Narita Express, or N'EX for short, is a transportation service linking Narita Airport with major urban zones in Tokyo. It is run by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). A JR East Pass which is inclusive of Narita Express usage is a convenient tool to have when journeying Japan.
Table of Contents
- Introduction of Narita Express
- Narita Limited Express
- All-in Passes for Travelling Around Japan that cover Narita Express
- Where to Purchase Tickets and Other Info
- Summary
Introduction of Narita Express
Top tourist destination Japan has reliable transportation systems just as famous as their sights and wonders. One such system is the all-important Narita Express whose primary purpose is connecting Narita Airport with main cities in Tokyo. Before Narita Express came to be, there was Keisei Skyliner which operated airport shuttles for many years before Narita Express entered the scene. To this day, they remain as Narita Express’ competitors. The Narita Express was first established during 1991 with its first train service on 19 March in the same year. It offers various routes from Narita Airport to different areas in the greater Tokyo region. It is an easily accessible and convenient way for travellers to journey around Japan, especially if your itinerary is focused in Tokyo.
※East Japan Railway Company, "About N'EX"
Travellers, whether arriving or departing from Narita Express, will find Narita Express (or Keisei Skyliner, depending on your destination and departure station) to be a fast, easy, affordable way to start/end your journey. Travel time from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station takes just under an hour!
Writer's Pick
Narita Limited Express
There are 2 types of tickets (or seats and carriages) you can purchase on the Narita Express; cheaper regular tickets in ordinary carriages or expensive first-class tickets in green cars. Additionally, the ticket fare prices vary according to which train station you are boarding from or arriving at, i.e. the longer distance you travel the more expensive. Therefore, it is very important to check in advance so you can properly budget and plan your trip.
Train Stations and Regular Fares
Here are some examples of the most visited stations and their corresponding fares.
Tokyo Station
The first stop in Tokyo upon leaving Narita Station, Tokyo Station serves as the one of the main intercity stations with connections to the Shinkansen, Tokyo Metro lines, and JR East lines, so expect this to be a busy area. Aside from being a convenient transfer station, there are many things to do in Tokyo Station like dining at Tokyo Ramen Street, shopping on Nakadori Avenue, visiting the Imperial Palace, and more. It is also a popular one-night-stay spot for foreigner businessmen on business trips with business hotels to stay and quick access to the airport. Don’t miss out on their busy night life too!
Read more about Century-Old Tokyo Station!
Regular Fare: 3,070 yen
Shinagawa Station
A major railway station with connections to the Shinkansen, JR East lines, and the Keikyu Main line. Apparently the Shinkansen platform opened in 2003 was to redirect the flow of travellers from Tokyo Station which was heavily congested. There are many shopping malls and luxury hotels around Shinagawa Station, such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Takanawa Keikyu, and Tobu Hotels.
Regular Fare: 3,250 yen
Ikebukuro Station
With over 2.5 million travellers a day, Ikebukuro Station is the third busiest station in Japan. It has connections to JR East lines, Seibu lines, Tobu lines, and Tokyo Metro lines. Ikebukuro is known for its downtown areas like Sunshine 60 Street that is lined with many restaurants, boutiques, and arcades leading to Sunshine City that has a planetarium, aquarium, and a theme park called NAMJATOWN.
Regular Fare: 3,250 yen
Shinjuku Station
Not only is Shinjuku Station the busiest railway station in Japan, it is also the world’s busiest station as recognized by Guinness World Record in 2018 with an average of 3.59 million travellers per day. That’s almost 1.3 billion people a year! It is the center of Tokyo and connects to many railway lines, namely JR East Lines, Keio lines, Odakyu Odawara line, Toei Subway lines, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Shinjuku Station is huge with 35 platforms and more than 200 exits. It is home to both underground and aboveground arcades, a multitude of shops, and links to several shopping malls. Trust me, you will get lost here.
Shinjuku is one of the most popular cities to visit in Tokyo with attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen, Kabukicho, and more.
Regular Fare: 3,250 yen
PRO TIP
Don’t meet up with a friend in Shinjuku Station, especially if you’re going there for the first time. Meet up at one station before or after and head to Shinjuku Station together.
Shibuya Station
You might be familiar with Shibuya and its famous ever-busy Shibuya Scramble Crossing. What you may not know is that Shibuya Station is the second busiest station in Japan. Connections in Shibuya include JR East lines, Tokyo Metro lines, Keio Inokashira line, and Tokyu lines. And recently, it always seems like at least one area is under construction by the way the station and buildings around it are constantly developing.
Shibuya has already built a name for itself as a great shopping destination and fashion avenue.
Regular Fare: 3,250 yen
Yokohama Station
The fastest way to get to Yokohama from Narita Airport is via Narita Express which takes only 90 minutes. It is considered one of Japan’s major stations with connections to JR East lines, Keikyu lines, Sagami (Sotetsu) line, Tokyu Toyoko line, Yokohama Minatomirai Railway line, and the Yokohama Municipal Subway.
