Narita International Airport (NRT) is the main international gateway to Japan, but it’s located about 60 km away from central Tokyo. For first-time visitors, figuring out how to get into the city can be confusing.

This guide explains all the options—train (express and regular), bus, taxi, and even Japan’s taxi app GO—so you’ll know exactly how to travel from Narita to your Tokyo destination without stress.

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1. By Train

JR Lines

①Narita Express (N’EX)

• Time: About 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, 90 minutes to Shinjuku/Shibuya
• Price: Around ¥3,000 (reserved seat required)
• Best for: First-time visitors, travelers with large luggage, comfort seekers

How to buy tickets

• At JR East Travel Service Centers in Terminals 1 and 2-3 (open 7:30–21:45)
• Ticket vending machines near JR train gates (English available)
• Online via JR East website

⚠️ Important Notice:

• Narita Express requires two components:
  1. Base Fare Ticket (or IC card such as Suica/PASMO)
  2. Reserved Seat Ticket (must be purchased separately at a counter or machine)
• IC cards alone do not allow entry—you cannot board N’EX with only Suica/PASMO.

💡 Tip: The “N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket” (around ¥4,000) is a bargain for a return trip within 14 days.

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②JR Regular Trains (Rapid/Local)

• Time: About 90 minutes to Tokyo Station
• Price: Around ¥1,340 (no seat reservation)
• Best for: Budget travelers with light luggage

Pros

• Much cheaper than the express train
• No need for reserved seat tickets—just use Suica/PASMO or buy a regular ticket

Cons

• No luggage storage areas
• Can be crowded, especially during rush hours
• No guaranteed seats; you may need to stand for long periods

💡 Tip: Good for backpackers or those who want to save money, but not recommended with heavy suitcases.

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Keisei Lines

①Skyliner

• Time: About 40 minutes to Nippori, 45 minutes to Ueno
• Price: Around ¥2,600 (reserved seat required)
• Best for: Travelers staying in Ueno, Asakusa, or northern Tokyo

How to buy tickets

• At Keisei Skyliner Ticket Counters in each terminal
• Ticket vending machines (English available)
• Online via Keisei official website

⚠️ Important Notice:

• Skyliner also requires two parts:
  1. Base Fare Ticket (or IC card such as Suica/PASMO)
  2. Reserved Seat Ticket (purchased separately)
• Just tapping Suica/PASMO at the gate is not enough. You must also hold a reserved seat ticket.

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②Keisei Access Express / Rapid

• Time: About 65–75 minutes to Asakusa or Shinbashi
• Price: Around ¥1,270
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers

Pros

• Cheapest way into Tokyo
• Can be used with Suica/PASMO directly

Cons

• Commuter-style trains (no luggage racks, limited seating)
• Slower than Skyliner

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2. By Bus

Airport Limousine Bus

• Time: 60–90 minutes (traffic-dependent)
• Price: Around ¥3,200
• Best for: Direct access to major hotels in Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, or Tokyo Disney Resort

How to buy tickets

• At Limousine Bus Ticket Counters in each terminal
• Ticket vending machines near bus stops
• Online in advance

Pros

• Luggage stored under the bus—easy for travelers with heavy bags
• Direct to hotels, no transfers required

Cons

• Slower than trains, affected by traffic

💡 Tip: Ideal if your hotel is one of the official bus drop-off points.

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Late-night Airport Buses

• Available for passengers arriving after midnight
• Direct to major hubs like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku
• More expensive than daytime buses (~¥3,500) but cheaper than taxis

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3. By Taxi

Standard Taxi

• Time: 60–90 minutes (traffic-dependent)
• Price: ¥20,000–30,000 to central Tokyo
• Best for: Groups sharing costs, late-night arrivals

Where to find taxis

• Taxi stands outside each terminal on the arrival floor

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Fixed-fare Taxis

• Many companies offer flat rates from Narita to central Tokyo (e.g., around ¥22,000 to Shinjuku)
• Safer than using the meter during traffic jams

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4. Using the Taxi App “GO”

For more convenience, you can book a taxi through Japan’s largest ride-hailing app “GO” (English available).

• Terminal 1: Boarding at Stop No. 15
• Terminal 2: Boarding at Stop No. 31-A
• Terminal 3: The app will guide you to the correct pickup point

How to use

1. Download the GO app (supports English).
2. Set pickup point (e.g., “Narita Airport Terminal 1, Stop 15”).
3. Enter your destination (e.g., Shinjuku Hotel).
4. The app assigns a taxi and shows driver info.

Detailed instructions for using the Go app are provided below!

How to Use Taxis in Japan: Two Easy Ways for Tourists

Pros

• No need to line up at taxi stands
• Cashless payment (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay) available
• Option for fixed fares or premium taxis

Cons

• Requires internet access (Wi-Fi or SIM card)
• Same cost as regular taxis (¥20,000+)

💡 Tip: Perfect for travelers who don’t speak Japanese and want a guaranteed taxi.

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5. Quick Comparison

Transport	Time	Price	Luggage	Best For
JR Narita Express	60–90 min	~¥3,000	Dedicated racks	First-time visitors, comfort
JR Regular Train	~90 min	~¥1,340	Limited	Budget travelers
Keisei Skyliner	40–45 min	~¥2,600	Racks available	Ueno/Asakusa stays
Keisei Access Express	65–75 min	~¥1,270	Limited	Cheapest option
Airport Limousine Bus	60–90 min	~¥3,200	Stored by staff	Direct to hotels, heavy luggage
Taxi	60–90 min	¥20,000+	Trunk	Groups, late-night arrivals
GO App Taxi	60–90 min	¥20,000+	Trunk	Easy booking, no Japanese needed

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Final Recommendations

• For comfort & convenience (first-time visitors) → Narita Express
• For fastest ride to Ueno/Asakusa → Skyliner
• For budget travelers → JR Regular Train or Keisei Access Express
• For heavy luggage / direct to hotel → Airport Limousine Bus
• For late-night or groups → Taxi or GO App

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👉 With this guide, you’ll never get lost at Narita Airport. Whether you want speed, comfort, or savings, there’s a perfect way to reach Tokyo that matches your travel style.

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