Keisei Skyliner (from/to Narita Airport)
For passengers arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, the Keisei Skyliner is one of two rapid train services heading into central Tokyo – along with the Narita Express (N’EX). For many, either of these two trains will be the first they use in Japan and as such, their first introduction to the country’s fantastic public transport system. On this page you will find the following information:
— Types of Carriages & Seating
— Accessing the Skyliner at Narita Airport
— Accessing Ueno Station from Keisei-Ueno Station
— Things to Do Near Tokyo : Best Day Trips and Overnight Getaways
It is important to note that the Skyliner is one of two rapid train services operating from Narita Airport, the other being the Narita Express (N’EX) which runs to Tokyo Station. While the Keisei Skyliner is slightly faster than the NEX, the Skyliner is not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, unlike the NEX which is, making the NEX a popular choice for international visitors.
KEISEI SKYLINER SERVICES
The Keisei Skyliner operates from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. Passengers arriving or departing from Terminal 3 can use the corridor between the two buildings to access the train at Terminal 2. The train runs from the airport to Keisei-Ueno Station, a small terminus nearby/within easy walking distance of Ueno Station. Enroute to Keisei-Ueno some services also stop at Aoto Station and Nippori Station. it is important to note that the Keisei Skyliner is not covered by any Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The NEX is however covered, making it a popular option for international visitors holding a JR Pass.
Passengers arriving at Narita Airport and headed to the Ueno area, can use the Skyliner from the airport*. If you are headed to the areas around Tokyo Station, Ginza, Shinagawa, Roppongi, Odaiba or Yokohama you should use the NEX. While some NEX services continue onto stations including Shibuya, Shinjuku and Omiya, those stations can also be easily reached from Ueno using the Yamanote Line. So either train service if fine. From Narita Airport, expect the following travel times:
— to Aoto Station / 30 to 35 minutes
— to Nippori Station / 40 to 50 minutes
— to Keisei-Ueno Station / 45 to 55 minutes
*Please note, if you are staying around Ueno but prefer to use the NEX because it is covered by the JR Pass, simply take the NEX to Tokyo Station and then transfer to a local train to Ueno – a journey of under 5-minutes. Both Tokyo Station and Ueno Stations are stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line headed for Karuizawa, Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa.
TYPES OF CARRIAGES & SEATING
The Keisei Skyliner only has one type of carriage in which all seats are reserved. Each carriage has four seats per row with an aisle in the middle i.e. two seats either side of the aisle, with space in front of the seats for luggage and overhead storage. Carriages also have dedicated luggage space at either end.
Seats recline and have adjustable headrests, tables and power outlets. In summary, ordinary cars are perfectly comfortable and for most visitors, have everything you need. Toilets are available at the ends of carriages.
SKYLINER TIMETABLE
For daily train schedules, see our ‘Keisei Skyliner Timetable’ page. There are frequent services throughout the day however please note, the schedule has been heavily modified due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on air travel. Once travel begins to open-up, expect services to be increased over time.
ACCESSING THE SKYLINER AT NARITA AIRPORT
The Skyliner operates from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 can board at Terminal 2, by using the corridor that connects Terminals 2 and 3. At either Terminal 1 or 2, proceed down to the B1 level where you will find access to train lines including the Keisei-Skyliner and NEX bound for Tokyo. Ordinary train services also operate out of the station for visitors heading to other local destinations including Narita City.
ACCESSING UENO STATION FROM KEISEI-UENO STATION
The Skyliner runs to and from Keisei-Ueno Station in central Tokyo. Keisei-Ueno and the larger Ueno Station are not physically joined but only around a 1-minute walk from each other. When arriving at Keisei-Ueno, proceed to the Main Exit and once outside, look to your left. You’ll see Ueno Station directly in front of you.
TICKETING & TRAVEL PASSES
A one-way journey from the airport to Keisei-Ueno or Nippori Station costs JPY2,570 per adult. Return tickets and special discounted tickets are also available through the official Skyliner website.
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 and ticket machines/windows at Keisei-Ueno Station, Nippori Station and Aoto Station.
As stated above, the Keisei Skyliner is not covered by any JR Pass. The Narita Express (N’EX) is however covered by a range of JR passes.
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
For more information and inspiration on what excursion day trips, overnight stays and multi day trips you could do outside of Tokyo, check out our 30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: The Best Day-Trips & Getaways From The Capital 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.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
The Keisei Skyliner is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. 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.
