Welcome to Japan! After landing at Narita International Airport (NRT), your first mission is reaching the heart of the city: Tokyo Station. While there are several ways to travel, choosing the right one depends on your budget and how much luggage you have. In this 2026 updated guide, we compare the top 3 options to help you start your trip stress-free.
1. The Most Comfortable & Direct: Narita Express (N’EX)
If you want a “no-transfer” experience directly to Tokyo Station, the Narita Express (N’EX) is your best bet.
- Time: Approx. 53–60 minutes.
- Cost: ~¥3,070 (One-way).
- Best for: Travelers with heavy bags or those using a JR Pass.
- Key Feature: All seats are reserved, there are dedicated luggage racks with locks, and you arrive at the underground platforms of Tokyo Station.
⚠️ Important Note: The “Deep Station” Trap Be aware that the N’EX arrives at the Sobu Line platforms (Underground Level 5) at Tokyo Station. This is very deep underground. To transfer to the Shinkansen or Yamanote Line, you will need to walk about 10–15 minutes through tunnels and escalators. If you have elderly family members or giant suitcases, take your time!
💡 Pro Tip for Tourists:
Don’t buy a regular ticket! If you have a foreign passport, ask for the “N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket”. It costs only ¥5,000 for a return trip (valid for 14 days), saving you over ¥1,100!
JR Pass Warning: The “JR East Travel Service Center” at Narita Airport is often extremely crowded with tourists exchanging their JR Passes. If the line looks too long (over 1 hour), consider buying a regular N’EX ticket to Tokyo first, and exchanging your JR Pass at the less crowded counters in Tokyo Station later.
2. The Speed King: Keisei Skyliner (via Nippori)
If you want to get to the city as fast as possible, the Keisei Skyliner is a marvel of Japanese engineering.
- Time: 36 minutes (to Nippori) + 10 minutes (JR transfer) = Total ~50 minutes.
- Cost: ~¥2,580 (plus ¥170 for the JR line).
- Best for: Travelers who want to save time and don’t mind a quick transfer at Nippori Station.
- Key Feature: Reaches speeds of 160km/h. It’s the fastest way to hit central Tokyo.
3. The Budget Hero: Airport Bus TYO-NRT
Traveling on a budget? The Low-Cost Bus (LCB) is surprisingly comfortable and efficient.
- Time: 65–90 minutes (depends on traffic).
- Cost: ¥1,500 (Daytime).
- Best for: Budget travelers who want a simple, one-seat ride without navigating train stations.
- How to board: Simply head to the bus ticket counter in the arrival hall. No advance reservation is needed for daytime buses; you can often pay with your IC card (like Suica).
4. The VIP Option: Fixed-Fare Taxi
If you are a group of 3-4 people with lots of luggage, or if you just want door-to-door service to your hotel, consider a taxi.
- Cost: Approx. ¥25,000 – ¥30,000 (Fixed fare to Tokyo usually available).
- Time: 60–90 minutes.
- Note: Regular taxis are expensive, but “Fixed Fare (Teigaku-unchin)” taxis prevent the meter from running up in traffic. Ask at the taxi stand.
At a Glance: Comparison Table (2026)
| Method | Time | Price | Transfer? | Best for… |
| Narita Express | 60 min | ¥3,070 | None | Comfort & JR Pass |
| Skyliner | 50 min | ¥2,750 | 1 Transfer | Speed |
| Airport Bus | 70-90 min | ¥1,500 | None | Budget Travelers |
Summary & Final Tips
- Use your Suica: As we discussed in our [Guide to Suica], your IC card works for the base fare on these trains and the bus!
- Check your Terminal: Narita has 3 terminals. The trains stop at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3. If you land at Terminal 3, you’ll need to walk or take a short shuttle bus to the Terminal 2 station.
Pro Tip: Send Your Luggage Ahead! (Takkyubin) Don’t want to drag your suitcase through the crowded station? Look for the “JAL ABC” or “Yamato Transport (Black Cat)” counters at the airport arrival lobby. For about ¥2,500 per bag, they can ship your suitcase directly to your hotel in Tokyo (usually arriving the next day). Travel light and start exploring immediately!
Ready to explore? Choose the N’EX for comfort, the Skyliner for speed, or the bus for savings!
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