Narita Express Guide: Ticket Prices, Timetable & How to Ride

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Narita Express

From Narita Airport to Tokyo, it is recommended to take the JR "Narita Express N'EX" (Narita Express). It takes as little as 53 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (the actual time may vary slightly depending on the train). This article compiles route maps, ticket prices, timetables, seat allocation tutorials, and discounted package tickets. It's a must-read for independent travelers to Tokyo!

What is Narita Express?

What is Narita Express?

Source from Photo AC

The "Narita Express N'EX" operated by JR East connects Narita Airport with major stations in Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama, etc. It only takes 53 minutes to get from the airport to Tokyo Station at the fastest. There are also advantages such as free JR transfer within the station and free seat allocation with a JR PASS. In addition, the Narita Express N 'EX is divided into two classes: regular carriages and green carriages. It offers free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a large luggage storage area.

Item

Details

​​Operating Hours​​

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

​​Timetable​​

Departures approximately every 30-60 minutes (please check the official website)

​​Car Classes​​

Green Car (First Class), Ordinary Car

​​Travel Time​​

Narita Airport to Tokyo Station: 53 minutes

Narita Airport to Shibuya Station: 1 hour 15 minutes

Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station: 1 hour 25 minutes

What is Narita Express Timetable?

If you want to take the NEX Narita Express, you can refer to the following schedule. Please note that the earliest service departs from Narita Airport at 07:37 and arrives at Tokyo Station at 08:52. The latest train departs at 21:44 and arrives at Tokyo Station at 21:44.

What is Narita Express Timetable?
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What are Narita Express Ticket Prices?

What are Narita Express Ticket Prices?

Source from APPI Resort

Destination Station

Travel Time

Adult Fare (Ordinary Car)

Adult Fare (Green Car)

​​Tokyo​​

Approx. 53-65 minutes

3,070 JPY / ​​~31 AUD​​

3,840 JPY / ​​~38 AUD​​

​​Shinagawa​​

Approx. 65-75 minutes

3,250 JPY / ​​~33 AUD​​

4,020 JPY / ​​~40 AUD​​

​​Shibuya​​

Approx. 70-80 minutes

3,250 JPY / ​​~33 AUD​​

4,020 JPY / ​​~40 AUD​​

​​Shinjuku​​

Approx. 75-85 minutes

3,250 JPY / ​​~33 AUD​​

4,020 JPY / ​​~40 AUD​​

​​Yokohama​​

Approx. 90 minutes

4,370 JPY / ​​~44 AUD​​

6,640 JPY / ​​~66 AUD​​

​​Ofuna​​

Approx. 100 minutes

4,700 JPY / ​​~47 AUD​​

6,970 JPY / ​​~70 AUD​

Note: For children (ages 6 to under 12), the base fare, limited express ticket, and reserved seat ticket are half the adult price; the green car ticket is the same as the adult price. During some periods, there may be peak/off-peak season surcharges or discounts.

[Official Ticket][Special Deal] Narita Airport Express - Keisei Skyliner Ticket + Tokyo Metro Subway 24/48/72-hour One-way/Round-trip
[Official Ticket][Special Deal] Narita Airport Express - Keisei Skyliner Ticket + Tokyo Metro Subway 24/48/72-hour One-way/Round-trip
4.8/5
733 reviews
I took the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to the city center. It was fast and the seats were comfortable, making it a great way to get around after a flight. I was worried about transferring to the subway with my luggage, but traveling by Skyliner made the process much easier. I also purchased a Tokyo Metro Pass, which I made excellent use of during my trip. If you plan to visit multiple places in a single day, it is convenient as it reduces transportation costs and eliminates the need to buy tickets every time. I highly recommend it to anyone planning a free and independent trip to Tokyo!
Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hour travel pass [Physical ticket/e-ticket/Skyliner Tokyo Airport Express/Tokyo Limousine Bus discount package available]
Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hour travel pass [Physical ticket/e-ticket/Skyliner Tokyo Airport Express/Tokyo Limousine Bus discount package available]
4.8/5
3464 reviews
You can use the QR code to enter and exit the gate, but there may only be one QR code scanner at each exit. However, this does not affect its convenience, and you don't have to worry about losing the physical QR code. I have used it to take the subway many times. However, you may need to plan your trip accordingly, as some journeys may be more convenient with the JR Yamanote Line, but this pass is not applicable!
Skyliner Keisei railway ticket (Tokyo airport express: Narita International Airport-Ueno/Nippori) [optional+Tokyo subway discount package]
Skyliner Keisei railway ticket (Tokyo airport express: Narita International Airport-Ueno/Nippori) [optional+Tokyo subway discount package]
4.9/5
4497 reviews
I purchased two tickets for myself to use for a round trip. I was worried that two tickets might be used at once since I have to make reservations each time, but it was great that I could select the quantity directly from a staff member or the machine and print the tickets.

