Narita International Airport
Located to the east of Central Tokyo, Narita Airport (NRT) handles a significant number of international flights, making it many visitors point of entry and/or exit in Japan. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport also handles international traffic so ensure you check which airport you are flying in/out of. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to / from Narita Airport
— Activating & Exchanging a Japan Rail (JR) Pass
— Bus Services to / from Narita Airport
— Getting to Nagano from the Airport: Train, Bus or Charter?
— Accommodation In & Around the Airport
Narita has three terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 handle international flights by full-service airlines while Terminal 3 caters to low-cost carriers. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have underground train stations (discussed below). Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 2 by a walkway, making access easy. Free shuttle buses also run between the terminals.
The following information is intended for travelers heading from Narita Airport to Nagano and Central Japan. Let’s start with how to get to and from the airport – for information about which transport option will suit you best, see our ‘Best Way to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo – Train, Bus or Private Transport?’ page.
ENTERING & EXITING JAPAN
Narita Airport is one of Japan’s four major international airports. As such, it is the entry and departure point for many international visitors. Our ‘Entering & Exiting Japan’ page has useful information including visa requirements, clearing immigration and customs and things to take care of while at the airport. For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO / FROM NARITA AIRPORT
Two rapid train lines connect Narita Airport to Tokyo: 1. The Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station and 2. the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station. Both services are easy and comfortable to use however only the NEX is covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The Keisei Skyliner is not covered by any JR Pass:
NARITA EXPRESS (N’EX)
Making stops at Narita Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the Narita Express (N’EX) takes approximately 55 minutes to travel from the airport to Tokyo Station (depending on which service and terminal you are using). The N’EX also services Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa and Yokohama Stations. Tickets can be purchased online up to one month in advance however there really is no need to book ahead of time. Tickets are available using the ticket machines or service windows at the airport terminals. Foreign language-speaking staff – including English, Chinese and Korean – are usually on-hand to assist. A one-way journey costs JPY3070 per adult or JPY4640 per adult for a Green Car reservation*. Departing every 30 to 60 minutes, there are numerous services throughout the day. The earliest train from Narita departs at 07:45 with the final service departing at 21:45. For the daily schedule, see our ‘Narita Express (N’EX) Timetable’ page.
*Green Cars have fewer seats, more legroom, etc. They are often described as the equivalent of business or first-class on an airline. While they are very comfortable, a standard Ordinary Car is also enjoyable and will suit the needs of most visitor for the short journey to and from the airport.
KEISEI SKYLINER
Also making stops at Narita Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the Keisei Skyliner takes between 40 to 55 minutes to travel – depending on which service and terminal you are using- from the airport to Keisei Ueno Station – nearby Ueno Station . Before reaching Ueno, the Skyliner also stops at Nippori Station – 40 minutes from the airport. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have a Skyliner & Keisei Information Center, open daily from 07:00 until 21:00. Foreign language-speaking staff – including English, Chinese and Korean – are usually on-hand to assist. Tickets are available using the ticket machines or service windows at the airport terminals. Tickets can also be purchased from machines in Terminal 3. All seats on the Skyliner are reserved and cost JPY2520 per adult and JPY1270 per child to reach Keisei Ueno Station. Services through the day typically depart every 30 to 40 minutes. The earliest train from Narita departs at 07:26 with the latest service leaving at 23:20. For daily train schedules, see our ‘Keisei Skyliner Timetable’ page.
Please note, Narita Airport is also serviced by local train lines however we recommend using either the NEX or Skyliner. These services are notably faster and connect quickly and conveniently and for visitors heading to our home region of Nagano, both services connect with the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station – see ‘Getting to Nagano from the Airport’ below for details.
ACTIVATING & EXCHANGING A JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Holders of any Japan Rail pass will need to exchange/activate that pass before using it. You do so by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport including Narita Airport. You can do so at:
— Terminal 1: JR East Travel Service Center: 08:15 to 19:00; Ticket Office: 06:30 to 08:15 & 19:00 to 21:45; or Travel Center: 08:00 to 20:00.
— Terminal 2/3: JR East Travel Service Center: 08:15 to 20:00 or Ticket Office: 06:30 to 08:15 & 19:00 to 21:45.
Tokyo Station is another popular place to exchange/obtain your pass at either of these offices:
— JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00 or JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00.
Travelers headed from Ueno Station can do so at: Information Center (Central Ticket Gate): 09:00 to 19:00.
Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
For full details regarding each pass covering travel to and from Nagano, please refer to our relevant page: Japan Rail (JR) Pass / JR East Nagano & Niigata Pass / JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.
BUS SERVICES TO / FROM NARITA AIRPORT
Operating from all three terminals at Narita Airport to numerous points in Tokyo, the Airport Limousine Bus is a good option for travelers who want to be dropped directly at their hotel. Tickets can be booked in advance – a minimum of 2-days prior to your intended travel – with the option of doing so online, by phone, at a ticket machine and – for visitors heading to the airport – through your hotel.
