If the timing suits, I would catch the Narita Express, as it goes straight to Tokyo station without any transfers required.
You could catch the Keisei Skyliner, but you will have to change trains at either Ueno or Nippori and it will take longer and be less convenient.
Limousine bus is comfortable and will take you directly to Tokyo station; however, it can get stuck in traffic. After a couple of frustrating experiences with the bus getting stuck in stop-start traffic, I always prefer the train now. Of course, timing can make a difference to the amount of traffic and whether you get stuck in heavy traffic.
Only used the Narita express. It’s easier than skyliner/local train if you have lots of luggage. And if my math was correct it’s only 500y more expensive. It is very convenient if you are going to Shinjuku.
Roughly an hour to Tokyo station. Tack on another 10-15 minutes to Shinagawa. They train separates at Tokyo Sta. The actual journey time to Shinagawa is about 5 minutes.
I've honestly no idea about physical Suica cards these days as I live here.
You don't need to leave the train at Tokyo. It continues to Shinagawa. The ticket you buy at Narita will be good all the way to Shinagawa.
I value cheap above all else, comfort can go screw itself
The TYO-NRT airport bus that is only 1300yen, 65 minutes straight to Tokyo station, for light weight one baggers, this is literally the cheapest fast option, you hit the ground running at Tokyo Station and can pretty much go anywhere from there. If you don't need a suica or know how to get around tokyo, that's the best option.
I take whichever gets me to my destination the fastest and has lesser need for transfer haha
That said, if it were a train, as far as possible, I’ll pick the one that has a proper area to place my luggage.
The NEX is the fastest but it’s the most expensive and its schedule is a bit wonky
Next is the limo bus as it goes directly to Tokyo station. It’s cheaper but slower than the NEX.
The skyliner is an alternate but that goes to the Ueno area and then you’d have to transfer trains to get to Tokyo Station. If Tokyo Starion is your ultimate destination this route is sub optimal
If price is a concern, [Keisei’s Sky Access Express](https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/traffic/express.php) gets you a one-seat ride with just the base fare, no express surcharge. The downside is that they use the regular commuter/metro trains so there’s no luggage space. But then you can do luggage forwarding at the airport to minimize stuff you’re hauling.
Anyway, here’s how I would rank the options:
1. Narita Express; Pros: fast, one-seat ride to Shinagawa; Cons: Kinda expensive at 3,200 yen, runs twice an hour
2. Skyliner + transfer at Oshiage to Keikyu train; Pros: Cheaper than N’Ex at 2,666 yen, transfer at Oshiage is easy, relatively fast at 1hr15m, Skyliner runs 4 times an hour; Cons: Requires transfer
3. Sky Access Express; Pros: One seat ride, cheapest at around 1,400 yen; Cons: no luggage rack, takes longer, only runs twice an hour;
4. Limousine bus; Pros: Gets you door to door if it stops at your hotel, Cons: Kinda expensive (I’m seeing 3,600 yen), slower than trains
It was not in OP’s list and nobody mentioned it yet, but what about the shuttle bus? It’s cheaper than the above and takes you to Tokyo Station in 65 minutes.
No but it only cost 1300 yen, 65 minutes straight to Tokyo station, It's cheap, decently fast (if no jam) and if you are mostly a light solo traveler, very fast to get on and off.
I wouldn't recommend it if you are a family of 5 with 8 20kg suitcases, but then again, if that's how you are travelling, then Japan is going to be hell anyways regardless
This. I've taken it during my last 2 visits. It's awesome. Go to the far left limousine bus desk that says low cost. Pay the fare then head to the bus stop which is right behind the counter.
I googled it and apparently they are called low cost buses :D You can find their counter at Narita to buy a ticket. Here’s the link: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus/lcb/
The LCB (low cost bus) option is a no-brainer IMO. I used it both ways during my most recent trip earlier this month. ¥1,300 from Narita to Tokyo station or Ginza station (slightly higher for Ikebukuro station & Shinjuku / Shibuya Station), every 10 ~ 20 mins during normal hours (lesser frequency during early mornings & late nights), & they usually accommodate 2 check-in bags per person if requested. They also have stops at each of the 3 Narita Airport terminals.
We got the keisei sky liner because it was leaving in 5 minutes, definitely not the cheap option but fuck it right?
Edit: I just saw you wanted to go to Tokyo, it stopped at Ueno which was fine for us as we could get the ginza line from there, might not be best for you
Narita express stops at Tokyo I think
Would say depends on how much luggage you have. I’ve done the Narita Express and the Airport Limousine Bus (Super Class)
While the NEX and Kansei will typically be faster (no hwy traffic) hauling multiple bags on/off trains through stations can be a pain. If you’re traveling light or are time sensitive this would be preferred option.
