When you explore your options to get from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo you should consider three main factors to decide the option which is best for your particular circumstances. These three deciding airport transfer factors are whether you are looking for the easiest, cheapest or fastest option – usually you can achieve only one or two of these factors.
Key deciding factors also include how long you are in transit for on arrival into Narita Airport. If you have just completed a long haul or red eye flight, are travelling with young children or are arriving late at night, then the last thing you want to deal with on arrival is trying to work out the complex system which is the Tokyo train system.
Therefore in putting together this article my mission is to help you to have a brilliant first day in Tokyo by assisting you to choose the easiest and most cost effective option to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo. Choose wisely – it can make a real difference to how you start your holiday in Japan!
Tokyo Airport Transfer Articles
I have also developed a set of articles to help you work out the best way to transfer between Narita Airport and the following major areas in Tokyo. Click on the article below to see the options which will best suit your situation (note that some articles are located on Japan Travel Planning and some articles are on Pretraveller).
- Narita Airport to Tokyo and Ginza Stations
- Narita Airport to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa Stations
- Narita Airport to Northern Tokyo, including Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara the Tokyo Dome and Ikebukuru
- Narita Airport to Yokohama
- Narita Airport to Haneda Airport
Distance from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo Station
The first misconception that most people have is that they do not understand that Narita Airport is not actually IN Tokyo! The actual driving distance from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo Station is 70 km / 44 mi to the east of Tokyo. Check out the map below to see the location.
Easiest and Cost Effective Options to Get from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo Station and Ginza Station
Below I have detailed the seven options in order of easiest and most cost effective options to travel from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo, with pricing based on travel to Tokyo Station as the centre of Tokyo. You can also use the same information to travel from Tokyo and Ginza Station to Narita Airport. There is an initial comparison table with further details below the table.
Note that pricing was accurate as at May 2022, however is subject to fluctuate due to changes in pricing and exchange rates. This article will be periodically updated to reflect the latest prices.
| Transfer Description | Cost per Adult ($US) | Cost for 2 adults & 2 children ($US) | Transfer Time | Click below to pre-book |
| Limousine Bus | $US 30 | $US 120 | 65-85 minutes direct | Click here to pre-book through Klook |
| Shared Airport Shuttle Bus | $US 53 | $US 212 | 65-85 minutes direct | Click here to pre-book through Klook |
| Keisei Bus | $US 15 | $US 60 | 90 minutes direct to Tokyo or Ginza Station | Click here for more information |
| Private Airport Shuttle Bus (up to 9 passengers) | $US 143 | $US 143 | 65-85 minutes direct | Click here to pre-book through Klook |
| Narita Express Train | $US 48 | $US 142 | 53 minutes direct to Tokyo Station | Click here for more information |
| Keisei Skyliner Train | $US 19 | $US 57 | 67 minutes, change trains at Nippori Station, then walk or taxi | Click here to pre-book through Klook |
| Taxi (up to 4-5 passengers) | Fixed Fare $US 190 | Fixed Fare $US 190 | 65-85 minutes direct | Click here for more information |
| Uber (up to 6 passengers) | $US 211 | $US 211 | 65-85 minutes direct | Click here for more information |
1. Limousine Bus Narita NRT to Downtown Tokyo
A very affordable option to travel from Narita Airport NRT is using the shared Limousine Bus. This is a great option, particularly if you have booked a hotel which is a drop off point for the service. If you have booked other accommodation, you will still need to make your way from the closest drop off point to your accommodation. Options include walking or catching a taxi from the closest drop off point to your accommodation.
You can book a one way or return ticket for the Limousine Bus service for the main line from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and other destinations within Tokyo.
Click here to check out and book the Narita Airport to Tokyo Limousine Bus through Klook
2. Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Narita Airport to Tokyo
Sharing a shuttle bus from Narita Airport to Tokyo is a great affordable option as it takes you direct to the door of your accommodation in central Tokyo, so no transfers to work out and luggage to haul. Just sit back and relax!
3. Keisei Bus Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and Ginza Station
The most affordable option to travel from Narita Airport NRT to either Tokyo Station or Ginza Station is using the Keisei Bus Tokyo Shuttle Bus service which departs from Narita Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You will still need to make your way to your accommodation using either another train, taxi and/or walking. You cannot use a Japan Rail Pass to utilise this service.
Click here for more information about using the Keisei Bus Service from Narita Airport to Tokyo
4. Tokyo Airport Private Transfer to Tokyo and Ginza
A private airport transfer is a great option to get to your accommodation as quickly and as easily as possible, and is particularly good for larger groups and families. No transfers to work out or luggage to haul. Sit back and relax!
4. JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
A faster but more expensive public transportation option to travel from Narita Airport NRT is using the Narita Express or N’EX train. If your accommodation is further than a short walk you will still need to make your way to your accommodation using either another train or a taxi and/or walking.
You can book a one way or return ticket at either Narita Terminal 1 Station or Narita Terminal 2-3 Station for the Narita Express service with prices varying depending on your specific destination.
If you have purchased a Japan Rail Pass and it has been activated you can use this pass to travel on the Narita Express with no extra charges. Click here to check out pricing and how to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, note you need to order at least one week before you depart. Expect that there is likely to be a queue to activate your JR Pass at Narita Airport.
Click here for more information about using the Narita Express Train from Narita Airport to Tokyo
5. Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
While you can catch the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then change trains to travel to Ueno, the faster (but not easier) option is to catch the Kensei Skyliner train direct to either Ueno or Nippori Stations, and then change trains to travel to Tokyo Station. Japan Rail Passes cannot be used for this service. If you are travelling the the northern part of Tokyo such as Ueno and Ikebukuro then the Keisei Skyliner is the best option – check out my separate article on how to travel from Narita to Ueno for further information about these options.
If your accommodation is further than a short walk you will still need to make your way to your accommodation using either another train or a taxi and/or walking.
Click here to check out and book your Keisei Skyliner Tickets through Klook
6. Taxi or Uber from Narita NRT to Tokyo or Ginza
A question many people ask is whether Uber is available in Tokyo. You will be pleased to know that you can catch either a taxi or an Uber from Narita Airport NRT to Tokyo or Ginza. For taxis you can just walk out to the taxi rank, for Uber you can book via the Uber app and be picked up directly from the airport.
Click here to find out more information about Japan Taxis and Uber
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Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.
With an unquenchable thirst for Asian and Oceanian cultures, Anne has carved out a niche as a knowledgeable guide for those venturing into the bustling streets of Tokyo, the historical alleys of Kyoto, the vibrant scenes of Seoul, the scenic landscapes of Australia, the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, or the futuristic cityscape of Singapore. Her articles are full of practical tips and detailed information, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys.
Anne’s approach is grounded in providing reliable, authoritative travel content that enhances the travel experience. From navigating the complexities of digital connectivity on the go to immersing in the local culture, her advice is designed to make travel both enjoyable and seamless.
I cannot find the part on Narita airport to Shinjuku only to Tokyo Station an Ginza.
Do we use the same trains and mode of transport or different route to Shinjuku. All rather confusing so sorry if the answer somwhere in post but I could not find it.
Ina, my apologies, the other article has not yet been published. I am expecting to complete it shortly.