Welcome to Tokyo! How do you transfer from Narita International Airport (NRT) to the city center? Narita Express has become the most popular way. On Trip.com, a JR Pass can easily take you through this affordable & comfy train journey to Tokyo Station & other stations around. Read on to get details about Narita Express.
What Is Narita Express (N'EX)?
Narita Express is a premium train service run by JR East. It's a fast airport train that connects Narita Airport to central Tokyo. The carriage is spacious and comfortable with designated luggage areas.
The train is air-conditioned with a quiet and calm atmosphere. Free wi-fi is available on board. Power outlets are provided at each seat!
Narita Express Routes and Stops
One of the best things about the Narita Express is that it doesn’t just drop you off at one random spot. It serves several of the most important and popular areas in and around Tokyo, making it super convenient no matter where you're staying. The trains start at Narita Airport (serving both Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 & 3) and head straight for the city.
The main stops you'll want to know are:
- Tokyo Station: about 53 minutes
- Shibuya Station: about 75 minutes
- Shinjuku Station: about 80 minutes
- Ikebukuro Station: about 90 minutes
- Yokohama Station: about 85 minutes
Let's break down what makes these stops so great.
Narita Express: Tokyo Station Connection
Credit: from GaijinPot Travel | Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is basically the Grand Central of Tokyo. It’s a massive, beautiful station and a major hub for pretty much every kind of train you can imagine, including the world-famous Shinkansen (bullet trains). If your Japan itinerary includes cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, you’ll be leaving from here.
Getting off the Narita Express at Tokyo Station makes transferring to a bullet train an absolute breeze. It’s also a fantastic area to stay if you want to be centrally located with easy access to the whole country.
Narita Express: Shinjuku and Major Districts
Credit: from Time Out | Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku is where the party's at! It’s one of the most vibrant and exciting districts in Tokyo. Think towering skyscrapers with free observation decks, endless shopping, amazing restaurants, and the iconic neon-lit streets of Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.
The N'EX goes directly to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. Many trains also stop at Shibuya, home to the famous scramble crossing, and Ikebukuro, another huge entertainment and shopping hub. Staying in one of these areas puts you right in the middle of the action.
Narita Express: Yokohama Route Options
Credit: from jred.co.jp | Yokohama Station
Did you know the Narita Express can also take you to a whole different city? Some trains continue on to Yokohama, a super cool port city just south of Tokyo. It has a more relaxed, open vibe with its beautiful waterfront, Chinatown (one of the largest in the world!), and fun amusement parks.
If you're looking for a slightly different vibe from the Tokyo hustle, staying in Yokohama is a great option, and the N'EX makes getting there directly from the airport super easy.
Where to Buy Narita Express Tickets?
A highly convenient and cost-effective way to buy tickets for the Narita Express (N'EX) is through Trip.com's JR Pass offerings.
Many JR Passes include unlimited rides on the N'EX, connecting Narita Airport to key Tokyo stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku seamlessly.
This is particularly beneficial if your travel plans involve exploring beyond Tokyo, as passes like the Japan Rail Pass (covering the entire country) or regional options like the JR East Tohoku Area Pass or JR Tokyo Wide Pass often bundle N'EX access at no extra cost.
If you're spending your first few days primarily in Tokyo, opting for a direct option like the Narita Express ticket or other transport from the airport may be suitable. Alternatively, the Skyliner provides a comfortable and efficient ride with reserved seating and ample luggage storage, making it an ideal option for swift travel between Narita Airport and central Tokyo.
Narita Express Timetable
The Narita Express is known for its punctuality. Trains typically run every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. The first train from the airport is usually around 7:30 AM, and the last one is around 9:45 PM. Heading back to the airport, the services start even earlier. It's always a good idea to check the latest official timetable online before your trip, as schedules can change.
