Point of view: You’ve landed in Japan at Narita International Airport after a long cross-ocean flight. Great! Time to start shopping and raiding convenience stores, right? Well, not exactly. For those who have landed at Narita, you will quickly realize you need to travel to Tokyo to get your trip started.
One of the most convenient ways to get into Tokyo proper is to use the Narita Express train, also known as the N’EX. This train is operated by the JR East company and is used primarily by airport travellers to get a direct ride into various parts of Tokyo. But is riding the Narita Express train worth it? This Narita Express review article will tell you everything you need to know about the Narita Express train, including where it goes, how to book tickets, and alternative options to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport.
What Is the Narita Express?
The Narita Express, or N’EX, is an express train that takes travellers from Narita International Airport to Tokyo City. As with so many trains in Japan, the N’EX is known for its speed, efficiency, punctuality, and convenience.
This limited express service started in March 1991 and has remained a staple line connecting Japan’s main international airport to its largest city. While it is primarily for travellers, during rush hour, the N’EX also operates as a commuter train for locals.
Since starting operations, the Narita Express has used several different train types. The current train is the E529 series model, introduced in 2009. N’EX trains are twelve cars in length, with Green Cars (first class) located at cars six and twelve.
Narita Express Review: Where Does the Narita Express Stop?
For most travellers, the Narita Express journey will begin at the Narita International Airport at either of the first two stops. You can board the train at Narita Airport Terminal 1 or Narita Airport Terminal 2-3.
From there, the N’EX will make multiple stops throughout major areas of Tokyo. Here is a list of the stops on the Narita Express:
- Narita Airport Terminal 1
- Narita Airport Terminal 2-3
- Narita
- Sakura
- Yotsukaido
- Chiba
- Tokyo Station
- Shimbashi
- Hamamatsucho
- Shinagawa
- Osaki
- Shibuya
- Shinjuku
- Musashi-Kosugi
- Yokohama
- Totsuka
- Ofuna
From Narita Airport Terminal 1 to Tokyo Station, the Narita Express will take about 55 minutes. Of course, it will take longer to get to stops like Shinjuku or Yokohama, but the N’EX is more efficient and more affordable than other methods of transportation.
Why Choose the Narita Express?
What does the Narita Express offer that other forms of transportation into Tokyo do not? Here are some examples of why we prefer to use the Narita Express train once we land in Japan.
1. Direct Service Routes
You can travel directly into the heart of Tokyo without ever changing trains. The Narita Express is a direct service and the fastest way to get into the city once you land at Narita Airport. This makes it very handy to use for wary travellers, especially if you are hauling around your luggage.
2. Japan Rail Pass Friendly
You can use the popular Japan Rail Pass with the Narita Express if you activate it at the airport. Before activating it, please consider the length of your trip and your itinerary. There is no reversing a Japan Rail Pass activation once it has started.
3. Comfort and Convenience
As with most special express trains in Japan, the comfort and convenience are world-class. Seats are reserved at the time of purchase, so there is no walking through cars looking for a place to sit. The trains are spacious and offer reclining seats, tray tables for food, beverage holders, clean and spacious restrooms, and plenty of luggage space.
4. Free Wi-Fi for Passengers
If you sign up for the JR East Free WiFi service, you can connect your mobile devices for the entirety of the trip. This can be handy when you want to look up how to get to places once you arrive in Tokyo, or communicate with friends or loved ones that you have arrived safely.
5. Affordability
Ticket prices for the Narita Express are very reasonable, especially considering it is faster and more comfortable than Airport Buses and taxis. A one-way Narita Express ticket for an adult to Tokyo Station is just 3070 Yen.
How to Book a Narita Express Ticket?
There are a few ways to purchase your way onto a Narita Express train once you land in Japan:
1. Purchasing N’EX Tickets at the Airport
Once you land at Narita Airport, you can purchase Narita Express tickets at any terminal. JR East also has dedicated ticket counters if you wish to speak to an agent in person. These ticket centers operate from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM local time every day.
2. Book N’EX Tickets Online
You can plan ahead and make online reservations through the JR East website. This will allow you to purchase tickets from anywhere using a credit card. Once you’ve purchased the ticket, you can just show your mobile phone to get onto the Narita Express train. Keep in mind that you will need to know the timing of when you land and clear customs. Also, allow time in your schedule to collect your luggage and for any potential delays with your flight.
3. Using the Japan Rail Pass
If you choose to activate your Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport, you can use the pass to board the Narita Express train. A reminder that once you activate your Japan Rail Pass, you cannot reverse it.
Narita Express Travel Times
For anyone who has ridden a train in Japan, you know exactly how prompt and punctual they are. This applies to the Narita Express as well. When JR East posts approximate travel times, you can be sure that they are accurate estimates.