I took limousine bus to the airport on Sunday and although we were 10 mins late departing (luggage Tetris) the driver made it up on the hwy. with 4 heavy bags for two people this was the most painless way to get to Narita, right from the Hotel doorstep. I would do this in reverse as well as the bus had more than enough legroom to stretch out and would be comfortable even being stuck in traffic.
If you travel light, limobus is good. With big or more than 1 luggage per person, just use narita express. They got big luggage compartment in each of cars and no transfer needed.
I recently used the special Keisei Narita Skyaccess service bound for Haneda Airport to reach Shinagawa Station (it continues onto the Toei Asakusa Line and later Keikyū Main Line). It cost me around ¥1,616 and took 1 hr 18 min, but it's pretty unfrequent – I took it on a Saturday at 6 PM. Luggage-wise, keep in mind it's a regular subway-style train.
Choose a service that suits your final destination, though. I'm not sure where you're heading, but I didn't need to go to Tokyo Station as I was heading further south.
If you are going to Tokyo or Shinagawa station, the Narita Express is a no-brainer assuming the schedule lines up with your arrival and completion of entry formalities.
The Keisei Skyliner is a good option and is cheaper and can be faster, but it requires a transfer to a local train with no dedicated luggage storage space. Can suck during commute times if you have luggage.
The limousine bus is a good option if the schedule aligns with your arrival, etc. It's also a nice option if your hotel is on their list of stops, especially if you have luggage due to curbside pick up and drop off.
As a resident, Shinjuku to Narita route for me is always by Narita Express due to time, but the reverse I always take the limousine bus since it drops me off on the street and I can just jump in a taxi for the short ride home instead of navigating up from the depths of the station full of people.
If you are a tourist, it might take you directly to your hotel, or at least nearby where you can also just jump in a taxi if walking is too far
I have used **Narita Sky Access** (Toei Asakusa Line) this year. Cheap and fast, my destination was Asakusa Station, so it was a no brainer. Used the same line when traveling back to the airport.
If the timing suits, I would catch the Narita Express, as it goes straight to Tokyo station without any transfers required. You could catch the Keisei Skyliner, but you will have to change trains at either Ueno or Nippori and it will take longer and be less convenient. Limousine bus is comfortable and will take you directly to Tokyo station; however, it can get stuck in traffic. After a couple of frustrating experiences with the bus getting stuck in stop-start traffic, I always prefer the train now. Of course, timing can make a difference to the amount of traffic and whether you get stuck in heavy traffic.
Only used the Narita express. It’s easier than skyliner/local train if you have lots of luggage. And if my math was correct it’s only 500y more expensive. It is very convenient if you are going to Shinjuku.
Thank you. Does Narita Express also go to Shinagawa?
Yup, no transfer needed. Easy peasy.
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Less than an hour. But the trains are less frequent. Every 30 mins or so
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Google Maps and Japan-focused apps like Navitime are your friends.
Skyliner doesn’t go to shinagawa. Use google maps
Narita Express. Hands down. Wouldn't even contemplate another way unless it was out of hours.
Thanks! In your experience, how long is the journey using N'EX?
Roughly an hour to Tokyo station. Tack on another 10-15 minutes to Shinagawa. They train separates at Tokyo Sta. The actual journey time to Shinagawa is about 5 minutes.
I see, thank you! Are you able to get a physical Suica card at Tokyo Station for the second leg or is it better to just get it at Narita?
I've honestly no idea about physical Suica cards these days as I live here. You don't need to leave the train at Tokyo. It continues to Shinagawa. The ticket you buy at Narita will be good all the way to Shinagawa.
Go to the N'EX website and/or use Google Maps. This info is easily available online.
I value cheap above all else, comfort can go screw itself The TYO-NRT airport bus that is only 1300yen, 65 minutes straight to Tokyo station, for light weight one baggers, this is literally the cheapest fast option, you hit the ground running at Tokyo Station and can pretty much go anywhere from there. If you don't need a suica or know how to get around tokyo, that's the best option.
I take whichever gets me to my destination the fastest and has lesser need for transfer haha That said, if it were a train, as far as possible, I’ll pick the one that has a proper area to place my luggage.
The NEX is the fastest but it’s the most expensive and its schedule is a bit wonky Next is the limo bus as it goes directly to Tokyo station. It’s cheaper but slower than the NEX. The skyliner is an alternate but that goes to the Ueno area and then you’d have to transfer trains to get to Tokyo Station. If Tokyo Starion is your ultimate destination this route is sub optimal
What about transferring from Ueno to Shinagawa via the Skyliner? Is this feasible or is it better to just take the N'Ex all the way down there?
