Narita Airport to Tokyo city, distance and how to go?

In this article, we will share with you a detailed guide on how to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo, a city full of life and culture that we have had the privilege to explore on several occasions during our travels through Japan.

Imagine arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun, ready to immerse yourself in a unique experience, full of discoveries and emotions. Narita Airport is the starting point of this adventure, and we are here to help you start this journey on the right foot.

From the excitement of setting foot on Japanese soil to your determination to explore every corner of this fascinating metropolis, we will guide you step by step so you can get to Tokyo in the easiest and most exciting way possible.

Narita Airport Facts (IATA code, distance, and more)

• IATA code: NRT
• It is located 60 km from Tokyo and is located in Chiba Prefecture.
• It was opened on May 20, 1978.
• It is the busiest airport in Japan.
• It is the main hub of several Japanese airlines.

How to move between Narita Airport terminals?

The airport has three terminals, each divided into International and Domestic. To check your luggage, it is important to locate the terminal used by your airline so that you go directly there. There will be plenty of signs for this, and if you go by taxi, the driver will ask you which is your airline to drop you off where it suits you best.

Also, to move between terminals, you have the following options:

• To go from terminal 2 to 3 and vice versa, you can walk, as there is a 650-meter corridor, which in about 15 minutes of walking takes us from one terminal to another.
• Terminal 1, on the other hand, is separated from the other two, in this case, you have to take the “Free Terminal Shuttle Bus”, which is yellow, to go from terminal 3 or 2 it takes about 10 minutes, and they run quite regularly.

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Arrival of international flights: international area

If you are not going to enter Japan

In the case of having an international connection at Narita Airport, which means that you are not going to enter Japan, it is not necessary to go through immigration control.

If you are going to enter Japan

In case you arrive to stay in Japan, the first thing to do is to pass the passport review. Before traveling, remember that you must fill out the Visit Japan form.

For the passport review step: they put a sticker on your passport, take a photo of you, and you’re done. Welcome to Japan!

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The last step is: to pick up your luggage and head to the exit. On some occasions, we have had reviews, but they have always been very friendly.

Shops and restaurants at Narita Airport

Most likely, upon arrival, you will not need to go to the restaurant or shops at the airport.

We thought that until the following happened to us: we had an Airbnb reserved and landed early (before noon) at Narita Airport, supposedly we could take possession of the apartment after arriving. But this did not happen, when we had the internet signal at the airport, I received a message saying that, “the apartment will not be available until 7 pm (or something like that)”.

Feeling hungry, we went to see the options of restaurants and cafés, which are quite a few, and that saved us to be able to eat and pass the time a bit.

Something you might need to visit is the post office. On several occasions, we have received Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM with the option to pick it up at the airport. It’s very practical.

How to go to the center of Tokyo city from Narita Airport?

There are many options to get to Tokyo, some are more expensive than others, others impossible if you have a lot of luggage, here they go:

Take the NEX (JR Narita Express)

💴 PRICE: between ¥3,070 (one way) and ¥5,000 (round trip) yen (included in the JR Pass)
⏳ DURATION: 53 minutes (to Tokyo station)
✅ Book here

The journey from Narita to Tokyo lasts approximately one hour. The ticket costs between 3,070 and 4,320 yen (one way, depending on the destination station), but if you manage to activate the JR Pass upon arrival, then it will be included.

When the train arrives at Narita, you have to wait a bit for them to clean the train. Important fact: the seats can be turned so that if four people go together, they can be accommodated well (face to face).

The Narita Express or N’EX connects Narita Airport with different points such as Tokyo station, Sinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Ofuna.

JR Sobu Line

💴 PRICE: ¥1,340 (one way)
⏳ DURATION: 90 minutes (to Tokyo station)

This is a local train that is half an hour slower than the NEX to reach Tokyo station and costs about 1340 yen. Departures every hour. If you are going to use the subway afterward, we advise you to get a Suica or Pasmo card.

Keisei Skyliner

💴 PRICE: ¥2,470 (one way)
⏳ DURATION: 40 minutes (to Ueno station)
✅ Book here

This train does not pass through Tokyo station, but it arrives at Ueno station, where many people have their accommodation reserved. It takes about 40 minutes for the Skyliner.