What are Narita Express Stops & Map?

What are Narita Express Stops & Map?

Source from Japan Station

Take the NEX Narita Express directly from Narita Airport to the major stations in Tokyo and its surrounding areas, which can be directly connected to major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Yokohama Station.

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Seat Class Differences of Narita Express

The seats on the Narita Express N'EX tickets are divided into two grades: "Regular carriages" and "green carriages". The regular carriages are already equipped with comfortable seats, folding tables, power sockets, free Wifi and ample luggage space. However, the seats in the green carriages have an additional 14 centimeters between the front and back, are more spacious, and are equipped with leather seats, providing a more upscale riding experience.

Seat Class Differences of Narita Express N'EX

The interior of the ordinary carriage of N'EX

Source from JR-EAST

Seat Class Differences of Narita Express N'EX

The interior of the green carriage of N'EX

Source from JR-EAST

How to Buy Narita Express Tickets On-Site?

How to Buy Narita Express Tickets On-Site?

Source from Unsplash

Location of the Ticket Office

After entering the country, follow the "Railway Train" sign and arrive at the JR station on the first basement floor of Narita Airport. Both Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 and 3 have the "JR EAST Travel Service Center", "Green Windows" and "automatic Ticket vending machines". Here you can purchase tickets for the Narita Express N'EX and exchange them for JR Passes, etc.

On-site Narita Express Ticket Booking Guide

Passengers can purchase tickets by themselves at the Narita Express N'EX dedicated ticket vending machine at Narita Airport.

In addition to purchasing tickets for the "Narita Express N'EX" at the ticket vending machine, you can also directly complete the seat allocation and obtain a "Designated Seat Ticket". If there is a long queue at the on-site counter, using the automatic ticket vending machine can save you a lot of time! Here are the steps you might follow to buy tickets.

  • Select the language and the type of ticket to purchase
  • Choose whether to "transfer to Shinkansen" later
  • Select the departure station
  • Select the departure station
  • Select the number of passengers
  • Select the train and carriage type, your seat
  • Select the transportation option
  • Make the payment and collect the ticket

Online Narita Express Tickets Purchase

In addition to purchasing tickets on-site, you can also purchase tickets online through the "JR EAST Train Reservation" on the JR East official website first. After arriving in Japan, collect the tickets at the ticket vending machine using the QR Code. If the flight is delayed, you can also reassign your seat upon arrival or directly change to a reserved seat.

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How to ride the NEX Narita Express

How to ride the NEX Narita Express

Source from Wikipedia

From Narita Airport to Tokyo Station

  • Depart from Narita Airport and follow the instructions to the NEX Narita Express Platform
  • You can purchase NEX Narita Express tickets at the B1 ticket counter or make a reservation in advance through the website. Show your purchase voucher to exchange for the ticket
  • Take the NEX Narita Express with your ticket and get off at Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station to Narita Airport

  • Head to the Narita Express departure Station at Tokyo Station
  • You can purchase NEX Narita Express tickets at the ticket counter or make a reservation in advance through the website. Show your purchase voucher to exchange for the ticket
  • Take the NEX Narita Express with your ticket and arrive at Narita Airport. Once you get off the train, that's the end of the Narita Express line. You've arrived!.