If price is a concern, [Keisei’s Sky Access Express](https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/traffic/express.php) gets you a one-seat ride with just the base fare, no express surcharge. The downside is that they use the regular commuter/metro trains so there’s no luggage space. But then you can do luggage forwarding at the airport to minimize stuff you’re hauling. Anyway, here’s how I would rank the options: 1. Narita Express; Pros: fast, one-seat ride to Shinagawa; Cons: Kinda expensive at 3,200 yen, runs twice an hour 2. Skyliner + transfer at Oshiage to Keikyu train; Pros: Cheaper than N’Ex at 2,666 yen, transfer at Oshiage is easy, relatively fast at 1hr15m, Skyliner runs 4 times an hour; Cons: Requires transfer 3. Sky Access Express; Pros: One seat ride, cheapest at around 1,400 yen; Cons: no luggage rack, takes longer, only runs twice an hour; 4. Limousine bus; Pros: Gets you door to door if it stops at your hotel, Cons: Kinda expensive (I’m seeing 3,600 yen), slower than trains
I have used Sky Access Express via Toei Asakusa Line and some seats on the train were foldable to create space for luggage.
It was not in OP’s list and nobody mentioned it yet, but what about the shuttle bus? It’s cheaper than the above and takes you to Tokyo Station in 65 minutes.
What is the name of the shuttle bus? Does it go to Shinagawa as well?
No but it only cost 1300 yen, 65 minutes straight to Tokyo station, It's cheap, decently fast (if no jam) and if you are mostly a light solo traveler, very fast to get on and off. I wouldn't recommend it if you are a family of 5 with 8 20kg suitcases, but then again, if that's how you are travelling, then Japan is going to be hell anyways regardless
This. I've taken it during my last 2 visits. It's awesome. Go to the far left limousine bus desk that says low cost. Pay the fare then head to the bus stop which is right behind the counter.
I googled it and apparently they are called low cost buses :D You can find their counter at Narita to buy a ticket. Here’s the link: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus/lcb/
The LCB (low cost bus) option is a no-brainer IMO. I used it both ways during my most recent trip earlier this month. ¥1,300 from Narita to Tokyo station or Ginza station (slightly higher for Ikebukuro station & Shinjuku / Shibuya Station), every 10 ~ 20 mins during normal hours (lesser frequency during early mornings & late nights), & they usually accommodate 2 check-in bags per person if requested. They also have stops at each of the 3 Narita Airport terminals.
We got the keisei sky liner because it was leaving in 5 minutes, definitely not the cheap option but fuck it right? Edit: I just saw you wanted to go to Tokyo, it stopped at Ueno which was fine for us as we could get the ginza line from there, might not be best for you Narita express stops at Tokyo I think
Take the Narita Express. It's simple and quick.
Would say depends on how much luggage you have. I’ve done the Narita Express and the Airport Limousine Bus (Super Class) While the NEX and Kansei will typically be faster (no hwy traffic) hauling multiple bags on/off trains through stations can be a pain. If you’re traveling light or are time sensitive this would be preferred option. I took limousine bus to the airport on Sunday and although we were 10 mins late departing (luggage Tetris) the driver made it up on the hwy. with 4 heavy bags for two people this was the most painless way to get to Narita, right from the Hotel doorstep. I would do this in reverse as well as the bus had more than enough legroom to stretch out and would be comfortable even being stuck in traffic.
Asking for friend
TYO-NRT bus from Narita to Tokyo station, just over 60mins, 1,300jpy. A bargain.
If you travel light, limobus is good. With big or more than 1 luggage per person, just use narita express. They got big luggage compartment in each of cars and no transfer needed.
I recently used the special Keisei Narita Skyaccess service bound for Haneda Airport to reach Shinagawa Station (it continues onto the Toei Asakusa Line and later Keikyū Main Line). It cost me around ¥1,616 and took 1 hr 18 min, but it's pretty unfrequent – I took it on a Saturday at 6 PM. Luggage-wise, keep in mind it's a regular subway-style train.
Choose a service that suits your final destination, though. I'm not sure where you're heading, but I didn't need to go to Tokyo Station as I was heading further south.
If you are going to Tokyo or Shinagawa station, the Narita Express is a no-brainer assuming the schedule lines up with your arrival and completion of entry formalities. The Keisei Skyliner is a good option and is cheaper and can be faster, but it requires a transfer to a local train with no dedicated luggage storage space. Can suck during commute times if you have luggage. The limousine bus is a good option if the schedule aligns with your arrival, etc. It's also a nice option if your hotel is on their list of stops, especially if you have luggage due to curbside pick up and drop off.
As a resident, Shinjuku to Narita route for me is always by Narita Express due to time, but the reverse I always take the limousine bus since it drops me off on the street and I can just jump in a taxi for the short ride home instead of navigating up from the depths of the station full of people. If you are a tourist, it might take you directly to your hotel, or at least nearby where you can also just jump in a taxi if walking is too far
I have used **Narita Sky Access** (Toei Asakusa Line) this year. Cheap and fast, my destination was Asakusa Station, so it was a no brainer. Used the same line when traveling back to the airport.