Landing at Narita Airport for the first time and looking for ways to get to Tokyo? Our guide will introduce you to all available options.
Narita Airport, Tokyo’s second-largest airport, is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 km east of the city. Despite its more remote location compared to Haneda Airport, it is still easy to access Tokyo thanks to a wide range of transportation options.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about travel times, routes and costs.
If you don’t have time to read the full guide, here’s a quick overview of the average cost and travel time from Narita Airport to Tokyo by train, bus or taxi:
Sources: Narita Airport (train), Airport Limousine Bus, Narita Airport and Airport Bus TYO-NRT (bus), Narita Airport (taxi).
Have you already decided where you will be staying in Tokyo? If not, you may want to look into our guide to the best areas for accommodations for some inspiration.
The distance from Narita to Central Tokyo may be greater than from Haneda, but all the main areas are still easily accessible despite the longer journey. You just need to allow a bit more time to make your way into the city.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the different types of transportation.
From Narita Airport, there are several trains to reach Tokyo. Here’s everything you need to know about them:
Sources: Keisei Railway and JR East.
Keisei Railway is one of two railway companies operating between Narita Airport and Central Tokyo. Costs vary depending on the type of train you take. You have the choice between the Keisei Main Line, the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Sky Access Line.
These three lines are operated by Keisei, meaning the JR Pass is not valid.
The Keisei Main Line is one of the most budget-friendly options to get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo. Trains run between Narita Airport and Ueno, with a stop at Nippori. From both Ueno and Nippori, you have convenient access to many other lines, including the JR Yamanote Line.
A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,000, making it significantly cheaper than the Keisei Skyliner or the Narita Express (see below). Seats are not reserved, so you can simply buy a ticket from a vending machine at the airport or use an IC card like Suica.
The journey to Nippori and Ueno takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the train type. “Limited express trains” are faster than “local trains”. You can see the corresponding label written on the departure boards or on Keisei’s main line trains themselves before boarding.
The Narita Sky Access Line is another Keisei-operated route linking Narita Airport with Central Tokyo, running directly to Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree). It’s a convenient option if you are staying around Asakusa or Nihombashi.
The fastest trains on this line take about 60 to 70 minutes to reach Tokyo. A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300, making it slightly more expensive than the regular Keisei Main Line but cheaper than the Skyliner or Narita Express.
The Keisei Skyliner is the most expensive but fastest among the Keisei lines. It departs from both train stations within Narita Airport and takes around 40 to 50 minutes to reach Nippori and Ueno Station.
Tickets cost about ¥2,500 one-way and can be purchased at Keisei counters, vending machines and online. All seats on the Keisei Skyliner are reserved, so an extra ticket is needed. (An IC card alone is not sufficient.)
Aside from Keisei Railway, you can also get to Tokyo from Narita by using the JR-operated trains. JR Pass holders can ride these trains at no extra cost.
The Narita Express (N’EX) runs directly from Narita Airport to major hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya. The journey takes around 55 minutes to Tokyo Station and about 80 minutes to Shinjuku, with trains departing roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Tickets cost around ¥3,000 for a regular (not first-class) one-way trip. Just like for the Keisei Skyliner, an IC card alone is not sufficient to pay for the trip. All seats are reserved, so an extra ticket is needed.
For short-term visitors, a discounted round-trip ticket for ¥5,000 is available, which is valid for 14 days from the first usage. Tickets can be purchased at JR counters, vending machines or online.
The JR Sōbu Line (Rapid Service) is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner.
A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300, with an estimated travel time of about 90 minutes to Central Tokyo.
When getting from Narita to Tokyo by bus, you have two options. One is to take the Airport Limousine Bus, the other is to go by low-cost bus (LCB). Both depart from any of the three terminals at Narita Airport.
The advantage of the Airport Limousine Bus is the number of stops along the way to bigger stations such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. As the Airport Limousine buses also stop directly at many major hotels, it’s worth checking the available routes online in advance. Reservations can also be made online, though they are usually not necessary.
