Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
Four options, from ¥1,500 to ¥3,140. The fastest takes 53 minutes; the cheapest takes 65–90. Here's how they compare.
At a Glance
Fares and times verified June 2026. Confirm on official operator sites before travel.
| Option | Time | Fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| N'EX (JR Narita Express) | 53 min | ¥3,140 | Speed, luggage, JR Pass holders |
| Skyliner + Yamanote Line | ~55 min | ~¥2,619 (IC) | Value + speed |
| Budget bus (TYO-NRT) | 65–90 min | ¥1,500 | Cheapest, flexible timing |
| Limousine bus | 75–90 min | ¥3,600 | Heavy bags, hotel-direct |
N'EX — Narita Express
The direct option. N'EX runs from both airport stations to Tokyo Station with no transfers required. Overhead luggage racks and power outlets at every seat.
| Journey time | 53 minutes (fastest service) |
| Fare | ¥3,140 one way |
| Round-trip deal | N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket: ¥5,200 (valid 14 days) |
| Frequency | Roughly every 30 minutes |
| Boarding | Platform B1F at Terminal 1 Station or Terminal 2·3 Station |
| IC card | ✗ Not accepted — buy a ticket or use JR Pass |
| JR Pass | ✓ Covered (reserve a seat when you pick up your pass) |
Tip: The N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket (¥5,200) is better value than two one-way tickets if you're flying out from Tokyo within 14 days.
Skyliner + Yamanote (Recommended for Value)
Take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori (36–43 min), then the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station (4 min, ¥160). Total time is comparable to N'EX; total cost is significantly lower.
| Journey time | ~55 minutes total |
| Fare | ¥2,619 total (IC card: Skyliner ¥2,465 + Yamanote ¥160) |
| Skyliner frequency | Every 20–40 minutes |
| IC card | ✓ Accepted for Yamanote leg; Skyliner requires separate ticket purchase |
| Luggage | Overhead racks on Skyliner; standard Yamanote overhead shelf |
Buy the Skyliner ticket at the vending machines at the airport station. The Yamanote leg uses Suica/PASMO normally.
Budget Bus — TYO-NRT (Cheapest)
THE Access Narita and Tokyo Shuttle have merged into one service: TYO-NRT. It runs direct between Narita Airport terminals and Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit.
| Journey time | 65 min (best case) – 90 min (traffic) |
| Fare | ¥1,500 one way (late-night/early-morning services cost more) |
| Frequency | Multiple departures per hour at peak times |
| Boarding at airport | T1: Bus Stop 31 / T2: Bus Stop 19 / T3: curbside |
| IC card | ✓ Accepted |
| Luggage | Stored in the undercarriage hold — good for large bags |
Allow extra time. Traffic on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway can add 20–30 minutes unpredictably.
Airport Limousine Bus
The TCAT / Airport Limousine runs to Tokyo Station (Yaesu side) and several major hotels. More expensive than TYO-NRT but more reliable timing and hotel-direct options.
| Journey time | 75–90 min |
| Fare | ¥3,600 adults |
| Luggage | Stored in undercarriage hold |
| IC card | ✓ Accepted |
Which Option?
Fastest with luggage → N'EX. Reserved seats, luggage racks, no transfers. Worth the premium if you have a lot of bags or a tight connection.
Best value → Skyliner + Yamanote. Only 2 minutes slower than N'EX and ¥521 cheaper. Two-step journey but very straightforward.
Tightest budget → TYO-NRT bus. Half the price of N'EX. Only downside: traffic unpredictability. Add at least 30 minutes buffer.
Have a JR Pass → N'EX. It's covered. Reserve your seat when you collect the pass at the airport or online in advance.
FAQ
Can I use Suica/PASMO for N'EX?
No. N'EX requires a paper ticket or JR Pass. Buy at the JR ticket counter or vending machine in the airport station (both have English interfaces).
Which terminal does N'EX depart from?
Both Terminal 1 Station and Terminal 2·3 Station. The two airport train stations are served by the same N'EX service — board at whichever your terminal connects to.
Does the budget bus run late at night?
Yes, but late-night and early-morning fares are higher than ¥1,500. Check the TYO-NRT timetable for exact pricing.
Is Tokyo Station good for Shinkansen connections?
Yes — Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen hub for the Tokaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, and other lines. N'EX is the most convenient option if you're catching a bullet train the same day.
Fares and timetables change. Always confirm on the official operator site before you travel.
All transport options → Transport Guide
Narita → Shinjuku → Shinjuku Guide