Ultimate Guide for Your Fuss-Free Narita Airport Train Transfer to Tokyo City and Beyond
Whether you're a seasoned globe trotter or a first-time foreign traveler to Japan, navigating the country's expansive railway system can seem a bit daunting. However, the task becomes considerably less complicated thanks to services like the Narita Express, commonly known as N'EX or NEX.
This Narita International Airport limited express train is your efficient and comfortable bridge between Narita International Airport and Central Tokyo, and even beyond. As a reliable train service connecting Narita Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and 3, to major destinations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, NEX offers a seamless transportation solution for both locals and foreign tourists.
What's more, is that the NEX train journey only takes as fast as 53 minutes from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the key features of Narita Express, its benefits, and how you can make the most of your Narita airport transfer experience by booking on Klook.
What is the Narita Express?
Photo Credit: Ving N on Unsplash
The Narita Express is a dedicated limited express airport railway service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Launched in 1991, it has become the preferred mode of direct transportation between Narita Airport, which is located in Chiba prefecture, and the Tokyo Metropolitan area. With its punctuality, comfort, and efficiency, NEX has become the go-to choice for travelers seeking a smooth transition from the airport to their final destination.
Besides Narita Express, Klook also offers different options for transfers between the airport and Tokyo based on your needs. Refer to the summary below:
Travel style | business hours | Airport pick-up time to Tokyo | details |
|---|---|---|---|
6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. | 53 minutes | - Direct train service from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, or Yokohama Station, etc. - You can connect to the Shinkansen directly from Tokyo Station. To travel to every major city in Japan. | |
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 41 minutes | - Direct train service from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 on the Keisei Line to Ueno Station or Nippori Station | |
6:30 a.m. until late at night | 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | - Limousine bus service to hotels or key locations in central Tokyo and beyond. - There is also service to and from Haneda Airport. which is another important international airport in Tokyo | |
24 hours | 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | - Door-to-door transfers to various hotels Within the central Tokyo area - Suitable for families or tourists with unlimited budgets. |
Narita Express Destinations: From Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Photo Credit: JR East
The Narita Express provides direct access to major stations in Central Tokyo from Narita Station. These destination stations include Tokyo Station (perfect for those staying in Marunouchi or planning to take the Shinkansen), Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama.
The services stop at Omiya, Takao, Totsuka, Ofuna, and Ikebukuro stations on specific trains as well. With such wide coverage, chances are the Narita Express will conveniently connect you to your desired destination or a short local train ride away.
While at Narita Airport, head to the Narita Express ticket counter at B1F of Terminal 1 or Termina 2. If you've already booked your tickets on Klook, all you have to do is scan the QR code from your Klook app to redeem your tickets at the ticket machines. And you're all set!
Traveling from Tokyo Station
Worth mentioning, Narita Express is the most convenient airport transportation to get to Tokyo Station. Located at the heart of the city, Tokyo station connects travelers to the nationwide Shinkansen network (bullet train), as well as the other limited express regional lines, in-city metro & JR lines that will take you to every part of the city (e.g. main stations like Ginza Station, Ikebukuro station, and Tokyo Disney Resort).
Speaking of Shinkansen services, book your Shinkansen tickets now on Klook to major stations in Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima or Hakata!
The Narita Express Experience
From the moment you step onto the Narita Express, you'll be greeted with a sense of Japanese hospitality, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail. The train carriages are clean, comfortable, and spacious, with designated luggage storage racks to accommodate large suitcases. They also come with number locks for extra security.
Luggage storage racks are available at the ends of each car on the Narita Express.
There are two seat classes for you to choose from — Green cars and Ordinary cars; basically meaning first class and second class respectively; all are reserved seating. Seats are arranged in a 2x2 configuration and are equipped with a fold-out table, cup holder, and power outlet for charging devices, plus there is even free WiFi on the train for you to stay connected during the journey.
You'll get your own designated seat in the Narita Express Ordinary Car.
The large windows offer panoramic views of the changing landscapes as you journey towards the city. For those traveling in Green cars, seats are usually wider with more legroom. You may also expect a less crowded train carriage.
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Purchasing JR Narita Express Tickets
Purchasing NEX tickets is straightforward. Besides booking Japan Rail Pass, you can now book standalone tickets for NEX trains on Klook (for JR pass users, kindly refer to the section below)!
Simply visit the page here, and input your intended departure and arrival station, plus your intended travel date to reserve your tickets.
Rest assured, all tickets booked on Klook are reserved seats (i.e. you do not have to bother about doing seat reservations on the spot, unlike using the JR Pass), and you may go through the ticket gates and hop on the train directly after picking up your physical train ticket from reserved seat ticket machines (the ticket vending machine in light blue) with the QR code sent to you shortly after your booking is made. We will also send you a detailed step-by-step guide in which you may pick up tickets with ease.
If you have reserved a seat on the Narita Express train but your flight is delayed, please go to the ticket vending machine and use the Klook QR code to redeem the base fare ticket, and then re-purchase a limited express ticket onsite for the next NEX train you want to take.
It only costs you around JPY 1,700 to re-purchase an additional limited express ticket to board the next train!
Klook Tip: Please pick up your tickets from the ticket vending machines before visiting the JR ticketing counter. Refer to the links below for the station map of Narita Airport JR stations:
Likewise for city departure, just in case you want to change your Narita Express train tickets, kindly present the physical tickets at the JR ticketing office (i.e. Midori-no-madoguchi) and ask for assistance. Refer to the links below for the station map of major JR stations:
Using the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for the Narita Express
Another great benefit of the Narita Express is that it's covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass; The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on a wide range of trains over a certain period). If you have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), make sure to exchange your actual Narita Express train ticket at the JR East office at Narita Airport before boarding the NEX.
There are certain Japan Rail passes that cover the Narita Express train line, including the popular Whole Japan Rail Pass, JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass, and the JR East Tohuku Area Pass. Compare the different Japan Rail Pass here on Klook!
NEX Timetable and Frequency
Narita Express trains operate at regular intervals throughout the day, typically every 30 to 60 minutes. The earliest service departs from Narita Airport Terminal 1 at around 6:00 AM, while the last one leaves at around 10:00 PM. The journey to Tokyo Station takes roughly an hour. Check the timetable here.
NEX Ticket Fares
A one-way NEX ticket would usually cost JPY 3,000. This includes the standard and express train ticket (i.e. cannot be paid by IC cards). Actual train ticket prices may vary by departure dates and stations — check the actual price on Klook!
With its top-notch service, comfort, and convenience, the Narita Express stands as an essential part of the Japan travel experience for foreign travelers. It eases the transition from the moment of arrival, whisking you into the heart of Tokyo and giving you the first taste of Japan's renowned public transportation system.
Remember, the Narita Express is not just a train ride — it's the beginning of your unforgettable journey through Japan!
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Getting around
- Airport transfer from Tokyo: Skyliner Narita Express | JR Narita Express (NEX) | Airport Limousine Bus
- Airport transfer from Osaka: Nankai Rapi:t Kansai Airport Express | JR Haruka Kansai Airport
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