Narita Airport is roughly 70 km from central Tokyo, but don't let that put you off — there are fast, affordable, and well-signposted options for every budget. Whether you're holding a JR Pass or travelling independently, you'll be checking in to your hotel faster than you expect.
Getting into Tokyo with the JR Pass
If you already have an activated JR Pass, getting into Tokyo from Narita is free and effortless — just board the Narita Express (N'EX) and your pass covers the full fare. The N'EX is equipped with large luggage racks, reserved seating, free WiFi, and live screens showing flight and transfer information — exactly what you want after a long-haul flight.
To ride the N'EX with your JR Pass:
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Exchange your JR Pass voucher at the JR East Travel Service Center in the arrivals lobby (Terminal 1 or 2) if you haven't already done so.
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Make a free seat reservation at the ticket counter or a green-screen machine — reservations are mandatory on the N'EX.
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Head to the platform and take your seat — the N'EX departs approximately every 30 minutes.
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Arrive at your station in 53–80 minutes, depending on your stop.
The N'EX stops at all major Tokyo stations: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. From any of those, you can connect to local JR lines (also covered by your pass) to reach your accommodation.
Travelling onward to Kyoto or Osaka? Take the N'EX to Tokyo Station, then transfer directly to the Tokaido Shinkansen. See the full routing in the "Narita to Kyoto and Osaka" section below.
Getting into Tokyo without the JR Pass
You may prefer to save your JR Pass for later in your trip rather than "spend" a day of validity on the airport transfer. In that case, you have several solid options.
Fast and Comfortable: Narita Express (N'EX)
Even without a JR Pass, the Narita Express is still the most reliable and comfortable way into central Tokyo. Current one-way fares:\
- Tokyo Station: ¥3,070
- Shinagawa / Shibuya / Shinjuku: ¥3,250
- Yokohama: ¥4,370
N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket
If you're flying in and out of Narita within 14 days, the N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket is a smart buy. It costs ¥5,000 for the pair (adults), valid for any Tokyo-area destination — saving around ¥1,500–¥2,500 compared to buying two separate one-way fares. Purchase it at JR East Travel Service Centers or reserved-seat ticket machines (not available at regular green-window counters).
Fast and Affordable: Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner runs between Narita Airport and Keisei Ueno Station in just 41 minutes — actually faster than the N'EX for its specific route. The one-way fare is ¥2,470, making it both quicker and cheaper than the N'EX if Ueno is close to your accommodation. It's a natural fit for neighbourhoods like Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno, and Nippori.
Skyliner + Tokyo Subway Combo Ticket
One of the best value options in Tokyo: bundle your Skyliner ride with unlimited Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway access for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This is ideal if you're arriving without a JR Pass and plan to use the subway on your first day — the combo saves around ¥300–500 compared to buying both separately. Buy it at the Keisei Airport Station counter on arrival.
Budget Option: Airport Bus TYO-NRT
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT (formerly known as The Access Narita and Tokyo Shuttle, now merged into one service) is the cheapest way to get from Narita to central Tokyo. The one-way fare is ¥1,500, with departures to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Journey time is approximately 65–90 minutes, depending on traffic, though highway congestion can push that higher during peak hours. Tickets are available at the Keisei Bus counter in the arrivals lobby — no booking required.
Note: There is no WiFi or toilet on board, and you'll likely need a short taxi or subway ride from the drop-off point to your accommodation.
Budget Train: Keisei Limited Express
The Keisei Limited Express is a regular commuter train — no reserved seats, no surcharges — that runs between Narita Airport and Keisei Ueno Station for around ¥1,270 one-way. Journey time is approximately 75 minutes. It's a perfectly comfortable ride for budget travellers who don't mind standing during busy periods or making one transfer. At the ticket counter, just ask for "Limited Express" — not the Skyliner — to avoid accidentally buying the pricier ticket.
JR Local Train: JR also operates local services from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (via the Sobu Line) for approximately ¥1,320 one-way, though the journey takes 90–120 minutes and involves at least one transfer.
Limousine Bus
Airport Limousine buses provide a comfortable, door-to-door option from Narita to major hotels and transport hubs across Tokyo. Fares start from around ¥3,100 per person, and routes cover hotels that the express trains don't reach directly. If you're staying at a larger hotel — especially in areas like Shinjuku or Marunouchi — it's worth checking whether your property has a scheduled limousine service. Booking in advance is recommended on busy travel days.
Taxi
With Narita sitting roughly 70 km from central Tokyo, taxi fares typically run ¥16,000–¥30,000+ one-way, and highway tolls are added on top of the metered fare [original article]. Taxis are generally only worth considering if you're travelling in a large group, splitting the cost, or if you have a genuine logistical reason that the train options don't cover.
Helicopter
For the adventurous (or the expense-account crowd): helicopter flights from Narita to central Tokyo take around 20 minutes, with direct options to Hakone and the Fuji area also available. An unforgettable way to arrive — and the price tag ensures you'll remember it.
Getting from Narita to Kyoto and Osaka
If your final destination is Kyoto or Osaka, you don't need to stop overnight in Tokyo. The most efficient route is a simple two-leg journey:
Step 1 — Narita → Tokyo Station: Take the N'EX (covered by JR Pass, or ~¥3,070 without) to Tokyo Station in 53 minutes.
Step 2 — Tokyo Station → Kyoto / Osaka: Board the Hikari Shinkansen (fully covered by JR Pass) directly at Tokyo Station.
Both legs are covered under a single JR Pass, making this one of the most seamless international-to-destination airport routes in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
It depends on your transport choice. The cheapest option is the Airport Bus TYO-NRT at ¥1,500. The most popular fast option — the Narita Express — costs ¥3,070 to Tokyo Station. JR Pass holders ride the N'EX for free.
2. What is the cheapest way from Narita to Tokyo?
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT at ¥1,500 one-way is the cheapest single option. If you also need a train, the Keisei Limited Express at ~¥1,270 is the cheapest rail option and takes about 75 minutes.
3. Is the Narita Express covered by the JR Pass?
Yes — the N'EX is fully covered by the JR Pass at no additional cost. You do need a free seat reservation, which you can make at the JR East Travel Service Center or a reserved-seat ticket machine at the airport.
4. Can I save money on the N'EX if I don't have a JR Pass?
Yes. The N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket (¥5,000) saves ¥1,500–¥2,500 compared to two individual fares, and is valid for 14 days. It's available to tourists at JR East Travel Service Centers.
5. Is the Keisei Skyliner faster than the Narita Express?
On its specific route (Narita → Ueno), the Skyliner is faster at 41 minutes vs. the N'EX's 53–65 minutes to Tokyo Station. However, the N'EX stops at more central locations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa), so the "best" choice depends on where you're heading.
6. How long does the bus take from Narita to Tokyo?
The Airport Bus TYO-NRT takes approximately 65 minutes in light traffic to Tokyo Station, but can reach 90+ minutes during rush hours or when the expressway is congested.
7. Can I get from Narita directly to Kyoto or Osaka without stopping in Tokyo?
You pass through Tokyo Station rather than stopping overnight. Take the N'EX to Tokyo Station, then connect directly to the Shinkansen — total journey time to Kyoto is around 3h 45min, and to Osaka around 4h.
