How to Get to Tokyo from Narita Airport

I went back to Japan recently and it was my second time arriving at Narita Airport. The first one was way back in 2012 and we got to Tokyo via airport transfers. The second time I was in Tokyo in 2015, my husband and I landed at Haneda Airport (which I still prefer) as it’s already in the city and the travel time to our hotel at Nihonbashi/Ningyocho was just about 30 minutes.

This year, we arrived again at Narita (Terminal 2) but we had to figure out how to travel to Tokyo on our own. We didn’t book any tours, not even a service that will pick us up at the airport. But that’s the beauty of traveling. You get to discover ways on how to get to your destination by researching, asking questions, and reading maps.

There are many ways on how to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport. In this post, I’ll be teaching you and giving you tips on what to ride, where to buy tickets at the airport, and what to do before leaving Narita.



First things first, let’s decide which one works for you (and your travel companions) the best.

•  Airport Transfers. Pros: This is still my most favorite mode of transportation from the airport going to the hotel. It’s super convenient, especially if it’s pre-booked. You don’t have to worry about lugging your suitcase and there’s always someone who will carry your luggage to the vehicle. Plus, airport transfers can pick you up anytime, even during the wee hours. Cons: Expensive for a single person or a couple traveling together. Usually the driver will only wait for you 60 to 90 minutes upon aircraft landing. You probably won’t have the time to go around the airport upon your arrival.

•  Taxi. Pros: Taxis are readily available at the airport and they are convenient as well, especially if you are arriving at Tokyo without an airport transfer, or if you arrived in Japan when public transportation is already non-operational. Cons: Taxis can be very expensive and limiting when it comes to the number of persons and the luggage space the taxi can carry. Depending on where you stay in Tokyo, taxis can set you back at least ¥10,000.

•  Airport Limousines. Pros: Airport limousines or buses are also convenient especially if you’re traveling alone or as a couple. There’s luggage storage in the bus, a timetable as well as designated bus numbers on certain destinations. You just sit on the bus until you reach your alighting point. Cons: Airport limousines stop by at certain landmarks, usually at big hotels only. If you’re booked at a smaller hotel, you still need to transfer by riding the train, subway, or taxi. Airport limousines also take about 2 hours of travel time from Narita to your Tokyo destination.

•  Narita Express. Pros: Taking the N’EX is probably the best way to discover Japan’s railway system and the fastest way to get to Tokyo during the day. It stops at central Tokyo station and from there, you can ride the local train or ride the taxi to your hotel. You also have the option to alight at other Tokyo hubs such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku - wherever you are nearest. Cons: Upon alighting at your chosen station, you need to drag your luggage going to the local train or subway station or the nearest taxi stand. Not all stations in Tokyo have elevator or escalator access, so you might find yourself carrying your heavy luggage at staircases.


Now that we’ve covered the basics, I’ll walk you through some important tips and information on where to buy your tickets and how you can save on transportation costs in Japan.


Step 1 – Exchange currency at the airport.

Majority of the time, the conversion rates are better outside the airport. In Narita Terminal 2, however, the banks have better conversion rates as compared to currency exchange counters in Shibuya and Ginza stations (assuming you’re bringing in US$ as your pocket money).