Destination | Duration |
Tokyo Station | ~53 mins |
Shibuya Station | ~1 hour 15 mins |
Shinjuku Station | ~1 hour 20 mins |
Ikebukuro Station | ~1 hour 30 mins |
Yokohama Station | ~1 hour 25 min |
Frequency: every 30 mins during peak times; every 60 mins during off-peak times
Narita Express Boarding and Travel Experience
Now for the fun part: riding the train! The N'EX trains are sleek, modern, and designed for comfort. The platforms are clearly marked with the N'EX logo, so you can't miss them. Just check the departure board for your train time and track number, head to the platform, find your car number, and hop on.
Credit: from pictureworl.org | Narita Express carriages
Narita Express: Luggage and Storage Tips
This is, hands down, one of the best features of the Narita Express. As you enter each train car, there are large, dedicated luggage storage areas. You can roll your big suitcases right in, and there are even dial locks you can use to secure your bags for extra peace of mind.
Narita Express: Onboard Amenities
The seats are so comfortable and they recline! Each seat comes with a tray table, a power outlet to charge your phone, and access to free Wi-Fi. Large screens at the front of the car display travel information in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, so you'll always know the next stop and your estimated arrival time.
The bathrooms are also super clean and spacious. It’s the perfect environment to just sit back, relax, and watch the Japanese countryside transform into the Tokyo cityscape.
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Narita Express vs Other Transportation Options
Feature | Narita Express | Skyliner | Airport Limousine Bus | Taxi/Private Transfer |
Operator | JR East | Keisei Electric Railway | Airport Limousine | Various companies |
Destinations | Tokyo St., Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama | Ueno, Nippori | Major hotels & stations (e.g., Shinjuku, Tokyo St.) | Door-to-door to your address |
Travel Time | ~53 mins to Tokyo St. | ~41-52 mins to Ueno/Nippori | ~60-120 mins (subject to traffic) | ~60-90 + mins (traffic dependent) |
Cost | ~$20 | ~$17 to Ueno | ~$24 | ~$130 (very expensive) |
Frequency | Every 30-60 mins | Every 20-40 mins | Every 20-30 mins | On-demand |
Note:
- For speed & central JR access, choose Narita Express!
- For hotel doorstep service, the Airport Limousine Bus is the best choice.
- A taxi or private transfer is worth the price for groups and those with heavy luggage.
How Much Is Narita Express?
Narita Express with JR Pass
Japan Rail Pass holders can ride the Narita Express (N'EX) for free with a seat reservation. Simply bring your activated JR Pass to any JR ticket office at Narita Airport to reserve a seat at no extra cost. There is no limit on how many times you can use the N'EX with a valid JR Pass.
Narita Express without JR Pass
Destination | Standard Class Fare | First Class Fare |
Tokyo | $25.53 | $31.89 |
Shibuya | $27.03 | $33.43 |
Shinjuku | $27.03 | $33.43 |
Yokohama | $36.34 | $55.11 |
Note:
- Unreserved seat tickets cost the same as reserved seats.
- If the train is full, standing is permitted.
- Fares remain consistent year-round.
- For updated prices, always check the official JR website.
Best Hotels Near Narita Express Stations
Choosing a hotel near a N'EX station is a brilliant move. It makes your arrival and departure days so much easier. You can find and compare prices for all these areas on Trip.com to get the best deal for your stay.
Tokyo Station Area Hotels
This area is perfect if you value convenience and connectivity. You'll find a wide range of hotels, from sleek business hotels to high-end luxury stays. Being here means you're just a short walk from your airport train and any bullet train adventures.
Shinjuku District Accommodations
If you want to be in the heart of modern Tokyo, stay in Shinjuku. The area around the station is packed with hotels for every budget. Dropping your bags and being able to immediately walk out into the vibrant energy of Shinjuku is an unbeatable feeling.
FAQs about Narita Express
Is Narita Express covered by JR Pass?
Yes, the Narita Express (N'EX) is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for both ordinary and green car users, allowing pass holders to reserve seats at no extra cost.How to take Narita Express?
Follow airport signs for "JR Lines," then check digital displays for your N'EX platform and boarding time.How to buy Narita Express on Trip.com?
Yes, you can purchase a JR Pass on Trip.com, which includes unlimited use of the Narita Express (N'EX) during its validity period.