Even though Narita Airport is one of Tokyo’s two airports, it’s not very close to Tokyo. The airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, around 80km (50 miles) from Central Tokyo. Luckily, it’s pretty well-connected, and there are multiple options to get to different parts of Tokyo in between 40 and 90 minutes (depending on traffic and where you need to go).
To help you plan for your arrival, we made this guide with everything you need to know about travel options, times and costs. We’ve also included options for getting to different parts of Tokyo, so you can get to your hotel quickly after arriving.
Overview: Getting to Tokyo From Narita Airport
As Narita Airport is a bit further from Central Tokyo compared to Haneda Airport, you will want to plan ahead on how to get to your hotel in Tokyo. Especially after a long international flight, the last thing you’d want to do is stress about which train, bus or taxi to get.
Using the Keisei Skyliner Express Train is one of the most convenient, most affordable and fastest ways to get to Ueno and East Tokyo from Narita Airport. From Ueno, you can also transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which loops around Tokyo, taking you to some of the main hotspots around the city. As it’s an airport-specific train, there is space for luggage. You do need a reservation to board this train, so it’s best to book in advance (book here).
The Limousine Airport Bus go straight from Narita Airport to some of the major train stations and hotels in Tokyo (see all stops here). They are a convenient and comfortable option if you’re staying near any of these stops. You can also take up to two pieces of luggage (up to 30kg each) per person on these buses.
Local trains are a more budget-friendly option, but they can get quite crowded during rush hour, and it’s not very convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Alternatively, there are low-cost buses that take you from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and Ginza Station.
Getting a taxi or private transfer is a lot more expensive, especially since Narita Airport is so far from Tokyo. However, it will get you straight to your hotel. When travelling with family, a larger group or with a lot of luggage, it could be worth booking a taxi instead. Also, if you’re arriving late and public transport isn’t running anymore, a taxi could be your only option (unless you don’t mind staying in a hotel at the airport).
Here is a quick summary of the average price and time needed to reach Central Tokyo from Narita Airport by train, bus or taxi:
| Transport | Best For | Travel Time | Average Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner (Express Train) | Fastest way from Narita Airport to East Tokyo | 40–50 minutes | ¥2,580 | Fastest and easiest way to get to Ueno (where you can transfer to other lines to other areas of Tokyo) |
| Narita Express/N’EX (Express Train) | Quick way to get to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya or Shinjuku. | 50–90 minutes | ¥3,070–¥3,250 | Fastest and easiest way to get to Tokyo Station. Round trip for ¥5,000 within 14 days. |
| Local Trains (Keisei Main Line or JR Sōbu Line) | Cheapest way from Narita Airport to Tokyo | 75-100+ minutes | ¥1,000–¥1,500 | While being the cheapest way into the city, using the commuter trains with luggage can be very inconvenient (especially during rush hour). Plus, you may have to make some transfers. |
| Airport Limousine Bus | Convenient and comfortable way to some major train stations and hotels | 60–120 minutes | ¥3,100–¥3,600 | Stops at certain major train stations and hotels, so perfect if you’re staying near any of these. Two pieces of luggage per person allowed on the bus too. |
| LCB (Low-Cost Bus) | Budget travel option (ideal if you’re staying near Tokyo Station or Ginza) | 60–90+ minutes | ¥1,500–¥2,500 | Fewer stops compared to other options, but include Tokyo Station and Ginza. Delays during rush hour can be quite long. |
| Taxi (Private Transfer) | Families, larger groups, travellers with a lot of luggage or those arriving late (after midnight) | 40–80 minutes | ¥23,500–¥35,000+ | Best to book in advance or look for fixed-fair taxis at the airport. It’s possible to pre-book a shared taxi for solo travellers. Toll road fees may be added separately for taxis without fixed fare. |
We have a separate guide on how to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport and how to transfer from Narita to Haneda.
How to Get to Tokyo From Narita Airport?
The distance from Narita to Central Tokyo may be greater than from Haneda, but all the main areas are still easily accessible despite the longer journey. You just need to allow a bit more time to make your way into the city.
It’s also important to note that Narita Station is NOT the same as Narita Airport Station. Narita Station is around 8km away from the airport, so don’t get off too early.
Before choosing how to get into the city, however, it helps to know where you’re staying. Tokyo is large, so the best routes and transport options from Narita Airport vary depending on the district.
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Train
From Narita Airport, there are several trains to reach Tokyo. Below, we’ve explained the different routes.
The JR Pass only works on the JR Lines (N’EX/Narita Express & JR Sōbu Line). However, it may not be the best use of the pass to activate it right away. Unless you are planning to use the JR Pass to continue travelling on to other areas in Japan on the day you arrive, it’s better to pay for your transport to Tokyo separately.
It’s worth checking whether or not the JR Pass is worth it for your itinerary anyway, as it’s usually cheaper to use different passes or get individual tickets now that the prices of the pass have increased so much.
1. Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is the most expensive but fastest among the Keisei lines. It departs from both train stations within Narita Airport and takes 41 minutes to Keisei-Ueno Station (only 36 minutes to Nippori Station). The last Keisei Skyliner trains run from around 7:30am to 11pm.