There’s not much to do around Yokohama Station except shop till you drop but it’s the first stop to reach other attractions in the area including Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Cupnoodles Museum, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory among many others.
For more things to do in Yokohama, check out this article.
Regular Fare: 4,370 yen
Kyoto
If you intend to start your Japan trip in traditional Kyoto, you will be sad to know that there is no direct transport from Narita Airport to there. Rejoice however, that you are not without recourse. The quickest way to reach Kyoto is by taking the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Narita Express Regular Fare: 3,070 yen
Shinkansen Fare: 14,170 yen
For things to do in Kyoto, check out these articles:
※ East Japan Railway Company, "How to use" ※ East Japan Railway Company, "Tickets"
All-in Passes for Travelling Around Japan that cover Narita Express
JR East offers unlimited travel on eligible trains and shinkansen routes within the covered area of your purchased pass. Narita Express rides are also included!
JR Tokyo Wide Pass
The name is self-explanatory. This pass covers an array of train lines, and even includes a Shinkansen route between Tokyo to Karuizawa. For only 10,180 yen (Adults), enjoy the various sights of Tokyo Metropolitan and its surrounding areas like Lake Kawaguchiko, Nikko, Gunma, Ibaraki and more for 3 days.
For itinerary ideas, check out these articles:
Gunma: The Perfect Land for Adventure
Japan Travels: Peak Icon Mount Fuji
※ East Japan Railway Company, "JR TOKYO Wide Pass"
JR East Pass (Tohoku)
Suitable for travellers interested in visiting areas like Akita, Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata, Iwate, Fukushima, Hirosaki, and Zao. For 20,000 yen (Adults), this pass offers 5 days of unlimited travel not only within the Tokyo Metropolitan area, but also usage of Shinkansen to the aforementioned areas, trains along the Izu Kyuko line, Aoimori Railway line, Iwate Galaxy Railway line, and Sendai Airport Transit line as well as JR buses within those areas.
For itinerary ideas, check out these articles:
[We are always preparing new and interesting articles. Check back for more updates.]
※ East Japan Railway Company, "JR EAST PASS"
JR East Pass (Niigata/Nagano)
Suitable for travellers interested in visiting areas like Niigata, Nagano, GALA Yuzawa, Hakuba, Karuizawa, and Matsumoto. For 18,000 yen (Adults), this pass offers 5 days of unlimited travel not only within the Tokyo Metropolitan area, but also usage of Shinkansen to the aforementioned areas, and trains along the Izu Kyuko line, the Hokuetsu Express, Echigo TOKImeki Railway lines, as well as JR buses in the area.
For itinerary ideas, check out these articles:
Beginner Friendly Skiing in Japan
※ East Japan Railway Company, "JR EAST PASS"
N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket
Save from 2,000 yen to up to 5,000 yen with a round trip ticket to and fro Narita Airport with a validity period of 14 days from purchase.
※ East Japan Railway Company, "N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket"
Other Areas
For JR Passes that cover other areas like Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kansai, and other areas, please visit JR’s official website. For a pass that can be used all over Japan, i.e. not region locked, consider the Japan Rail Pass.
※ East Japan Railway Company, "Fares & Passes" ※ Japan Railways Group, “Japan Rail Pass”
Where to Purchase Tickets and Other Info
You can purchase Narita Express tickets and JR East Pass’ from the following places:
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JR East Travel Service Center available at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station
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JR Ticket Offices called Midori-no-madoguchi (みどりの窓口) meaning “green counter” which are all over Japan! Check this site for one near you. Also available in Narita Airport terminals.
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Travel Service Centers (View Plaza) that also offer event tickets, flight tickets, and many other travel services.
Online Seat Reservations
Reserve your Narita Express, Shinkansen, or JR Limited Express seat online in advance at JR-East Train Reservation. You can only make bookings one month before travelling. Also note that you will need to collect your tickets at either of the following locations:
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Midori-no-madoguchi
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Travel Service Centres
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Designated information centres in JR East and JR Hokkaido centres
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Your chosen reserved seat ticketing machine in chosen JR East station
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Kanazawa or Toyama Stations in JR West
For more information, check out their FAQ Page.
Can I eat on the Narita Express?
Yes, food and drink are allowed but please be considerate of others. If you have a reserved seat, you can use the table to eat comfortably.
What if I miss my train?
There will be no refunds but you can take the ordinary carriage at a later time on the same day. Please note that even if you have reserved a seat or bought a green car ticket, the above applies plus you cannot use a reserved seat without paying the full amount again.
Summary
Narita Express is the fastest, most convenient way to get to the city centre from Narita Airport. To make your travels even easier, get a JR Pass that includes the Narita Express for a hassle and stress free vacation. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip. Have fun!
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