Complete 2025 Transportation Guide from Narita Airport to Tokyo City Center: Bus & Train Ticket Purchasing Locations and Boarding Points Fully Organized

How to travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo city center conveniently and time-efficiently? Should you choose the Skyliner or the N'EX Narita Express? This article compiles all train and bus routes from Narita Airport to major tourist destinations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Ueno, Asakusa, Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Disneyland, and Oshiage, helping you select the most suitable transportation based on your budget and schedule!​​

​1. Narita Airport Terminal Guide​

Narita Airport has three terminals. International flights operate from Terminals 1 and 2, while Terminal 3 is dedicated to low-cost carriers (LCC).

1.1 Terminal 1

• ayout Structure: Shaped like an inverted "V". The first-floor arrival hall is divided into the Central Building, North Wing, and South Wing. The North and South Wings each have 3 exits, while the central section has a Central Exit. Outside these exits are the bus boarding areas.

• Bus Ticket Purchase: There is a Keisei Bus and Limousine Bus ticket office next to the South Wing Exit. After purchasing your ticket, proceed to the corresponding boarding area to board the bus.

By train: Go to the basement level and take the Narita Sky Access Line, Keisei Main Line, or JR Line. Terminals may vary depending on your airline, so be sure to check in advance.

Ticket purchase: JR PASS needs to go to the JR East Travel Service Center on the basement floor (8:30-19:00);

Tokyo Metro tickets can be purchased at the Keisei Bus Ticket Office or the Keisei Tourist Service Center on the first basement floor (8:30-19:30).

1.2. Terminal 2

Layout: Divided into two arrival halls, A and B. Area A is located near South Exit 1-3, while Area B is located near North Exit 1-3. Area B has a walkway leading to Terminal 3 and the North Waiting Area.

• Bus ticket purchase: There is a Keisei Bus and Limousine Bus ticket office directly in front of Gates A and B. After purchasing your ticket, proceed to the corresponding boarding area to board the bus.

By train: Go to the basement level to take the Narita Sky Access Line, Keisei Main Line, or JR Line.

Terminals vary depending on your airline, so please be sure to check in advance!

Ticket purchase: JR PASS to JR East Travel Service Center on the basement floor (8:30-20:00); Tokyo Metro subway ticket purchase point is the same as Terminal 1.

1.3. Terminal 3

• Floor Plan: Renovated in April 2022, the arrivals hall is located on the first floor, the departure hall (including restaurants and shops) is on the second floor; the first floor houses the passenger service center, bus/tram ticket office, and ATM.

• Bus Ticket Purchase: There is a ticket office near the Passenger Service Center next to the Arrival Hall. After purchasing your ticket, proceed to the corresponding boarding area to board the bus.

Tram: You need to go to Terminal 2 (a 6-minute walk or take the connecting bus).

Follow the runway line. Terminal 2 is on the left, and the transportation ticket area is on the right.

2. Main Transportation Options Between Narita Airport and Tokyo

2.1 Airport Limousine Bus

Method 1: Limousine Bus

Fee: To Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit

One-way 3,100 yen

Time: Arrives at Tokyo Station

Approximately 90 minutes

Frequency: Approximately every 30-60 minutes

Ticket Purchase: (a) Purchase at the airport limousine bus counter and board the bus

(b) Purchase online through the official website and present the QR code upon boarding

Method 2: TYO-NRT

Fee: One-way 1,500 yen

3,000 yen during late night and early morning hours (11:00 PM - 4:59 AM)

Time: Arrives at Tokyo Station

Approximately 60-70 minutes

Frequency: During peak hours

Approximately every 20 minutes

Ticket Purchase: Purchase your ticket at the JR Highway Bus Ticket Office before boarding the bus. (Except between 7:30 AM and 10:45 PM, board the bus directly and use the transportation IC.) Payment by card or cash)

Method 3: Narita Shuttle

WILLER EXPRESS

Fee: One-way 2,300 yen

Reservation price: 1,900 yen

Time required: Arrival at Ikebukuro Station

Approximately 100-120 minutes

Frequency: Approximately every hour

Ticket purchase methods: (a) Make a reservation online and pay online by credit card

(b) Purchase at the LCB bus ticket office located in each terminal at Narita Airport

2.2 JR Trains

How to get there: N'EX Narita Express

Fare: One-way 3,070 yen

Time required: Approximately 75 minutes to Tokyo

Frequency: Approximately 2 trains per hour

Ticket purchase options: ・JR East Travel Service Center

・JR Ticket Office (Green Window)

