Getting to Narita Airport
Heading from the heart of Tokyo to Narita Airport might feel like a maze, but no worries, it’s not as tricky as it sounds. Let’s dive into the quick and easy ways to get there.
Fastest Options from Central Tokyo
Craving speed? Then the Keisei Skyliner and Narita Express (N’EX) are the way to go.
The Keisei Skyliner whisks you to Nippori Station in just 36 minutes and Ueno Station in about 41 minutes. It’s a fast ride that buzzes along from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., departing every 20 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2/3. A bit of travel trivia, it’s known for being quite the speedster!
The Narita Express (N’EX), on the other hand, offers a swift, seamless trip to big spots like Tokyo Station in 53 minutes, and it even reaches Shibuya and Shinjuku without making you switch trains.
Here’s a handy rundown:
| Service | Destination | Travel Time | Frequency | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner | Ueno Station | 41 mins | Every 20 mins | Free WiFi, USB ports, No luggage hassles |
| Narita Express (N’EX) | Tokyo Station | 53 mins | Every 30 mins | Direct line to multiple JR Stations |
Whichever service you choose, your trip will be a breeze, no stress required.
Express Trains to Narita Airport
The express trains by Keisei and JR will get you to Narita Airport from downtown Tokyo lickety-split.
Keisei Skyliner
- Route: From Narita Airport to Nippori and Ueno
- Travel Time: Snappy 36-41 minutes
- Goodies: Free WiFi, USB chargers, plenty of luggage room
Perfect for tourists carting around heavy bags, the Skyliner zips by one to three times per hour.
Narita Express (N’EX)
- Route: Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and more
- Travel Time: 53 minutes to Tokyo Station
- Easy Peasy: No train swapping at key JR stations
If you’re hanging around central Tokyo or need to jump on the JR line, the N’EX is a stellar option. For ticket details, take a peek at our piece on what pass to buy for the Yamanote Line.
In the end, both the Keisei Skyliner and the Narita Express give you quick, trusty rides to Narita Airport from central Tokyo. If you’re curious about hopping on the Yamanote Line for your trip, check out our guide on whether the Yamanote Line goes through Tokyo Station.
Getting to Haneda Airport
Wondering how to dash from the heart of Tokyo to Haneda Airport without losing your cool? I’ve got you. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the top routes, kicking off with a little chat about the Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail combo. But hey, I’ll toss in some alternatives too for when you’re feeling adventurous.
Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail Route
So here’s a slick route to Haneda that hooks you up with the Narita Express (N’Ex) and a ride on the Tokyo Monorail. If you’ve got a JR Pass burning a hole in your pocket, you’re in luck because it does the whole caboodle for you. Here’s how you can pull this off:
- Hop on the Narita Express (N’Ex) from Narita Airport and cruise over to Tokyo Station.
- Jump onto the Yamanote Line and head for Hamamatsucho Station.
- When you hit Hamamatsucho, swap over to the Tokyo Monorail zipping straight to Haneda Airport.
This ride’s about 1 hour and 55 minutes of blissful sightseeing—a panoramic view of Tokyo is included at no extra charge.
| Route | Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express + Yamanote Line + Tokyo Monorail | ~115 minutes | Covered by JR Pass | Yes |
Alternatives to Narita Express
Not feeling the Narita Express route? No worries. There are some nifty alternatives that might even be a tad faster and kinder on your wallet.
Option 1: Keikyu Line
The Keikyu Line could be your best pal for a speedy trip from Narita to Haneda. It’s a neat switcheroo of rides on the Narita Rapid Railway and the Keikyu Line. You’ll be there in around 1 hour and 35 minutes.
- From Narita Airport, grab the Narita Airport Rapid Railway to Shinagawa Station.
- Swap to the Keikyu Line at Shinagawa, and you’re home free to Haneda.
| Route | Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Rapid Railway + Keikyu Line | ~95 minutes | Partly Covered | Partially |
Option 2: Direct Trains
Here’s a no-fuss option with direct trains run by the Keisei and Keikyu lines. They zip you over in about 90 minutes and set you back 1,760 yen.
| Route | Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Trains (Keisei + Keikyu) | ~90 minutes | 1,760 | No |
Now, if you’re carrying what feels like your entire closet, the limousine bus is your buddy. This bus ride takes about 65 to 85 minutes and costs around 3,200 yen. It’s perfect for sidestepping those annoying transfers.
Craving more info on how to work the routes and passes? Check out our tips on how to pay for the Yamanote line in Tokyo and if the Yamanote line runs 24 hours.
Travel Options Between Narita and Haneda Airports
Moving between Narita and Haneda airports doesn’t have to be a headache. Relax, and let me guide you through the choices that make this trek a breeze. You can catch a direct train, hop on a limousine bus, or grab a taxi—pick what suits your pace and pocket best.