Like on the Narita Express, on this train, you will find a space to put your luggage, so it is very convenient in case you come with a lot of luggage.

Keisei Access Express

💴 PRICE: ¥1,480 (Keisei Access Express)
⏳ DURATION: 1 hour 20 minutes (to Keisei Ueno station)

💴 PRICE: ¥1,030 (Keisei Rapid Limited Express)
⏳ DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes (to Keisei Ueno station)

The Keisei Access Express (and the Rapid Limited Express) are trains operated, like the Skyliner, by Keisei Electric Railway. There are two or up to three services every hour.

With the Keisei Access Express, you can travel between Narita and Keisei Ueno station in 1 hour 20 minutes, while the Rapid Limited Express makes more stops, but it will be cheaper.

Limousine Bus

💴 PRICE: ¥3,100 (one way)
⏳ DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on your destination)
✅ Book here

While express trains can take you to Tokyo city in the shortest time possible, the limousine bus can be a more convenient and stress-free option to reach your hotel. These buses operate from all terminals and make direct stops at many of Tokyo’s major hotels.

You can find the complete list of limousine bus stops on their official website. With several buses every hour, the travel time to most hotels in Tokyo is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

TYO-NRT Bus (Tokyo Shuttle and Access Narita)

💴 PRICE: ¥1,300 (one way)
⏳ DURATION: 1 hour 15 minutes (to Tokyo station)

This bus takes you from the three airport terminals to Tokyo Station and then to Ginza. Unlike the limousine bus, it does not make intermediate stops. Bus tickets are purchased at the airport counters.

Taxi

💴 PRICE: ¥30,000 (one way)
⏳ DURATION: depending on the time and destination

Taxis are available at Narita Airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Like a private transfer, they offer comfort and flexibility for your trip. However, keep in mind that taxis in Japan are expensive, and the trip from Narita Airport to Tokyo can easily cost ¥30,000. Note that you can pay by card.

We had to use this service upon arriving after midnight at the airport due to a flight delay, we could no longer take trains or buses. Keep in mind that you should have the written address of the place you want to go to hand, as the taxi driver will probably speak little English.

Also, it is important to mention that there is an additional charge for trips made after 10 P.M.

Private Transfer

💴 PRICE: from 160 euros (one way)
⏳ DURATION: depending on the time and destination
✅ Book here

Another option, similar to a taxi, is the private transfer. In this option, they will be waiting for you at the airport. Take this option into account if you are traveling in a large group or if you are carrying a lot of luggage.

What do I do if I arrive very late and don’t want to use a taxi?

If you arrive very late and prefer not to use a taxi, an excellent option is to stay at the Nine Hours capsule hotel.

Here you can rest comfortably while waiting for the trains to start operating. Capsule hotels offer a unique and economical experience, ideal for those who need a place to spend the night quickly and conveniently.

How to go from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport?

There are several options for getting from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport:

If you have a JR Pass and are looking for a quick option, we recommend combining the JR Narita Express with the Keikyu line. If you do not have a JR Pass, direct trains operated by Keisei and Keikyu companies are your best option. These trains, known as “Access Express” or “Airport Kaitoku”, will take you from Narita to Haneda in approximately 90 minutes, offering you a quick and efficient way to reach your destination.

For those who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable option, the bus is an excellent alternative. With transfers lasting between 65 and 85 minutes, and departures every 15–20 minutes, although keep in mind that the transfer time will depend on traffic.

Finally, if you are looking for maximum comfort and do not mind spending more, you can take a taxi between both airports. Although it is more expensive than other options, taxis operate 24 hours a day and provide you with the flexibility to travel at any time.

Arrival in Tokyo

If you arrive at Tokyo station, you face one of the largest stations in the city. Quite a challenge. From there you will have to take the subway, so take a look at the article we have prepared to explain how to use the Tokyo subway.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Narita to Tokyo journey

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip and getting from the airport to Tokyo.

Remember that exploring Japan is an unforgettable experience, full of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. If you would like to discover more about this fascinating destination, we invite you to explore our travel guide to Japan, where you will find tips, recommendations, and much more to make the most of your adventure.

Whether you are excited to explore the bustling neighborhoods of Tokyo or eager to discover the hidden charms of this country, we are here to help you every step of the way.

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