As of 2025, a one-way ticket for the Airport Limousine Bus from Narita to Tokyo costs roughly between ¥3,100 to ¥3,600.
If you find the Airport Limousine Bus too expensive, you can opt for one of the low-cost buses (LCB). Low-cost buses do not offer as many stop options, but they can save you quite a bit of money.
Tickets for the LCB to Tokyo Station and Ginza cost ¥1,500. Late at night and early in the morning, however, the fare rises to around ¥3,000, bringing it close to that of the Airport Limousine Bus.
The frequency of buses and travel time vary depending on your destination within Tokyo. In total, the journey will usually take a little over an hour up to around two hours. Delays are particularly common during the morning and evening rush hours on working days.
Considering the distance between Narita and Central Tokyo and the high cost of taxis in Japan, this is the most expensive way to leave the airport. Depending on your destination within Tokyo, taxi fares average around ¥30,000, but can exceed ¥45,000. The whole journey takes approximately 40 to 80 minutes, with longer travel times during rush hours.
Narita Airport provides information on fixed-fare taxis on its website. Please note that highway tolls may be added separately. A surcharge may also be added for taxis in the early morning or late at night.
Furthermore, taxis other than the fixed-fare ones can potentially charge more than the amounts listed on Narita Airport’s website.
Getting from Narita to Central Tokyo by train will take you around 55 to 90 minutes, depending on your destination within the city and the type of train you’re using. While the Keisei Skyliner and Narita Express will bring you to Tokyo faster, taking the Keisei Main Line, Narita Sky Access Line or JR Sōbu Line will delay your arrival.
When taking the Airport Limousine or low-cost bus, you can expect to be on the road for around 70 to 125 minutes until you reach Tokyo. Some Airport Limousine buses make detours and stop at multiple hotels along the way. Furthermore, rush hours in the morning and evening can potentially delay your arrival.
This also applies to taxis, though they are generally the fastest option to reach Tokyo when traffic is light. You can expect a taxi ride to take around 40 to 80 minutes.
Public transportation in Tokyo operates from around 5 am until midnight. If you arrive too late at night, taxis will be your only option to leave Narita Airport.
As Narita Airport is located in a relatively remote location, you ideally should not leave the airport later than 10 to 10:30 pm if you still want to reach your accommodation in Tokyo comfortably. The last trains depart around 10:45 pm, some Airport Limousine and LCB buses operate until around 11 pm.
It’s best to check the train and bus schedules in advance on Google Maps, the official website of Narita Airport and/or the Airport Limousine Bus.
The cheapest way to get from Narita to Central Tokyo is either by low-cost bus to Tokyo Station (around ¥1,500) or by one of the budget-friendly trains such as the Keisei Main Line, the Narita Sky Access Line or the JR Sōbu Line (around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500).
Mid-range options will cost you between ¥2,500 and ¥3,500. This includes the Airport Limousine Bus and the faster trains (e.g., Keisei Skyliner and Narita Express).
If you want to take a taxi from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo, you should expect to pay at least around ¥30,000, potentially more depending on where you’re staying.
At Narita Airport, tickets for trains and buses can be purchased directly at the counters or from the ticket vending machines. For services like the Airport Limousine Bus, the Keisei Skyliner or the Narita Express, you can also make a reservation online in advance. This is entirely optional, as there are usually enough seats available.
Tokyo’s train system can feel a bit tricky the first time you use it, due to multiple railway companies operating different lines. But instead of buying single tickets for each train ride, you can also get a rechargeable IC card that you can use for most trains and buses.
IC cards are available at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3 Station. Short-term visitors can take advantage of the “Welcome Suica”, an IC card that can be used without a deposit for up to 28 days. For stays longer than 28 days, obtaining a regular IC card with a ¥500 deposit is necessary.
When travelling from Narita Airport to Tokyo, you need a separate ticket for the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Express, as they offer only reserved seats. For all other trains, you can simply use an IC card without any extra ticket.