Here’s a rough idea of how long the Narita Express takes to reach popular destinations from Narita Airport:
- Narita Airport to Tokyo Station: 55–60 minutes
- Narita Airport to Shibuya: ~75 minutes
- Narita Airport to Shinjuku: ~80 minutes
- Narita Airport to Yokohama: ~90 minutes
You can gauge other stations by approximately how far they are from these central hubs. The Narita Express is a limited express train with minimal stops, but it still takes about an hour to get to Tokyo Station. Most people aren’t aware of just how far away Narita is from Tokyo. The distance is about 70 kilometres, so getting there in about an hour is fairly efficient.
How Much Does the Narita Express Ticket Cost?
The price of the Narita Express ticket will vary depending on which stop you are travelling to. Here are the prices of one-way N’EX tickets to some popular destinations:
| Station of Arrival for N’EX | Price of Regular Ticket | Price of Green Car Ticket |
| Tokyo Station | 3,070 Yen | 3,840 Yen |
| Shinagawa Station | 3,250 Yen | 4,020 Yen |
| Shibuya Station | 3,250 Yen | 4,020 Yen |
| Shinjuku Station | 3,250 Yen | 4,020 Yen |
| Yokohama Station | 4,370 Yen | 6,640 Yen |
These are the prices for one-way adult tickets. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 will pay half the fare of adults for each N’EX ticket. Children under the age of 6 can travel on the Narita Express for free.
One thing to consider is if you are staying in Japan for 14 days or less and flying back out of Narita Airport. You can purchase the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket, which is valid for 14 days. The Round Trip Ticket is discounted quite a bit and has a fixed price to most Narita Express destinations.
This N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket costs 5,000 Yen for adults and 2,500 Yen for children between the ages of 6 and 11. This discounted ticket is only available to holders of foreign passports. You can purchase the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket at JR East ticket centers or the ticket machines at Narita Airport.
Narita Express vs Other Airport Transport
| Feature | Narita Express | Keisei Skyliner | Airport Limousine Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time to Tokyo | ~1 hour | ~45 minutes (to Ueno) | 90+ mins (traffic) | 90+ mins (traffic) |
| Cost (one-way) | ~3,000 yen | ~2,500 yen | ~3,200 yen | ~30,000 yen |
| Comfort | High | High | Medium | High |
| Luggage Space | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| JR Pass Coverage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Direct to Shinjuku? | ✅ Yes | ❌ (transfer needed) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
As you can see, the Narita Express is the best bang for your buck and the most efficient way to travel to Tokyo. This is especially true if you get the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket or the Japan Rail Pass. The Keisei Skyliner can get you to Tokyo faster, but Ueno is not anywhere near any of the major hubs in Tokyo. You will still need to transfer and commute with your luggage to Shibuya or Shinjuku once you reach Ueno.
Narita Express (N’EX) Review: Is the N’EX Worth It?
In our opinion, yes, the Narita Express is absolutely worth it. Unless you plan on just staying in Narita or taking an exorbitantly expensive taxi ride, the N’EX is the fastest and most affordable way to get into Tokyo city. Enjoying the N’EX train ride as your first experience when you land in Japan is a joy. It is comfortable and spacious, and somewhat tranquil as you ride through rural areas of Japan.
Whether it is your first time visiting Japan or your tenth, taking the Narita Express from Narita Airport into Tokyo is the first step of what will no doubt be a memorable and life-changing adventure.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Best for: Direct travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, especially with a Japan Rail Pass
- ? Airport to city time: Around 60–90 minutes depending on which area you want to travel to
- ? All seats are reserved at purchase. Travel in comfort with free WiFi and luggage storage.
- ? One-way fares around 4,000 yen with discounted round-trip for tourists within 14 days of arrival
- ? Book online or at Narita airport JR East counters and ticket machines
FAQS
Is Narita Express Worth It?
Yes, in our opinion, the Narita Express is well worth it. It is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. Tickets are relatively cheap and if you are leaving within 14 days, you can book a discounted round-trip ticket.
Does Narita Express Get Crowded?
Yes, at certain times it can get crowded. Keep in mind that it is one of the only ways into Tokyo from Narita Airport. With that being said, they generally run every 30 to 60 mins throughout the day, so it isn’t difficult to reserve a seat on one of the next trains.
Can I Use the Japan Rail Pass for the Narita Express?
Yes! The Narita Express is operated by the JR East Group so you can use your Japan Rail Pass if activated. Keep in mind that your Japan Rail Pass activation cannot be reversed, so make sure you leave enough time to use it on the rest of your trip.
Can I Ride the Narita Express Without Reservation?
No, every seat on the Narita Express is booked via reservation with your ticket. When buying the N’EX ticket at Narita Airport, you will reserve a seat and car for your ticket. You can also choose to make a Green Car or First Class reservation when purchasing your Narita Express ticket.
