200–¥1,600 |
| Taxi | Groups, lots of luggage, very late arrival | 60–120+ min | Often ¥25,000–¥35,000 including tolls |
Times vary considerably with traffic and your exact destination.
Which one should you take?
For Tokyo Station: Take the Narita Express for the simplest direct train journey. A lower-cost airport bus may also be convenient, especially if its stop is close to your accommodation.
For Shinjuku or Shibuya: The Narita Express is usually easiest because many services continue directly to these stations. Check the train’s destination before boarding.
For Ueno: Take the Keisei Skyliner. It is generally the fastest central-Tokyo option.
For Asakusa: A Keisei Access Express or other through-service may reach the area without requiring a major transfer. Check the departure board carefully because Keisei operates several service types.
For Ginza or a major hotel: An airport limousine bus can be more comfortable with heavy luggage, provided it stops near your hotel.
Buying tickets at Narita
Follow signs in the arrivals area for Trains or Buses.
- Buy Narita Express tickets from JR ticket machines or the JR service counter.
- Buy Skyliner tickets from Keisei machines or counters.
- Buy bus tickets at airport bus counters or machines before going to the bus stop.
- Regular commuter trains can generally be paid for with a rechargeable Suica or PASMO transit card.
The Narita Express and Skyliner require a specific limited-express ticket and seat reservation; tapping an IC card alone is not enough.
Narita has rail stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2·3. If you arrive at Terminal 3, follow signs or use the terminal shuttle/walkway to the Terminal 2 rail station.
Practical recommendation
With moderate luggage and no special constraints, choose:
- Narita Express for Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya
- Skyliner for Ueno, Nippori, or connections via the Yamanote Line
- Airport bus when it stops directly at your hotel or nearby
- Taxi only when splitting the cost among several people, carrying substantial luggage, or arriving after public transport ends
Before leaving the arrivals hall, confirm the day’s last departure if you land late at night. Train and bus fares and schedules can change, so use the airport departure boards and ticket machines for the current details.