1. Conclusion | Recommendations by Need

For those who prioritize time
If you are in a hurry to get to the Ueno or Nippori area, the Skyliner is the first option to consider.

For those who prioritize fewer transfers
If you are heading to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Shinagawa, the Narita Express is the option to consider.

For those who want to keep transportation costs down
If you want to travel cheaply to the Tokyo Station area, the budget bus TYO-NRT is the option to consider.

For those with a lot of luggage or families traveling together
If you want to reduce the burden of traveling, limousine buses and private transfers are good options.

2. Before Leaving from Terminal 1

If you are traveling by train from Terminal 1, the nearest station is Narita Airport Station.
It is about a 5-minute walk from Terminal 1 to Narita Airport Station, so if you think of this station as your starting point, it is easier not to get lost.

The idea is simple.

• Going to Ueno / Nippori → Skyliner
• Going to Tokyo Station / Shinjuku / Shibuya / Shinagawa → Narita Express
• Going cheaply to Tokyo Station → TYO-NRT
• Have a lot of luggage → Limousine / Private Transfer

If you want to avoid wasting time at the airport, deciding just this in advance is enough.

3. Taking the Skyliner

The Skyliner is ideal for those who want to get quickly to Ueno or Nippori from Narita Airport.

According to Keisei’s official information, it takes as little as 36 minutes from Nippori Station to Airport Terminal 2 Station, and it is also all reserved seating.
It is a great option for people staying at hotels around Ueno or those who want to transfer quickly to the Yamanote Line.

Recommended for

• Heading to Ueno or Nippori
• Wanting to get into central Tokyo as quickly as possible
• Wanting to travel seated

You can book your ticket below.

Narita Airport gets very crowded, so if you do not want to line up after arrival, I recommend buying your ticket in advance here.

4. Taking the Narita Express

The Narita Express is ideal for those who want to get comfortably to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Shinagawa from Narita Airport.

According to JR East’s official information, it takes as little as 53 minutes from Narita Airport Station to Tokyo Station.
It is also described as offering direct access to major areas such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama.

It is an easy route for people who do not want to get lost while transferring.

Recommended for

• Going to Tokyo Station
• Going to Shinjuku
• Going to Shibuya
• Going to Shinagawa
• Having large suitcases
• Wanting to reduce transfers

You can book your ticket below.

Narita Airport gets very crowded, so if you do not want to line up after arrival, I recommend buying your ticket in advance here.

5. Getting There Cheaply by Bus

TYO-NRT is ideal for those who want to get to Tokyo Station cheaply from Narita Airport.

According to the official information, the trip between Tokyo Station and Narita Airport takes as little as 65 minutes and costs 1,500 yen one way.
Travel time varies depending on road conditions, but its biggest strength is that it helps keep costs down.

Recommended for

• Wanting to get to Tokyo Station cheaply
• Wanting to keep transportation costs down
• Prioritizing cost performance
• Being able to tolerate some variation in travel time

Please see below for details.

6. Taking a Private Transfer

A private transfer is ideal for those who have a lot of luggage, families, or anyone who wants a comfortable ride close to their hotel.

It tends to cost more than the train, but the advantage is that it reduces the burden of stairs and transfers.

Recommended for

• Having a lot of luggage
• Traveling as a family
• Traveling with children
• Wanting a comfortable ride close to your hotel or destination

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Is it far from Narita Airport Terminal 1 to the station?

The nearest station to Terminal 1 is Narita Airport Station, and it is about a 5-minute walk.

What is the fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Ueno?

If speed matters most for getting to Ueno or Nippori, the Skyliner is the top option. According to Keisei’s official information, it takes as little as 36 minutes between Nippori and Airport Terminal 2.

What is the easiest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station?

If you want to minimize transfers, the Narita Express is the top option. It takes as little as 53 minutes from Narita Airport Station to Tokyo Station.

What is the cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station?

If price is your priority, TYO-NRT is the top option. According to the official information, it costs 1,500 yen one way.

What should I take if I am going from Narita Airport to Shinjuku?

If you want to reduce transfers on the way to Shinjuku, the Narita Express is the top option. JR East provides direct access to Shinjuku.

8. Summary

When heading into central Tokyo from Narita Airport Terminal 1, the easiest way to choose is by destination and priority.

• Get to Ueno / Nippori quickly → Skyliner
• Get to Tokyo Station / Shinjuku / Shibuya comfortably → Narita Express
• Get to Tokyo Station cheaply → TYO-NRT
• Have a lot of luggage → Limousine / Private Transfer

If you are unsure, I recommend deciding only on your transportation in advance.
If you want to reduce the stress of getting around after arrival, checking ahead makes it easier to avoid mistakes.

For detailed maps for each route, please refer to the article below.

Make your way smartly with advance reservations and enjoy Japan to the fullest.

Have a great trip!