Researched guide · Checked on Nov 11, 2026
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Narita Airport is about 60 km east of central Tokyo, farther than Haneda, but there are fast trains and cheap buses into the city. The best choice depends on where you are staying and how much luggage you have.
Quick answer
Staying around Ueno or Asakusa? Take the Keisei Skyliner, as little as 36 minutes to Nippori.
Going to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku or Shibuya? The Narita Express runs there without a change.
On a budget, or carrying big suitcases? The Airport Bus TYO-NRT to Tokyo Station or Ginza costs ¥1,500 during the day.
Already at the airport? Follow our step-by-step guide for when you just landed: cash, an IC card, an eSIM, the trip into the city and your hotel area.
Quick comparison
| Option | Goes to | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner | Nippori and Ueno | The fastest train. Good for Ueno, Asakusa and the east side |
| Narita Express (N’EX) | Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya and more | No transfer to many big stations. All seats reserved |
| Keisei Access Express | Nihombashi, Shimbashi, Shinagawa and more | Cheaper, with no limited express fee |
| Airport bus TYO-NRT | Tokyo Station and Ginza | The cheapest. Good if you have big suitcases |
Keisei Skyliner
The Skyliner connects Narita Airport with Nippori and Ueno in as little as 36 minutes. All seats are reserved. From Nippori you can change to the JR Yamanote Line, and Ueno is close to Asakusa and Akihabara. Keisei also sells Skyliner tickets bundled with a Tokyo Subway Ticket.
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Narita Express (N’EX)
JR East’s Narita Express runs directly to Tokyo Station in about an hour, and some trains continue to Shinjuku, Shibuya and other stations without a change. All seats are reserved. You can buy tickets at the JR ticket office and at ticket machines in the airport stations.
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Keisei Access Express
A cheaper train with no extra fee. Many trains run through onto the Toei Asakusa Line, with a direct connection to Nihombashi, Shimbashi and Shinagawa. It takes longer than the Skyliner, but you can pay with an IC card.
Airport bus
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT runs between Narita Airport, Tokyo Station and Ginza. A one-way ticket costs ¥1,500 during the day, and early morning and late night buses cost more. The fastest trip to Tokyo Station takes about 65 minutes, but traffic can make it longer.
Before you leave the airport
- Get an IC card or Welcome Suica at the airport station. See how to ride trains in Tokyo.
- Get some cash from an ATM. See our money guide.
- Pick up your SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi if you booked one. See staying connected in Tokyo.
- Taxis from Narita to central Tokyo are very expensive. A train or bus is almost always better.
Arriving late at night
Trains and buses from Narita stop running in the late evening, and on some routes the last departure is quite early. If your flight lands late, check the last departure times before you fly, and consider a hotel near the airport for the first night.
Before you fly, check whether you need a visa: see Japan visa requirements.
FAQ
How long does it take from Narita Airport to central Tokyo?
The Skyliner takes as little as 36 minutes to Nippori, the Narita Express about an hour to Tokyo Station, and the Airport Bus TYO-NRT at least 65 minutes to Tokyo Station, depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT costs ¥1,500 one way during the day. The Keisei Access Express is also cheaper than the Skyliner because it has no limited express fee.
Can I use a Suica card from Narita Airport?
Yes. You can pay with an IC card such as Suica on the Access Express and local trains, and on the airport bus. The Skyliner and the Narita Express need a reserved seat ticket.
Should I take a taxi from Narita?
Usually not. Narita is far from central Tokyo, so taxis are very expensive. A train or bus is almost always the better choice.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit. Timetables, fares and dates can change, so please check before you go. Facts last checked against official sources on November 11, 2026.