Tickets cost about ¥2,580 one-way and can be purchased at Keisei counters, vending machines and online. By booking them in advance online, you can get a 10% discount (book them here). All seats on the Keisei Skyliner are reserved, so you need a ticket; an IC card alone is not sufficient.
2. N’EX (Narita Express)
The Narita Express (N’EX) runs directly from Narita Airport to major hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya. The journey takes around 55 minutes to Tokyo Station and about 80 minutes to Shinjuku, with trains departing roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Tickets cost ¥3,070 for a regular (not first-class) one-way trip to Tokyo Station, and ¥3,250 for a one-way ticket to Shibuya, Shinjuku or Shinagawa Station. Similar to the Keisei Skyliner, an IC card alone is not sufficient to pay for the trip. All seats are reserved, so an extra ticket is needed.
For short-term visitors, a discounted round-trip ticket for ¥5,000 is available, which is valid for 14 days from the first usage. Tickets can be purchased at JR counters, vending machines or online.
3. Narita Sky Access Line
The Narita Sky Access Line is another Keisei-operated route linking Narita Airport with Central Tokyo, running directly to Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree). It’s a good option if you are staying around Asakusa or Nihombashi. The fastest trains on this line take about 60 to 70 minutes to reach Tokyo. A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300.
4. Keisei Main Line
The Keisei Main Line is one of the most budget-friendly options to get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo. Trains run between Narita Airport and Ueno, with a stop at Nippori. From both Ueno and Nippori, you have convenient access to many other lines, including the JR Yamanote Line.
A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,000, making it significantly cheaper than the Keisei Skyliner or the Narita Express. Seats are not reserved, so you can simply buy a ticket from a vending machine at the airport or use an IC card like Suica. The journey to Nippori and Ueno takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the train type.
5. JR Sōbu Line
The JR Sōbu Line (Rapid Service) is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner. A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300, with an estimated travel time of about 90 minutes to Central Tokyo.
IC cards are available at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3 Station. You can also add it to your Apple Wallet if you use an iPhone. The difference between the regular green Suica and red Welcome Suica is that you can only use the Welcome Suica for 28 days (and you don’t need to put a ¥500 deposit down).
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Bus
When getting from Narita to Tokyo by bus, you have two options. One is to take the Airport Limousine Bus, the other is to go by low-cost bus (LCB). Both depart from any of the three terminals at Narita Airport.
1. Airport Limousine Bus
The advantage of the Airport Limousine Bus is the number of stops along the way to bigger stations such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. As the Airport Limousine buses also stop directly at many major hotels, it’s worth checking the available routes online in advance. Reservations can also be made online, though they are usually not necessary.
As of 2026, a one-way ticket for the Airport Limousine Bus from Narita to Tokyo costs between ¥3,100 and ¥3,600.
2. Low-Cost Bus (LCB)
If you find the Airport Limousine Bus too expensive, you can opt for one of the low-cost buses (LCB). Low-cost buses do not offer as many stop options, but they can save you quite a bit of money.
Tickets for the LCB to Tokyo Station and Ginza cost ¥1,500. Late at night and early in the morning, however, the fare rises to around ¥3,000, bringing it close to that of the Airport Limousine Bus.
The frequency of buses and travel time vary depending on your destination within Tokyo. In total, the journey will usually take a little over an hour up to around two hours. Delays are particularly common during the morning and evening rush hours on working days.
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Taxi
As Narita Airport is quite far from Central Tokyo, the cost of taxis is quite high, but they can still be a good option if you’re travelling with family, a larger group, have a lot of luggage or are arriving late. Plus, a taxi will bring you directly to your hotel without you having to transfer or drag your luggage around.
If your flight arrives late, you may also miss the last train/bus (most of them stop running sometime between 11 pm and midnight). A taxi may be your only option, unless you want to stay overnight at Narita Airport and make your way to the city in the morning. I’ve taken a taxi to Narita Airport in the past when cutting it a bit too close time-wise, and while expensive, it was very convenient.
You can reach most areas in Tokyo by taxi in around 40 to 80 minutes, depending on location and traffic. Prices range from ¥22,000 to ¥35,000+. It’s best to book a taxi in advance so you know how much you’re going to pay. This way, you’re not caught off guard by any toll or late-night fees, and you know exactly how much it will cost.
Conclusion: Getting to Tokyo From Narita Airport
In conclusion, there is no single best way to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport. The best choice for you will depend on what time you arrive, how big your group is, how many pieces of luggage you have with you and your budget. Lucky enough, there are multiple train and bus routes you can take, or pre-book a private transfer to get you straight to your hotel.
Compared to Haneda Airport, Narita’s location is less convenient. However, we always recommend looking at what flights work best for you, time- and budget-wise, rather than looking at what airport you’re flying to. You can also consider looking at other airports in Japan, depending on your itinerary, like Kansai or Fukuoka.
Now you know how to get to Tokyo, you can also use our guides to spending 6-days Tokyo and the best things to do in Tokyo at night to start planning your time in the city. Happy travelling!
