Narita Express Guide: Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo

As the most important transport connecting Narita Airport and Tokyo, Narita Express is one of the best ways to get to Narita Airport from Tokyo. It will be the perfect start for exploring Japan. Let’s check how Narita Express works, and how you can travel from Narita Airport to city centre now.

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What is Narita Express?

Narita Express (N'EX) is operated by JR East, connecting Narita International Airport and major stations in Tokyo. Narita Express is a fast, comfortable, and reliable transportation for travellers arriving at or departing from Narita Airport. With JR Pass, you can take Narita Express without additional fares.

How to buy Narita Express tickets from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

Buy JR Tokyo Wide Pass on Trip.com

The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is a 3-day rail pass that gives you unlimited rides on trains and the Shinkansen around Tokyo and the surrounding area, including Narita Express. You can get the JR Tokyo Wide Pass on Trip.com quickly and conveniently.

Buy Narita Express tickets online

Narita Express tickets can be reserved and purchased from abroad through the JR-EAST Train Reservation system. You can also check train schedules by searching with your departure and arrival station information.

Buy Narita Express tickets at the station

Reserved seats for the Narita Express (N'EX) Super (Limited) Express Train can be bought up to one month in advance of your departing date. You can purchase Narita Express tickets at the JR EAST Travel Service Center, JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi), or through a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine.

Narita Express tickets requirement for boarding

• To travel with the Narita Express (N'EX), you will need to purchase a Super (Limited) Express Train ticket + a Basic Fare Ticket
• To travel in a Green Car (first class) of the N'EX, you will need a Green Car Super (Limited) Express Train reserved seat ticket + a Basic Fare Ticket
• To travel with the Narita Express by using JR Pass, you’ll need a JR Pass + reserved seat ticket

How to use Narita Express tickets from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

After purchasing the Narita Express tickets, you can reserve your seats and use

Reserve your seat

• JR EAST Travel Service Center: You can easily reserve your Narita Express seat via JR EAST Travel Service Center.
• Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine: Upon arriving at Narita Airport, you can reserve your Narita Express ticket through automated ticket vending machines.
• JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi): Upon arrival in Japan, visit any JR Ticket Office to make your seat reservation. Show your rail pass, and the staff will help you reserve a seat at no extra cost.

Source: JR EAST official

Note:

• Reserve your seat as early as possible to ensure availability, especially during peak times.
• Narita Airport has multiple terminals, so make sure your Narita Express departs from or arrives at a terminal convenient for your flight.

Boarding the Narita Express

Narita Express departs from specific platforms at Narita Airport's train stations (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2-3). Information and signs in the airport will guide you to the correct platform. Make sure to check the information to match your trip.

Using a JR Pass

If you are using a Japan Rail Pass, you can take Narita Express without additional charges, but you still need to make a seat reservation. You can do this at any JR Ticket Office.

Source: JR EAST official

Narita Express route map: From Narita Airport to Ofuna/Shinjuku

Source: JR-EAST official

Narita Express (N'EX) directly connect Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Tokyo Station with journeys as fast as 53 minutes, without the transfer of JR trains.

Narita Express route 1: From Narita Airport to Ofuna/From Ofuna to Narita Airport

• Narita Airport Terminal 1
• Narita Airport Terminal 2.3
• Narita
• Sakura
• Yotsukaido
• Chiba
• Tokyo
• Shinagawa
• Musashi-Kosugi
• Yokohama
• Totsuka
• Ofuna

Narita Express Route 2: From Narita Airport to Shinjuku/From Shinjuku to Narita Airport

• Narita Airport Terminal 1
• Narita Airport Terminal 2.3
• Narita
• Sakura
• Yotsukaido
• Chiba
• Tokyo
• Shibuya
• Shinjuku

Narita Express timetable from Narita Airport to Ofuna/Shinjuku

Narita Express (N'EX) operates daily from Narita International Airport to various stations in and around Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yokohama, and more. Narita Express (N'EX) generally starts running around 7:37 AM and continues until late evening, with the last train departing from Narita Airport typically around 9:44 PM.

Take the earliest time as an example:

For the detailed timetable by station, please check the official website. Here’s an example of the earliest Narita Express 2 timetable.

Price of Narita Express

*The price is estimated based on 2024 exchange rate

Why choose Narita Express to travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

Efficiency and convenience

Narita Express is a rapid transit from Narita Airport to Tokyo or from Tokyo to Narita Airport. With minimal stops, you can reach Tokyo in about an hour. Narita Express also operates on a regular timetable with regular intervals, making it easier to plan your trip.

Integration with other transport

Once you arrive in Tokyo, Narita Express connects seamlessly with other public transportation, including the subway and other JR trains. For visitors with a JR Pass, the Narita Express becomes even more attractive as it can be used without any additional cost. This integration makes it straightforward to travel around Japan.

Enhanced onboard facilities

Narita Express offers facilities such as a large LCD guidance device, western-style toilets equipped with baby beds and baby chairs, as well as space for electric wheelchairs, large luggage compartments, large seats, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi, enhancing the travel experience.

Source: JR EAST official

Popular attractions from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Shibuya: Shibuya Crossing is a hub for fashion and culture, filled with shops and entertainment. Shibuya Sky is a rooftop observation deck on the Shibuya Scramble Square building in Tokyo, offering 360-degree views from 230 metres high.

Akihabara: Akihabara is a must-visit for fans of anime, manga, and all things tech.

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple: Asakusa is home to the famous Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, which draws millions of visitors each year.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park is also home to Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoo. The park includes museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art.

Other transport between Narita Airport and Tokyo