Yes, you can use your JR Pass to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport, but there are some restrictions. You can only use your JR Pass to board the Narita Express (N’EX) or the JR Sōbu Line.
For the Keisei-operated trains (Keisei Main Line, Narita Sky Access and the Keisei Skyliner), a separate ticket is required.
In conclusion, there is no single best way to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport. Both trains and buses offer choices for all budgets. Taxis are by far the most expensive option and will cost you at least ¥30,000.
Budget-friendly options such as the low-cost bus bound for Tokyo Station and Ginza or the Keisei Main Line and JR Sōbu Line range from around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500. For more comfort, you can take the Airport Limousine Bus, which stops at major train stations and hotels, or opt for the faster Keisei Skyliner or Narita Express. These cost around ¥3,000 to ¥3,600.
Compared to Haneda Airport, Narita’s location is less convenient, but there are still many ways to get to Central Tokyo without too much hassle. Just be prepared to spend a little more time travelling there. It’s also important to land at Narita early enough to make use of public transport. Otherwise, you would need to take a taxi or stay overnight at an airport hotel.
Happy travelling!
Narita Airport, Tokyo’s second-largest airport, is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 km east of the city. Despite its more remote location compared to Haneda Airport, it is still easy to access Tokyo thanks to a wide range of transportation options.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about travel times, routes and costs.
Overview: Getting to Tokyo From Narita Airport
If you don’t have time to read the full guide, here’s a quick overview of the average cost and travel time from Narita Airport to Tokyo by train, bus or taxi:
| Travel time | Average price | Options | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 55–90 minutes | ¥1,000–¥3,500 | – Keisei Lines (Keisei Main Line, Keisei Skyliner, Narita Sky Access Line) – JR Lines (Narita Express, JR Sōbu Line) |
| Bus | 70–125 minutes | ¥1,500 (for LCB to Tokyo Station and Ginza) ¥3,000–¥3,600 (for Airport Limousine Buses) | – LCB (Low-Cost Bus) – Airport Limousine Bus |
| Taxi | 40–80 minutes | ¥30,000 and up | – Fixed fare taxis; late-night and early-morning taxis (toll road fees may be added separately) |
Have you already decided where you will be staying in Tokyo? If not, you may want to look into our guide to the best areas for accommodations for some inspiration.
How to Get to Tokyo From Narita Airport?
The distance from Narita to Central Tokyo may be greater than from Haneda, but all the main areas are still easily accessible despite the longer journey. You just need to allow a bit more time to make your way into the city.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the different types of transportation.
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Train
From Narita Airport, there are several trains to reach Tokyo. Here’s everything you need to know about them:
| Travel time | Average price | Major stops | JR Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Main Line | 75–90 minutes | ¥1,000~ | Ueno, Nippori | No |
| Narita Sky Access Line | 60–70 minutes | ¥1,300~ | Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree) | No |
| Keisei Skyliner | 40–50 minutes | ¥2,500~ | Ueno, Nippori | No |
| Narita Express (N’EX) | 55–80 minutes | ¥3,000~ | Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya | Yes |
| JR Sōbu Line (Narita Line) | around 90 minutes | ¥1,300~ | Tokyo Station, Kinshichō | Yes |
1. Keisei Lines
Keisei Railway is one of two railway companies operating between Narita Airport and Central Tokyo. Costs vary depending on the type of train you take. You have the choice between the Keisei Main Line, the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Sky Access Line.
These three lines are operated by Keisei, meaning the JR Pass is not valid.
Keisei Main Line
The Keisei Main Line is one of the most budget-friendly options to get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo. Trains run between Narita Airport and Ueno, with a stop at Nippori. From both Ueno and Nippori, you have convenient access to many other lines, including the JR Yamanote Line.
A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,000, making it significantly cheaper than the Keisei Skyliner or the Narita Express (see below). Seats are not reserved, so you can simply buy a ticket from a vending machine at the airport or use an IC card like Suica.