・Ticket vending machine

・Online ticket purchase websites such as Japan Train

2.3 Keisei Electric Railway

Method 1: Skyliner

(Skyliner)

Fare: One-way 2,580 yen

(Online purchase offers different discounts depending on whether you're traveling one-way or round-trip)

Time: Approximately 45 minutes to Keisei-Ueno Station

Frequency: Approximately 15-30 minutes

Ticket Purchase: Online, Blue Liner counters, travel agencies, ticket vending machines

Method 2: Access

(Acces Limited Express)

Fare: One-way 1,280 yen

Time: Approximately 70 minutes to Keisei-Ueno Station

Most buses require a transfer

Frequency: Approximately 30-60 minutes

Ticket Purchase: Transportation IC Card, Ticket Vending Machine

Method 3: Rapid Express/Limited Express

Fare: One-way 1,060 yen

Time: Arrives at Keisei Ueno Station

Approximately 70-85 minutes

Frequency: Approximately every 20-40 minutes

Ticket Purchase: Transportation IC Card, Ticket Vending Machine

3. Choose the Right Transportation Method Based on Your Needs

3.1 Time-Saving Transportation

To save time, we recommend the N'EX Narita Express and the Skyliner. Tokyo's trains are generally not delayed, so travelers who want to plan their itinerary accurately should avoid buses, as they can be affected by traffic conditions.

► N'EX Narita Express: Arrives at Tokyo Station in as little as 53 minutes.

Narita Airport to Tokyo: A Guide to Various Transportation Options

► Skyliner: Arrives at Nippori Station in approximately 36 minutes.

3.2. Convenient Transportation

For travelers who value convenience, in addition to the aforementioned train options, we also recommend taking the limousine bus. The convenience of the train, which goes directly to your desired airport terminal, is self-evident. The limousine bus, on the other hand, passes by many hotels, so if you choose the right hotel and route, it can literally take you right to your hotel. Cramming a large group of people with luggage onto a Tokyo train requires skill, experience, and courage. For beginners with limited sense of direction, it's worth checking in at a hotel that has direct access from the limousine bus. You can also book your return ticket at the hotel counter. While it's more expensive and not the most efficient way to get to the airport, you don't have to carry heavy luggage to transfers or worry about getting lost, and the convenience and peace of mind are a plus! You can check the limousine bus's official website for hotel stops.

3.3 Suitable Transportation Options for Travelers with Large Luggage

Besides flight times, the most important consideration on arrival and departure days is the amount of luggage you'll have. Travelers with a lot of luggage should pay attention to the ticket details before planning a bus trip. Many bus operators have luggage restrictions, such as a maximum of two or even one piece of luggage per person, or weight limits, which can be inconvenient for those with large luggage. You should also be careful when choosing a train, such as the Yamanote Line. Excessive luggage can hinder other passengers and even cause them to be scattered by the crowds. Considering all of this, we recommend the N'EX Narita Express, which offers ample luggage storage space.

4. Transportation from Narita Airport to Popular Tokyo Destinations

4.1. Transportation from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is the central station of Japan's bustling Shinjuku area.

A. The Fastest! Keisei Electric Railway

Lines: Keisei Narita Sky Access Line, JR Yamanote Line (bound for Ikebukuro and Shinjuku)

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Transfer Station: Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station and proceed to Shinjuku Station

Time Required: Approximately 72 minutes

Fare: 2,790 yen (2,580 yen + 210 yen for the Yamanote Line)

B. Direct Train (N'EX Narita Express)

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Alighting Station: Shinjuku Station

Time Required: Approximately 80 minutes

Fare: 3,250 yen

The N'EX Narita Express has reserved seats. Be sure to purchase a reserved seat before boarding to travel directly to Shinjuku without transferring.

C. Airport Limousine

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting: Shinjuku Station West Exit

Travel Time: Approximately 110 minutes

Fare: Adults 3,600 yen, Children 1,800 yen

4.2. Transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is the city's main train station, and transfers to the Tokaido, Hokuriku, Joetsu, and Tohoku Shinkansen lines are required here.

A. Direct trains without transfers (N'EX Narita Express)

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Alighting Station: Tokyo Station

Train Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Fare: 3070 yen

The N'EX Narita Express has reserved seats. Be sure to purchase a reserved seat before boarding to reach Shinjuku without transferring.

