Landing at Narita for the first time and wondering how to get into the city? Don’t stress — it’s genuinely straightforward once you know your options. Japan’s transport system is clean, safe, and well-signposted, and you’ll be in central Tokyo within an hour or so of clearing customs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the four main ways to make the journey.
The Four Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
| Narita Express (N’EX) | – 60 min | – ￥3,000 | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station |
| Keisei Skyliner | – 40-45 min | – ￥2,500 | Ueno, Asakusa, northeast Tokyo |
| Limousine Bus | – 60-90 min | – ￥3,200 | Heavy luggage, hotel drop-offs |
| Taxi | – 60-90 min | ￥20,000-30,000 | Late arrivals, groups |
1. Narita Express (N’EX) — Best All-Rounder
The N’EX runs directly to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, and Yokohama — making it the most versatile option for most travellers. Comfortable seats, dedicated luggage space, and it’s covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you’ve got one.
∙ Best for: Anyone staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya, or connecting onward by JR line
How to find the Platforms: The train stations are always located on the B1 Floor (basement) regardless of your terminal. Once you reach the basement, look for JR (Narita Express) Red signs/Gate.
How to buy tickets:
- Ticket Machines: Located directly next to the ticket gate. Select your destination, choose your departure time and pick your seat from the map. (English option available)
- Online Booking: You can buy tickets on the JR East website. You’ll receive a QR code or a confirmation number to exchange for a physical ticket at the airport.
2. Keisei Skyliner — Fastest into the City
The quickest train option, running from Narita to Ueno and Nippori in around 40 minutes. From Nippori you can jump straight onto the Yamanote Line to get anywhere in central Tokyo.
∙ Best for: Anyone staying in Ueno, Asakusa, or northeast Tokyo
How to find the Platforms: The train stations are always located on the B1 Floor (basement) regardless of your terminal. Once you reach the basement, look for Keisei (Skylner) Blue signs/Gate.
How to buy tickets:
- Ticket Machines: Located next to the ticket gate. English option and credit card available.
- Online Booking: You can buy tickets on the Keisei website.
3. Airport Limousine Bus — Easiest With Luggage
Direct buses run from Narita to major hotels, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza. No train transfers, luggage goes under the bus, and you can basically just sit back and decompress after the long haul from Australia.
∙ Best for: Travellers with a mountain of bags or anyone who just can’t face navigating a train station straight off a flight
How to buy tickets:
- Ticket Counters: As soon as you clear customs and enter the Arrival Lobby, look for the Orange counters labeled “Low Cost Bus/ Bus Ticket”. Tell the staff your destination or hotel name. They will give you the earliest available time.
- Ticket Machines: Located right next to the orange counters. English option available.
How to find your bus stop: The bus stops are located right outside the arrival doors. You find your bus stop number on your ticket.
4. Taxi — Convenient but Pricey
Taxis are available but the fare from Narita runs ¥20,000–¥30,000, which is a fair chunk of change. Worth considering if you’re arriving late at night or splitting the cost across a group — otherwise the trains are a much better deal.
Where to find the Taxi stands: Taxis are located right outside the Arrival Lobby (1F) at all three terminals.
- Terminal 1: Exit through the arrivals door and head to stops No.8 or No.15.
- Terminal 2: Exit the arrivals lobby and look for stops No. 30 or No.31.
- Terminal 3: Follow the signs to the dedicated taxi pick-up area the bus terminal.
One Thing Worth Knowing: Narita Isn’t Actually in Tokyo
A lot of first-timers are surprised by this. Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 60km from central Tokyo — which is why the journey takes around an hour regardless of which option you choose. If your return flight is from Haneda Airport, that’s a completely different story — Haneda is much closer to the city and the trip in takes around 30 minutes.
Should You Grab a Suica Card at the Airport?
Absolutely yes. As covered in the [Train Guide], a Suica loaded onto your Apple Wallet is the easiest way to get around Tokyo — tap on, tap off, no fussing with individual tickets. You can set it up before you even leave the arrivals hall, and it works on trains, subways, buses, and even at convenience stores.
Get it sorted at the airport and you’ll be tapping through the gates like a local within minutes of landing.