✈️ How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo: Trains, Buses & the Best Routes for Every Budget

Landing at Narita International Airport (NRT) and wondering how to get to Tokyo city center? Don’t worry — Japan makes it incredibly easy (and punctual) to travel from the airport into the heart of the city.

But with options like Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, local trains, airport buses, and even budget-friendly access lines, it can be confusing to choose the right one for your travel style and budget.

In this guide, we break down every major way to get from Narita to Tokyo, including insider tips, cost comparisons, and why Keisei Sky Access to Asakusa is a hidden gem.

🗺️ Quick Overview: Where is Narita Airport?

Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60–80 km (37–50 miles) from central Tokyo. It's farther out than Haneda, so your arrival plan matters — especially if you have luggage, a rail pass, or are arriving late at night.

🚄 Best Train & Bus Options from Narita Airport

Option	Travel Time	Cost (approx.)	To/From	Best For
Narita Express (N’EX)	~60 min	¥3,250 one way	Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku	Comfort, speed, JR Pass users
Keisei Skyliner	~41 min	¥2,570 one way	Ueno, Nippori	Fastest train to north Tokyo
Keisei Sky Access Line	~55 min	¥1,320 one way	Asakusa	Budget travelers, hidden gem
Local Trains	80–100 min	¥1,050–1,300	Anywhere (via transfer)	Budget, not in a rush
Airport Limousine Bus	75–120 min	¥3,100–3,500	Major hotels, stations	Luggage-heavy, door-to-door
Taxi	60–90 min	¥25,000+	Anywhere	Luxury, convenience only
Rental car	60-90 min	Toll: ¥1,000–¥3,000	Anywhere	If you have a place to park or going outside of the city

🚄 1. Narita Express (N’EX): The Comfortable Way In

If you’re headed to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or Yokohama, the Narita Express (N’EX) is your premium choice.

Why N’EX?

• Reserved seats only (great for travelers with luggage)

• Free Wi-Fi and power outlets

• Direct access to major JR stations

• Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass

💰 Cost: ¥3,250 one-way

⏱ Time: Around 60 minutes to Tokyo Station

📍 Where to board: JR East Travel Center inside Terminals 1, 2 & 3

🧠 Pro Tip: If you have a JR Rail Pass, this ride is free — just book your seat at the JR counter upon arrival.

🚊 2. Keisei Skyliner: The Fastest Train to Ueno & Nippori

If you’re staying in Ueno, Nippori, or want to connect to the Yamanote Line quickly, the Keisei Skyliner is a fantastic option.

Why Skyliner?

• Ultra-fast service (up to 160 km/h!)

• Reserved seats with luggage space

• Easy transfers to Tokyo Metro and JR Lines

💰 Cost: ¥2,570

⏱ Time: ~41 minutes to Ueno

📍 Where to board: Keisei Line counters in Terminals 1, 2 & 3

🚉 3. Keisei Sky Access Line to Asakusa: The Hidden Budget Gem

Most tourists don’t realize this — but if you’re headed to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic and vibrant areas, Keisei’s Sky Access Line is direct, cheap, and smooth.

Why It’s Awesome:

• No transfers to reach Asakusa!

• Uses the same tracks as the Skyliner but runs as a limited express

• Way cheaper for the same route

💰 Cost: Only ¥1,320

⏱ Time: About 55 minutes

📍 Board at: Keisei Access Express platform at Narita

🧠 Pro Tip: This is not the same as the regular Keisei Line — look for Access Express or Sky Access Express.

🚎 4. Airport Limousine Bus: Not a Limo, But Convenient

Despite the fancy name, the Airport Limousine is a comfortable coach bus, not a stretch limo. That said, it’s a great option if you’re staying at a major hotel or want a door-to-door ride.

Features:

• No transfers

• Room for large luggage

• Routes to major hotels and stations like Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi, and more

💰 Cost: ¥3,100–¥3,500

⏱ Time: 75–120 minutes (traffic-dependent)

📍 Tickets: Buy at counters in airport arrivals or online

🧠 Pro Tip: Great for families or travelers with multiple bags or mobility concerns.

🚃 5. Local JR or Keisei Trains: Cheapest Way to Tokyo

On a tight budget and don’t mind transfers? You can use local trains on the JR Sobu Line or Keisei Main Line to reach Tokyo for cheap.

💰 Cost: ¥1,050–¥1,300

⏱ Time: 80–100+ minutes

📍 Transfers Required: Usually 1–2 to get to central Tokyo

🧠 Pro Tip: Ideal for travelers staying along these lines or near Narita City.

💳 Need a Suica or Pasmo Card First?

Before you board any train or bus, we strongly recommend getting an IC card like Suica or Pasmo. These reloadable cards make navigating Japanese transport effortless — no paper tickets, just tap and go!

🎟️ Where to Get Suica at Narita Airport:

• JR East Travel Service Centers in Terminals 1, 2, and 3

• Machines labeled "IC Card" or "Suica" (English available)

👉 Read Our Full Guide to Suica vs Pasmo Here (IC card article)

📍 Which Option Is Best Based on Where You're Staying?

Destination Area	Best Transport Option
Asakusa	Keisei Sky Access (¥1,320)
Tokyo Station	Narita Express (¥3,250)
Ueno	Keisei Skyliner (¥2,570)
Shibuya	Narita Express (via Tokyo Station)
Shinjuku	Narita Express
Ginza	Limousine Bus or Narita Express
Ikebukuro	Narita Express
Nippori	Keisei Skyliner

👉 Explore Tokyo Neighborhoods (“Things to Do in Shinjuku”, “Where to Stay in Asakusa”)

🧠 Final Tips for First-Time Arrivals

• Arriving late? Some train services stop around midnight — check the last train times

• Luggage-heavy? Consider Limousine Bus or N’EX with reserved seats

• Staying more than 28 days? Get a standard Suica instead of a tourist card

  
  

🧳 Plan Ahead

✅ If you are considering getting the JR Rail Pass, please keep in mind to ORDER at least 2-4 weeks prior to your travel date.

📌 Related Travel Guides Coming Soon

• 👉 Suica vs Pasmo: Which IC Card is Best?

• 👉 Tokyo Neighborhoods: Where to Stay First Time

• 👉 Japan Rail Pass vs Regional Passes: Which Saves More?

• 👉 How to Use Public Transport in Japan Like a Local