Travel times vary depending on where you are staying – but expect a journey of around 2 hours – with stops at these participating hotels. A one-way ticket costs between JPY2800 to JPY3200 depending on where you are staying. Buses are large coaches with two seats either side the central aisle. Overhead storage is above with passengers asked to store their larger luggage underneath the bus. Buses include free WiFi and an onboard toilet. A central office monitors traffic and communicates with drivers in an effort to ensure any troublesome delays.
Tickets can be purchased online a minimum of 2-days in advance, by phone, through a participating hotel or at ticket machines at the airport. To purchase online, you can do so through the official website by providing your details and making payment by credit card. You will then be sent an email confirmation which you use on the day to board the bus. You can also choose to make payment on the day. If you do you will receive a QR code by email, which you use on the day to make payment at a ticket machine or window. You will then be issued with your ticket to board the bus. Alternatively, ticket machines are available at the airport. Simply choose your preferred bus service, make payment, and your tickets will be issued.
GETTING TO NAGANO FROM THE AIRPORT: TRAIN, BUS OR CHARTER?
When traveling to Nagano including its ski resorts, from Narita Airport, you have the option of: 1. HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station; 2. an EXPRESS BUS (WINTER ONLY) to some ski resorts; and 3. a PRIVATE CHARTER from / to Narita Airport. We hope the following information is of assistance in arranging your transport to Nagano and Central Japan:
1 / HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN FROM TOKYO OR UENO STATION
The Hokuriku Shinkansen line runs from the southern terminus of Tokyo Station to the northern terminus of Kanazawa Station. The following stations are on the line including Ueno Station and Nagano Station:
Tokyo / Ueno / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa*
To reach Nagano from Narita, head to Tokyo Station using the NEX or Ueno Station using the Skyliner and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page. Visitors heading to these popular ski resorts should head to the following stations: 1. Nagano Station: Shiga Kogen, Hakuba and Myoko Kogen and 2. Iiyama Station: Nozawa Onsen and Madarao.
*Please note, while not all stops are included on each shinkansen service, every service from Tokyo or Ueno stops at Nagano Station.
2 / EXPRESS BUS TO SKI RESORTS – WINTER ONLY
In winter, some ski resorts including the most popular resorts of Hakuba Valley operate direct shuttle buses to and from Narita Airport. From Narita, pickup is available at Terminals 1,2 and3 with drop-off available at Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Station and the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. A one-way journey costs: JPY9800 per adult (12+), JPY7800 per child (6-11) and children under 6 are free of charge. While the bus is a convenient way to reach Hakuba directly from the airport, it is only available once per day and only during winter. For full details, please refer to Alpico’s timetables and fares page.
3 / PRIVATE CHARTER TO / FROM NARITA AIRPORT
For visitors arriving at Narita Airport but wanting to head to a location other than central Tokyo, arranging private transport from the airport can be a convenient and economical option, especially when traveling as a group or family. Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we can arrange private transport from the airport directly to your preferred destination in Central Japan including any of the region’s fantastic ski resorts.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety. A great option for families and groups of friends wanting to travel together in comfort, we can arrange transport for individuals, couple, families and groups of up to 44 passengers per vehicle.
As a registered travel agent, we can package your transport with accommodation, tours, restaurants and more! We take the hassle out of arranging your travel to Nagano and Central Japan, so you can relax, sit back and discover everything the region has to offer!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan from Narita? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE AIRPORT
Visitors flying in and out of Narita Airport have a choice to hotels in and around the airport. While there are only a small number of hotels inside the airport itself, the broader Narita area has multiple hotels within easy reach of the airport with some offering shuttle services to and from the terminals. Most hotels are mid-sized to large business hotels catering to arrivals and departures from the airport, with the standard facilities and comforts you’d expect of any business hotel in Japan. For hotel bookings in and around the airport, see our ‘Narita Airport Area’ hotel page.
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO?
Not just the largest city in Japan but also the largest city in the world, Tokyo is a sprawling giant that must be experienced at least once. Knowing where to stay when visiting Tokyo can make a huge difference when it comes to getting around the city and ultimately, getting the most out of your time there. Our ‘Where To Stay In Tokyo?’ page breakdowns the best areas to stay including accommodation listings.
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our top recommendations on things to do in Tokyo as well. Why not check out our 25 Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you information on the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
30 THINGS TO DO NEAR TOKYO: BEST DAY-TRIPS & OVERNIGHT GETAWAYS
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. We hope it tempts you to visit!
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
For many visitors, Narita Airport will be their point of entry when arriving in Japan but as we all know, your trip begins long before your get here as you plan your adventure in this wonderful country. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