The journey to Nippori and Ueno takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the train type. “Limited express trains” are faster than “local trains”. You can see the corresponding label written on the departure boards or on Keisei’s main line trains themselves before boarding.
Narita Sky Access Line
The Narita Sky Access Line is another Keisei-operated route linking Narita Airport with Central Tokyo, running directly to Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree). It’s a convenient option if you are staying around Asakusa or Nihombashi.
The fastest trains on this line take about 60 to 70 minutes to reach Tokyo. A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300, making it slightly more expensive than the regular Keisei Main Line but cheaper than the Skyliner or Narita Express.
Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is the most expensive but fastest among the Keisei lines. It departs from both train stations within Narita Airport and takes around 40 to 50 minutes to reach Nippori and Ueno Station.
Tickets cost about ¥2,500 one-way and can be purchased at Keisei counters, vending machines and online. All seats on the Keisei Skyliner are reserved, so an extra ticket is needed. (An IC card alone is not sufficient.)
2. JR Lines
Aside from Keisei Railway, you can also get to Tokyo from Narita by using the JR-operated trains. JR Pass holders can ride these trains at no extra cost.
N’EX (Narita Express) (JR)
The Narita Express (N’EX) runs directly from Narita Airport to major hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya. The journey takes around 55 minutes to Tokyo Station and about 80 minutes to Shinjuku, with trains departing roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Tickets cost around ¥3,000 for a regular (not first-class) one-way trip. Just like for the Keisei Skyliner, an IC card alone is not sufficient to pay for the trip. All seats are reserved, so an extra ticket is needed.
For short-term visitors, a discounted round-trip ticket for ¥5,000 is available, which is valid for 14 days from the first usage. Tickets can be purchased at JR counters, vending machines or online.
JR Sōbu Line
The JR Sōbu Line (Rapid Service) is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner.
A one-way ticket costs around ¥1,300, with an estimated travel time of about 90 minutes to Central Tokyo.
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Bus
When getting from Narita to Tokyo by bus, you have two options. One is to take the Airport Limousine Bus, the other is to go by low-cost bus (LCB). Both depart from any of the three terminals at Narita Airport.
1. Airport Limousine Bus
The advantage of the Airport Limousine Bus is the number of stops along the way to bigger stations such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. As the Airport Limousine buses also stop directly at many major hotels, it’s worth checking the available routes online in advance. Reservations can also be made online, though they are usually not necessary.
As of 2025, a one-way ticket for the Airport Limousine Bus from Narita to Tokyo costs roughly between ¥3,100 to ¥3,600.
2. Low-Cost Bus (LCB)
If you find the Airport Limousine Bus too expensive, you can opt for one of the low-cost buses (LCB). Low-cost buses do not offer as many stop options, but they can save you quite a bit of money.
Tickets for the LCB to Tokyo Station and Ginza cost ¥1,500. Late at night and early in the morning, however, the fare rises to around ¥3,000, bringing it close to that of the Airport Limousine Bus.
The frequency of buses and travel time vary depending on your destination within Tokyo. In total, the journey will usually take a little over an hour up to around two hours. Delays are particularly common during the morning and evening rush hours on working days.
Getting From Narita to Tokyo by Taxi
Considering the distance between Narita and Central Tokyo and the high cost of taxis in Japan, this is the most expensive way to leave the airport. Depending on your destination within Tokyo, taxi fares average around ¥30,000, but can exceed ¥45,000. The whole journey takes approximately 40 to 80 minutes, with longer travel times during rush hours.
Narita Airport provides information on fixed-fare taxis on its website. Please note that highway tolls may be added separately. A surcharge may also be added for taxis in the early morning or late at night.
Furthermore, taxis other than the fixed-fare ones can potentially charge more than the amounts listed on Narita Airport’s website.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Tokyo From Narita?