Attractions around the Main Stations of Narita Express

Attractions around the Main Stations of Narita Express

Source from Unsplash

The NEX Narita Express connects major popular areas in Tokyo. The following table shows the attractions near the main stations for your reference: 😁

Station

Key Attractions

​​Tokyo Station​​

Imperial Palace, Ginza District, Tokyo Station City

​​Shinjuku Station​​

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Kabukicho

​​Shibuya Station​​

Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Harajuku (Takeshita Street)

​​Shinagawa Station​​

Shinagawa Aquarium, Gotoku-ji Temple

​​Yokohama Station​​

Minato Mirai 21, Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama Chinatown

Attractions Near around Express
Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace
4.7/5
1502 reviews
The morning mist hadn't completely dissipated when I set off towards the countryside. This time, I didn't plan a strict route; I'd just follow my instincts, letting each step connect with the earth, capturing every unexpected sight. The mist swirled like a soft veil around the mountains, shrouding the distant villages in a hidden paradise. The path gradually transitioned from paved asphalt to soft dirt, the earth's elasticity palpable underfoot. The air was filled with the scent of fresh grass after the rain. Crossing a wide, gentle slope, wild chrysanthemums bloomed vibrantly, their pale yellow petals glistening with dew. Several butterflies flitted among the flowers, their wing patterns shimmering in the mist. Midway through... I stopped at an old roadside restaurant and had a bowl of hot local specialty soup noodles. The fragrant broth warmed me from my tongue to my stomach. The owner enthusiastically told me old stories about this route, saying that many people used to walk this path between the mountains and the market, just walking aimlessly, passing through old alleys hidden deep in the woods, watching smoke rise slowly from the black-tiled roofs, and seeing several elderly people sitting in front of their doors enjoying the cool air, fanning themselves and telling old tales, until the first ray of sunlight pierced the clouds, turning the mist a pale golden hue. Standing on higher ground, looking down at the layered scenery, I suddenly felt that the land I had kissed with my footsteps would quietly tell you its softest details, and the wildflower I held in my hand was a gift from the mountains and fields. The scenery here isn't the kind of overwhelming, stunning beauty, but rather a gentle, jade-like companionship. Looking up, the thirteen continuous mountain peaks stretch across the sky like guardian deities, their snow-capped summits shimmering with a sacred light under the sun, as if even the air itself has been cleansed to perfection. I love to wander aimlessly in the soft morning light, watching wisps of smoke rise from between the staggered stone walls of courtyards, listening to the bleating of sheep, the mooing of cows, the crowing of roosters, and the barking of dogs weaving together into the most rustic pastoral symphony. This way of interacting with nature without any barriers allows me to rediscover inner peace and strength. When I touch those ancient totems that carry a thousand years of wisdom, feeling the roughness and authenticity under my fingertips, I suddenly understand that the most beautiful scenery is not in the distance, but in whether we are willing to stop and appreciate the ordinary beauty around us with eyes that are good at discovering.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.8/5
3469 reviews
After a long day of driving along winding mountain roads, the moment I stumbled into the hotel, feeling dizzy and disoriented, the discomfort from days of travel instantly vanished. There was no noisy traffic, no need to immediately brace myself for the next stretch of road; the entire space was quiet, even the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves was clearly audible. The plain walls had a warm, smooth texture, and a faint minty scent filled the air. I completely turned off the navigation app on my phone, no longer needing to stare at the dizzying mountain road routes. Wrapped in a soft bathrobe, I strolled slowly around the room, the dizziness from the long drive and the tension from the mountain roads gradually soothing in this slower pace of life. Leaning against the cushions by the window, I watched the mountain mist slowly rise from the valley, a cup of warm honey water in my hand. No need to rush for any shuttle buses down the mountain, no need to hurry to the next attraction—I could daydream as long as I wanted. What was originally a hectic journey transformed into a complete healing experience for both body and mind. Time seemed to slow down here, and every moment was filled with tranquility. This was the most memorable moment of the trip.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing
4.6/5
17 reviews
brilliant location well worth a visit !

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