Tokyo has two major airports: Haneda, which primarily handles domestic traffic, and Narita, the main international airport. Somewhat confusingly, Haneda is still often referred to as Tokyo International Airport, as it served as the city’s primary international gateway before Narita opened. Narita handles around 20 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo annually, making it one of the world’s leading airport hubs.
Located about 60 kilometres northeast of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, Narita Airport opened in 1978. The airport has three terminals:
- Terminal 1 typically serves U.S. and European airlines, as well as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air.
- Terminal 2 primarily handles Asian airlines, with Delta and a few European carriers also using this terminal.
- Terminal 3, located a five-minute walk from Terminal 2, mainly serves budget airlines. While it features a large food court and some shops, it lacks the premium facilities of the other terminals, such as lounges. A shuttle bus connects Terminal 3 to Terminal 2.
The surrounding area has become a hub for high-tech companies as well as shipping and transport logistics organisations. Narita is well-connected to Tokyo’s public transport system, with the JR Narita Express (NEX) being one of the best options for reaching the city. The one-hour journey to Tokyo Station runs every 30 minutes.
As is common in Japan, competing rail networks offer alternative services to Narita Airport. Keisei Electric Railways operates the Skyliner and the Keisei Access Express, which provide different routes and price points:
- Skyliner: The fastest option, running non-stop between Narita Airport and Keisei Ueno Station in just 36 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 2,400 yen.
- Keisei Access Express: A more affordable yet slower alternative, this train connects Narita Airport with Asakusa, Shimbashi, Shinagawa and Haneda. It is a commuter-style train, meaning no reserved seats, but it provides direct access to central Tokyo without requiring a transfer.
Keisei Combo Passes
Keisei also offers special passes that combine the Skyliner with other transport options for added convenience:
- Keisei Skyliner & Teito Taxi Pass: This package includes a Skyliner ticket to Keisei Ueno Station, plus a taxi ride to your hotel in central Tokyo. It’s a great option if you’re carrying heavy luggage or staying in a location not easily accessible by train.
- Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket: This combo pass provides a Skyliner ride and unlimited access to Tokyo’s subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Prices vary depending on the subway pass duration, making it a cost-effective option for travellers planning to explore Tokyo intensively.
Both combo passes can be purchased at Narita Airport and are ideal for tourists looking for a seamless connection to their accommodation or sightseeing destinations.
One downside of using Keisei Electric Railways is that you may need to transfer to another train to reach your hotel. A convenient option is to transfer at Nippori Station to the JR Yamanote Line, or at Keisei Ueno Station to the Keihin-Tohoku Line, depending on your final destination. From Ueno, it’s about 10 minutes to Tokyo Station. It’s also important to note that Keisei Ueno Station is separate from JR and Tokyo Metro’s Ueno Station, located across the road. Cheaper but slower commuter trains to Narita Airport are also available, operated by both JR Sobu Line and Keisei Main Line.
While Japan’s trains are among the most efficient and punctual in the world, it’s always best to allow extra time for unforeseen delays when heading to the airport.
Another option is the Airport Limousine Bus, which takes a little over one hour. This can be a more economical choice than the Narita Express, especially if your hotel is on the bus route, as it stops directly at many major hotels.
While taxis are readily available in Tokyo, the 60-kilometre journey to Narita can be extremely expensive, with fares of around 20,000 yen not uncommon. We highly recommend considering train or bus options before taking a taxi from Narita.
Also on Happy Jappy
Tokyo Haneda Airport
Keisei Cityliner / Skyliner
Official website
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/
