In Tokyo, you’ll find two main airports: Haneda, located within Tokyo, and Narita, situated in Chiba Prefecture.
While Haneda offers proximity and convenience to Tokyo, Narita, due to its considerable distance, has various transportation options connecting it to Tokyo city.
- Tokyo Airport “Narita VS Haneda” : Tokyo Airports: Narita vs. Haneda
“Various Ways to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo City”
Japan and Korea share similarities, but one notable difference is Japan’s privatized railway system, with railway companies operating in various regions.
Here’s a brief overview of transportation options:
- JR Express “Narita Express (N’EX)”
- JR Rapid “Airport Narita”
- Keisei Express “Skyliner”
- Keisei Express “Access Express”
- Keisei Main Line
- Chinen Bus “TYO-NRT”
- Airport Limousine Bus
- Taxi
Splitting them briefly, two railway companies provide a range of trains, complemented by airport buses.
“JR Narita Express (N’EX)”
Narita Express is JR’s fastest train, connecting major Tokyo stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. While boasting impressive speed (55 minutes to Tokyo Station), it comes at a relatively high cost—3,150 yen for a one-way trip or 4,000 yen for a round-trip ticket.
It features power outlets on board, catering to passengers’ charging needs.
“JR Narita Express”
- Fare: 3,150 yen (one way) / 4,000 yen (round trip for travelers)
- Time: 55 minutes to Tokyo Station, 80 minutes to Shinjuku Station
- Departure Points: Terminal 1 “Narita Airport Station,” Terminals 2/3 “Airport Terminal 2 Station”
“JR Rapid, Airport Narita”
Another JR-operated train, the “Airport Narita” is a semi-express train with more stops, offering a slower yet more budget-friendly option.
“JR Airport Narita”
- Fare: 1,317 yen (one way to Tokyo Station)
- Time: 1 hour 35 minutes to Tokyo Station / 1 hour 50 minutes to Shinagawa
“Keisei Skyliner”
Operated by Keisei, the Skyliner is one of Japan’s fastest trains (excluding Shinkansen). While it boasts speed, it doesn’t terminate at Tokyo Station but rather stops in the northern part of Tokyo city at Ueno, which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the destination.
“Keisei Skyliner”
- Fare: 2,470 yen (one way to Ueno Station)
- Route: Ueno – Nippori – Airport Terminal 2 – Narita Airport Station (stops at only 4 stations)
- Fastest train for the mentioned 4 segments
“Keisei Express, Sky Access”
The Keisei Express, Sky Access, provides a reasonably priced alternative with a speed comparable to an express train. Notably, it connects Narita and Haneda airports.
“Keisei Express, Sky Access”
- Fare: 1,320 yen (to Nihonbashi Station)
- Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Connects Narita and Haneda airports (1 hour 30 minutes to Haneda Airport)
“Keisei Main Line Express”
Keisei Main Line Express is a standard train, lacking distinctive features compared to the express trains.
“Chinen Bus: TYO-NRT”
For those preferring buses, the TYO-NRT bus, commonly known as the Thousand Yen Bus, offers a simple and affordable option. It used to be operated by various companies but is now consolidated under the “TYO-NRT” route.
Japan’s expressways have high tolls, making driving relatively expensive. However, traffic is lighter, resulting in faster travel times than estimated (around 80-90 minutes from Tokyo city to Narita Airport).
“Airport Limousine Bus”
Distinct from the Thousand Yen Bus, the Airport Limousine Bus has multiple routes connecting various areas in Tokyo, making it convenient for travelers. However, it comes at a relatively higher cost, starting from 3,100 yen.
“Airport Limousine Bus”
- Fare: Starting from 3,100 yen
- Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
“Taxi”
Lastly, taxis offer comfort but are considerably more expensive in Japan compared to Korea. Metered fares can reach around 25,000 yen, and there are fixed-rate options, such as 19,000 yen to Tokyo, 21,000 yen to Shinjuku, and 22,000 yen to places like Suganami Nerima.
Consider these diverse options to choose the most suitable means of transportation for your journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo city.