Narita International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (NRT)

How to get to Narita International Airport

Tokyo city center is about 60 km from the airport: the most convenient connection is by train, with travel times of 40-90 minutes depending on the line.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Tokyo in approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By Train

JR East's Narita Express (N'EX) connects the airport to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Yokohama in approximately 55-90 minutes, at 3,070 yen per trip (discounted round-trip ticket for foreign tourists, 5,200 yen). Alternatively, Keisei's Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 41 minutes; both lines are an excellent option for those without a JR Pass.

By Bus

Limousine buses connect the airport to Tokyo's main hotels and stations, with travel times of 60-100 minutes depending on traffic and destination.

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Tips If you have an active Japan Rail Pass, the Narita Express is free: activate it directly at the airport to save on your first trip to the city.

Average travel time to NRT

Train41-90 minutes (Skyliner/N'EX)

Shuttle bus60-100 minutes

Taxi / Private hire60-90 minutes (¥20,000-30,000)

Parking near Narita International Airport

The multi-level parking is located next to the terminal.

Rates are high, consistent with the standards of a major international hub: discounted rates are generally available for long stays with advance booking.

How to get to Tokyo from NRT

By Train

The Narita Express (55-90 minutes, 3,070 yen) and Skyliner (41 minutes to Ueno) are the fastest and most economical solutions to reach Tokyo.

By Bus

Limousine buses connect the airport to Tokyo's major hotels and stations.

By Taxi

Taxis to Tokyo city center apply very high metered fares: approximately 20,000-30,000 yen, plus highway tolls (up to 3,700 yen); a private transfer at fixed rate costs approximately 24,000 yen. Given the cost, most travelers prefer train or bus.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Narita International Airport

The major car rental companies have desks at the airport, although driving in Tokyo is generally discouraged given the excellent public transportation network.

Bring your driving license, passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP); remember that in Japan you drive on the left.

Hotels near Narita International Airport

Narita is around 60 km from central Tokyo, and the non-stop Narita Express to Tokyo Station takes 55-75 minutes, while the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in 41 minutes (but doesn't stop at Tokyo Station): for anyone staying more than one night the centre is almost always the better choice, because the hour on the train pays for itself with everything else the city offers. The calculation changes with dawn departures and with stopovers of just a few hours, for which the hotels in Narita town, many with a free shuttle to the terminals, avoid the trip to Tokyo entirely. Anyone who genuinely just needs a shower or a nap between two flights can stay in the public area of Terminal 2, without even leaving the airport.

At the airport

In Terminal 2, before security

The capsule hotel is on the public side of Terminal 2: you cross the corridor linking the 2nd floor to the P2 car park and go down to level B1, without passing through security.

Best for: Stopovers of a few hours, dawn flights or one-night stays for anyone who wants no transfer at all.

Pros

Zero minutes of transfer: you sleep just steps from the check-in counters
You can book for just one hour, just for a shower or a rest between two flights, open 24 hours a day

Cons

Single capsules with shared bathrooms and showers, not a real hotel room
The public side of T2 means no restaurants or shops beyond those of the terminal itself

Recommended hotels

9h nine hours Narita Airport A capsule hotel open 24 hours in the public area of Terminal 2, with single capsules, luggage lockers and Wi-Fi; designed specifically for long stopovers or for anyone who just needs to sleep a few hours before a morning flight. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Narita town, outside the terminals

Free hotel shuttles to both terminals, with journey times of 10-15 minutes depending on the hotel; no walking distance, the dedicated bus is always needed.

Best for: Departures before 7 and one-night stopovers, for anyone wanting a proper room without facing the train to Tokyo.

Pros

Several chains with a free shuttle, so there's room to choose between price and service frequency
You get to check-in without the risk of queues or delays on the Narita Express or Skyliner

Cons

Only the airport area around: for dinner you almost always stay at the hotel
The shuttles aren't always running 24 hours, so for a flight in the dead of night a taxi may be needed

Recommended hotels

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City centre

Tokyo, via the Narita Express

Non-stop Narita Express to Tokyo Station in 55-75 minutes; the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in 41 minutes and Nippori in 36, but doesn't stop at Tokyo Station, so a change is needed from there.

Best for: Multi-night stays, for anyone wanting to enjoy Tokyo and accepting around an hour's train ride to the airport.

Pros

All of Tokyo within reach of the metro, with restaurants and evening life that Narita town simply doesn't have
Some hotels near Tokyo Station have direct access to the Narita Express platforms, without even stepping outside

Cons

Between the Narita Express and security checks, you still need to allow a good hour for each trip to and from the airport
For one-night stopovers the centre makes little sense: you lose more time on the train than sleeping

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

Narita has historically been Tokyo's primary intercontinental hub, with significant low-cost carrier traffic and long-haul flights.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area ranks among Japan's largest, offering electronics, Japanese whisky, cosmetics, and souvenirs.

Lounges & relaxation

At Narita, airline lounges, such as ANA, JAL, China Airlines and Emirates, sit alongside multi-access lounges that open with Priority Pass, DragonPass or an American Express Platinum card, spread between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The choice depends mostly on your airline and your status; those who don't fit any category will still find paid alternatives open to anyone, even before security screening.

lounges: 18
with Priority Pass: 5
earliest opening: 07:00

Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. Visitors may rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a local SIM card directly at the airport.

Families & Children

Large play areas and family support services are available across all terminals.

Terminal guide

Narita has three terminals, with free shuttles connecting them.

For international flights, it's recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance, given the often rigorous security checks.

Map of Narita International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is the Narita Express or the Skyliner better for reaching Tokyo?

The Narita Express (N'EX) directly connects Tokyo, Shinjuku and Yokohama in 55-90 minutes (3,070 yen, free with the JR Pass); the Keisei Skyliner is faster to Ueno (41 minutes) but doesn't cover the same destinations.

Q. Is it worth taking a taxi from Narita to Tokyo?

It's not advisable due to the cost: 20,000-30,000 yen versus 3,070 yen for the Narita Express. A taxi only makes sense for large groups or very bulky luggage.

Q. Is it better to land at Narita or Haneda?

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo and generally preferable if available on your route; Narita remains important for many low-cost carriers and some intercontinental flights.

Q. Do you need the Japan Rail Pass for the Narita Express?

No, but if you already have one for the rest of your trip, the first ride to Tokyo becomes free: activate it directly at the JR counter at the airport.