Narita International Airport is 66km east of central Tokyo. Multiple rail options connect the airport to the city — the Narita Express (N'EX) and Keisei Skyliner are the premium choices, while the Airport Express and highway buses offer budget alternatives.
TransportTimeCostFrequency
Narita Express (N'EX)
JR Pass accepted — reserved seats, direct to major Tokyo stations
53 min (Tokyo) / 80 min (Shinjuku)
¥3,070 (Tokyo) / ¥3,250 (Shinjuku)
Every 30 min
Keisei Skyliner
Fastest to Ueno/Nippori — excellent value, not JR Pass eligible
41 min (Ueno/Nippori)
¥2,570
Every 20 min
Keisei Airport Express (Rapid)
Budget option — slower but cheapest rail option
70 min (Ueno)
¥1,050
Every 20 min
Airport Limousine Bus
Direct to major hotels — no train transfer but vulnerable to traffic
60–120 min (traffic varies)
¥3,200
Every 30 min
What is the best way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?+
For comfort and convenience: the Narita Express (N'EX) is best — reserved seats, direct to multiple Tokyo stations, JR Pass eligible. For speed to Ueno/Nippori: the Keisei Skyliner (41 min, ¥2,570) is fastest. For budget: Keisei Airport Express (70 min, ¥1,050).
Can I use my JR Pass at Narita Airport?+
Yes — the JR Pass covers the Narita Express (N'EX) free of charge. Go to the JR counter in the arrivals hall, show your pass, and reserve a seat on the next N'EX. This is one of the most useful JR Pass benefits.
How long does it take from Narita Airport to Shinjuku?+
N'EX to Shinjuku: 80 minutes. Keisei Skyliner to Nippori + subway to Shinjuku: about 60 minutes total. Airport bus to Shinjuku: 70–120 minutes depending on traffic.
Is the Keisei Skyliner worth it?+
Yes — the Skyliner is the fastest train to central Tokyo at 41 minutes to Ueno/Nippori. At ¥2,570 it's good value. If your hotel is near Ueno, Asakusa, or the Yamanote Line east side, the Skyliner is ideal.
How much luggage can I bring on the N'EX?+
The N'EX (and all shinkansen/limited express trains) has overhead racks and floor space for standard luggage. There are no strict size limits for regular trains, but oversized luggage (over 160cm combined dimensions) requires a "large luggage area" reservation on shinkansen.