B. Sobu Line Rapid

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Alighting: Tokyo Station

Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Fare: 1,340 yen

C. Airport Bus TYO-NRT

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting: Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit

Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Purchase online: 1,500 yen

D. Airport Limousine Bus

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting: Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit (Steel Building)

Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Purchase online: 3,100 yen

4.3. Access from Narita Airport to Asakusa

Asakusa is visited by many people every day. From Narita Airport, take the Keisei Electric Railway's direct train to the Toei Asakusa Line for direct access to Asakusa Station.

A. Train

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Alighting: Toei Subway Asakusa Station

Route: Keisei Narita Sky Access Line

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour

Fee: 1,380 yen

TIP: Be careful not to run into JR stations.

4.4. Transportation from Narita Airport to Ueno

Keisei Ueno Station is approximately an 8-minute walk from JR Ueno Station. It is a very convenient station for international tourists visiting Japan and Japanese nationals traveling abroad. Staying in Ueno also provides easy access to various lines and the Tohoku Shinkansen. The surrounding areas, including Ameyoko and Ueno Park, are must-see destinations.

A. Skyliner

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Alighting Station: Keisei Ueno Station

Travel Time: Maximum 41 minutes

B. Keisei Main Line

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station

Transfer Station: None

Travel Time: Approximately 70-80 minutes

Fare: Adults 1,060 yen

4.5. Access from Narita Airport to Shibuya

Shibuya is a trendy and cutting-edge district that attracts young Japanese people. From the large shopping mall "Shibuya Scramble Square" to the bustling "Jijiji" area, it's home to many trendy spots that represent Japan's fashion scene. If you're interested in the latest trends among young Japanese people, this is a highly recommended stop.

There are several routes from Narita Airport to Shibuya, but here are three of our favorites.

A. For a cheaper route, take the Keisei Main Express.

Route: Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station (Keisei Main Express bound for Keisei Ueno) → Nippori (JR Yamanote Line bound for Shinjuku) → Shibuya

Transfer: Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station

Alight: Shibuya Station

Fare: 1,270 yen

Time: Approximately 2 hours

B. For a faster route, take the Skyliner.

Route: Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station (Keisei Skyliner bound for Keisei Ueno) → Nippori (JR Yamanote Line bound for Shinjuku) → Shibuya

Boarding: Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station

Alighting: Shibuya Station

Fare: 2,790 yen

Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

C. Direct train (N'EX Narita Express)

Route: Narita Airport (Narita Express) → Shibuya

Transfer Station: None

Alighting Station: Shibuya Station

Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Fare: 3,250 yen

4.6. Transportation from Narita Airport to Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro has always been a popular accommodation destination. Home to Tobu and Seibu department stores, as well as places like Animetsu and maid cafes that represent Japanese subculture, it's also easily accessible, making it a highly recommended destination. There are several routes from Narita Airport to Ikebukuro, but this article will introduce the fastest route.

A. For a quicker journey, take the Skyliner.

Route: Narita Airport Terminal 2 / Narita Airport Station (Keisei Skyliner bound for Keisei Ueno) → Nippori (JR Yamanote Line, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku) → Ikebukuro

Boarding: Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station.

Alighting: Ikebukuro Station

Fare: 2,760 yen

Time: Approximately 58 minutes

B. Airport Limousine

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting: Sun City Bus Stop, Ikebukuro

Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Fare: Adults 3,600 yen, Children 1,800 yen

4.7 Transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo Disneyland

To get to Tokyo Disneyland from Narita Airport, the only direct bus service is by train. There are no direct trains, and you'll need to transfer, so taking the bus is recommended!

A. Airport Limousine

Boarding: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting: Disneyland, DisneySea

Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Fare: Adults 2,300 yen, Children 1,150 yen

4.8. Transportation from Narita Airport to Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)

There are no buses from Narita Airport to Tokyo Skytree. The fastest way to get to Tokyo Skytree is by taking the Keisei Electric Railway's SKY ACCESS Line. This line takes you directly to Oshiage Station without changing trains. Tokyo Skytree is right outside Oshiage Station. Oshiage is a very convenient place to stay while visiting Tokyo!

Keisei Electric Railway

Boarding Station: Narita Airport Terminals

Alighting Station: Oshiage

Travel Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Fare: Adults 1,190 yen, Children 595 yen