Getting from Narita to Central Tokyo by train will take you around 55 to 90 minutes, depending on your destination within the city and the type of train you’re using. While the Keisei Skyliner and Narita Express will bring you to Tokyo faster, taking the Keisei Main Line, Narita Sky Access Line or JR Sōbu Line will delay your arrival.
When taking the Airport Limousine or low-cost bus, you can expect to be on the road for around 70 to 125 minutes until you reach Tokyo. Some Airport Limousine buses make detours and stop at multiple hotels along the way. Furthermore, rush hours in the morning and evening can potentially delay your arrival.
This also applies to taxis, though they are generally the fastest option to reach Tokyo when traffic is light. You can expect a taxi ride to take around 40 to 80 minutes.
How Long is Public Transportation Running in Tokyo?
Public transportation in Tokyo operates from around 5 am until midnight. If you arrive too late at night, taxis will be your only option to leave Narita Airport.
As Narita Airport is located in a relatively remote location, you ideally should not leave the airport later than 10 to 10:30 pm if you still want to reach your accommodation in Tokyo comfortably. The last trains depart around 10:45 pm, some Airport Limousine and LCB buses operate until around 11 pm.
It’s best to check the train and bus schedules in advance on Google Maps, the official website of Narita Airport and/or the Airport Limousine Bus.
How Much Does It Cost to Get to Tokyo From Narita?
The cheapest way to get from Narita to Central Tokyo is either by low-cost bus to Tokyo Station (around ¥1,500) or by one of the budget-friendly trains such as the Keisei Main Line, the Narita Sky Access Line or the JR Sōbu Line (around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500).
Mid-range options will cost you between ¥2,500 and ¥3,500. This includes the Airport Limousine Bus and the faster trains (e.g., Keisei Skyliner and Narita Express).
If you want to take a taxi from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo, you should expect to pay at least around ¥30,000, potentially more depending on where you’re staying.
How Do You Pay for Public Transport in Tokyo?
At Narita Airport, tickets for trains and buses can be purchased directly at the counters or from the ticket vending machines. For services like the Airport Limousine Bus, the Keisei Skyliner or the Narita Express, you can also make a reservation online in advance. This is entirely optional, as there are usually enough seats available.
Tokyo’s train system can feel a bit tricky the first time you use it, due to multiple railway companies operating different lines. But instead of buying single tickets for each train ride, you can also get a rechargeable IC card that you can use for most trains and buses.
IC cards are available at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3 Station. Short-term visitors can take advantage of the “Welcome Suica”, an IC card that can be used without a deposit for up to 28 days. For stays longer than 28 days, obtaining a regular IC card with a ¥500 deposit is necessary.
When travelling from Narita Airport to Tokyo, you need a separate ticket for the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Express, as they offer only reserved seats. For all other trains, you can simply use an IC card without any extra ticket.
Can You Use Your JR Pass to Get to Tokyo From Narita?
Yes, you can use your JR Pass to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport, but there are some restrictions. You can only use your JR Pass to board the Narita Express (N’EX) or the JR Sōbu Line.
For the Keisei-operated trains (Keisei Main Line, Narita Sky Access and the Keisei Skyliner), a separate ticket is required.
Conclusion: Getting to Tokyo From Narita Airport
In conclusion, there is no single best way to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport. Both trains and buses offer choices for all budgets. Taxis are by far the most expensive option and will cost you at least ¥30,000.
Budget-friendly options such as the low-cost bus bound for Tokyo Station and Ginza or the Keisei Main Line and JR Sōbu Line range from around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500. For more comfort, you can take the Airport Limousine Bus, which stops at major train stations and hotels, or opt for the faster Keisei Skyliner or Narita Express. These cost around ¥3,000 to ¥3,600.
Compared to Haneda Airport, Narita’s location is less convenient, but there are still many ways to get to Central Tokyo without too much hassle. Just be prepared to spend a little more time travelling there. It’s also important to land at Narita early enough to make use of public transport. Otherwise, you would need to take a taxi or stay overnight at an airport hotel.
Happy travelling!