Direct Train Services
If you’re the “get-there-fast-but-don’t-break-the-bank” type, the train’s your buddy. The Keisei and Keikyu companies offer “Access Express” or “Airport Kaitoku” trains, running every 40 minutes. Buckle up for a 90-minute ride that costs 1,760 yen—pocket change compared to other options, right? Just a heads-up, the JR Pass won’t cover this ride.
| Service Name | Frequency | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Express / Airport Kaitoku | Every 40 minutes | 90 minutes | 1,760 yen |
For those with a JR Pass, try the Narita Express (N’Ex) with a little change-up on the Yamanote line and Tokyo Monorail—around 1 hour 55 minutes to destination bliss.
| Route | Duration | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Express + Yamanote Line + Tokyo Monorail | 1 hour 55 minutes | Yes |
Got questions about the Yamanote line? Check out how to pay for Yamanote Line Tokyo.
Limousine Bus vs. Taxis
Not into trains? No problem, hop on a bus or flag down a taxi.
Limousine Bus: Imagine this—a smooth ride with your bags tucked safely and the WiFi flowing. Runs frequently, takes about an hour, and the yen needed is around 3,100 to 3,200. Check out those swivel seats—they’re worth a whirl! Get more info on our what pass to buy for Yamanote Line page.
| Service | Frequency | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limousine Bus | Frequent | 1 hour | 3,100 – 3,200 yen |
Taxis: Need some alone time to unwind or discuss top-secret business plans with your pals? Grab a taxi for 60 to 90 minutes of privacy. It’s a bit pricier (20,000 to 30,000 yen), but split the bill if you’re rolling with buddies, and it’s suddenly not so steep.
| Service | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 60 – 90 minutes | 20,000 – 30,000 yen |
Decide what floats your boat—wallet-friendly rides or luxe comfort—and hit the road with confidence. Want more travel smarts along with your straight hair tips? Swing by tips for straightening curly hair and cruise like a pro.
Using Yamanote Line for Airport Travel
Getting to Tokyo’s main airports with the Yamanote Line is a no-brainer for anyone looking for smooth sailing. Let’s break down how to get connected and save some yen on your trip.
Yamanote Line Connections
The Yamanote Line is a big deal in Tokyo’s massive train system. Although it doesn’t zip you straight to Narita or Haneda airports, it’s the ticket to jumping on other lines that do.
- Haneda Airport
- To hit up Haneda Airport, hop on the Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station. From there, the Tokyo Monorail whisks you straight to the airport. If you’ve snagged a Welcome Suica IC prepaid card, your JR line rides in Tokyo are free on day one. Nice, right?
- Or, jump off at Shinagawa Station and switch to the Keikyu Line, which zips you to Haneda Airport in about 13 minutes—just 410 yen (Shinagawa Station Guide).
| From | To | Line | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamamatsucho Station | Haneda Airport | Tokyo Monorail | ~20 mins | Covered by Welcome Suica |
| Shinagawa Station | Haneda Airport | Keikyu Line | 13 mins | 410 yen |
- Narita Airport
- Swing by Nippori Station on the Yamanote Line to catch the Keisei Skyliner or Narita Express for a direct shot to Narita Airport. The ride costs 1,520 yen, lasting around 1 hour and 20 minutes (Shinagawa Station Guide).
| From | To | Line | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nippori Station | Narita Airport | Keisei Skyliner | ~41 mins | 2,520 yen |
| Tokyo/Shinagawa Station | Narita Airport | Narita Express | ~1 hour | 3,000 yen |
- Between Narita and Haneda Airports
- Both Narita and Haneda airports can be connected using the Yamanote Line, Narita Express, and Tokyo Monorail. Expect a travel time of roughly 1 hour and 55 minutes if you’re on this route (JRailPass.com).
| From | To | Line | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport | Tokyo/Shinagawa Station | Narita Express | ~60 mins |
| Tokyo/Shinagawa Station | Hamamatsucho Station | Yamanote Line | ~15 mins |
| Hamamatsucho Station | Haneda Airport | Tokyo Monorail | ~20 mins |
Discounted Ticket Options
Travelers can save a buck with various discounted ticket options when venturing on the Yamanote Line to the airport. Here are some fab deals and cards:
- Welcome Suica IC Prepaid Card
- Perfect for short-stay visitors. Ride free on JR lines in Tokyo, including the Monorail to Haneda, on your first day. Great for that airport jump when you touch down.
- Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
- A must for those going the distance. Covers the Yamanote Line, Narita Express, and Tokyo Monorail. Epic for anyone wandering between Narita and Haneda or bouncing around Japan.
- Tokyo Metro Pass
- Mostly for metro lines but teams up nicely with the Yamanote Line. Check our should I buy a Tokyo subway pass? guide for the scoop.
- Day Passes
- Plenty of day passes cover JR lines in Tokyo, Yamanote Line included. Hit up is there a day pass for Yamanote Line? for all the deets.
For more info on payment methods and other ticket options, head over to how to pay for Yamanote Line Tokyo? and can I use Suica for JR Line?.
