Welcome to Japan! If you have decided to take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo, you have made a great choice for comfort and ease.
However, the fare system can be confusing for first-time visitors. “How much is the ticket?” “Is there a discount for tourists?” “Where do I buy it?”
In this guide, we break down the 2026 ticket prices, explain the price increase coming in March, and show you how to save over ¥2,000 with the special round-trip ticket.
1. Standard Fare: How Much Does N’EX Cost? (2026)
Unlike the flat-rate bus, the Narita Express fare depends on your destination.
Here are the standard one-way prices for the Ordinary Car (Reserved Seat) from Narita Airport.
⚠️ Important Update (March 2026):
JR East is revising fares starting March 2026. Please expect a slight increase (approx. +7.8%) from the prices listed below if you are traveling in spring.
| Destination | Standard Fare (One-Way) | Peak Season |
| Tokyo Station | ¥3,070 | +¥200 |
| Shinagawa / Shibuya / Shinjuku | ¥3,250 | +¥200 |
| Yokohama | ¥4,370 | +¥200 |
| Ofuna (Kamakura area) | ¥4,700 | +¥200 |
- Note: N’EX is an “All Reserved Seating” train. You cannot ride with just an IC card (Suica/Pasmo); you must buy a limited express ticket to reserve a seat.
2. The “Must-Buy” Discount: N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket
If you are a foreign tourist holding a non-Japanese passport, do not buy the standard ticket!
JR East offers a special discounted pass exclusively for visitors.
Ticket Details
- Name: N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket
- Price: ¥5,000 (Adults) / ¥2,500 (Children aged 6-11)
- Validity: 14 days
- Coverage: Round trip from Narita Airport to any station in the designated Tokyo area.
How much do you save?
The further you go, the more you save. This ticket is a flat rate of ¥5,000, regardless of whether you get off at Tokyo or Yokohama.
| Destination (Round Trip) | Standard Price | With Discount Ticket | Your Savings |
| Tokyo Station | ¥6,140 | ¥5,000 | ¥1,140 OFF |
| Shinjuku Station | ¥6,500 | ¥5,000 | ¥1,500 OFF |
| Yokohama Station | ¥8,740 | ¥5,000 | ¥3,740 OFF!! |
As you can see, if you are staying in Yokohama or Shinjuku, this ticket is an incredible deal.
3. How to Buy N’EX Tickets (Avoid the Queue!)
You have two main options to purchase tickets at Narita Airport (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2/3).
Option A: JR East Travel Service Center (Counter)
- Pros: Staff will help you with everything. Good if you have complex questions.
- Cons: Extremely crowded. You might wait 60–90 minutes just to buy a ticket.
Option B: Reserved Seat Ticket Machine (Recommended!)
Look for the Red Ticket Machines that have a passport reader attached. You can buy the “N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket” here without lining up at the counter.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Select “English” on the screen.
- Select “Rail Pass for visitors to Japan” or similar discount buttons.
- Choose “N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket”.
- Scan your Passport (open the photo page) on the reader.
- Select your destination and seat for the outbound journey (from Airport).
- Pay with cash or credit card.
- Tip: You will receive a “Return Ticket” as well. Keep it safe! You will use it to book your seat back to the airport later.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)?
A: Yes! The JR Pass covers the Narita Express fully. You do not need to pay extra. Just go to a machine or counter to book a reserved seat for free.
Q: What if my plane is delayed?
A: If you miss your reserved train, you can usually take the next available train using the same ticket, but you may have to stand or sit in a vacant seat (check with station staff).
Q: Is there a Green Car (First Class)?
A: Yes. It costs an additional +¥770 to +¥1,500 depending on distance. The seats are leather and offer more legroom, but the Ordinary Car is already very spacious and comfortable.
Summary
For most travelers, the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket (¥5,000) is the smartest choice.
- If you are going to Tokyo Station only and want to save money, consider the Airport Bus (¥1,300–¥1,500).
- But for Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama, the N’EX discount ticket offers the best balance of speed, price, and comfort.
👉 Still undecided? Check out our comparison guide: [The Best Way to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station] (The Best Way to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (2026 Guide)) to see how N’EX compares to the Skyliner and Limousine Bus.
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