The Narita Express is my favorite mode of transport upon heading into Tokyo from Narita International Airport. I always splurge a bit and get the upgrade to the green car. If your a lover of trains you won’t be disappointed.
Located in Chiba Prefecture next to central Tokyo, Narita International Airport is one of Tokyo’s two main airports, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan. If you’re coming to Japan through this airport, you will probably want to get into Tokyo as quickly as possible. Well, while there are lots of ways to get into Tokyo, you may want to use JR East’s Narita Express (N’EX) train. I have personally taken it on several occasions and being a train aficionado, it’s my favorite way to get quickly into Tokyo.
Narita Express offers an easy, fast, convenient, and pleasant way to get into the city. It is a limited express service provided by JR East and can get you to Tokyo Station in as little as 53 minutes, which is faster relative to buses.
If you will be taking Narita Express to your accommodations in Tokyo (or back to the airport), this guide will help you make a clear decision on whether or not it will be your preferred method of transport. Read on to find everything you need to know about Narita Express and travel details to avoid any mistakes along the way.
How often does Narita Express run?
Narita Express trains serve various stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and surrounding Kanto region. On average, it takes about 53 minutes for Narita Express trains to move between Narita Airport and Tokyo. What is more, they run every 30 minutes to Yokohama, Shinjuku, and Tokyo station.
If you are using this limited express train service or simply the N’EX, you are less likely to experience any traffic congestion because N’EX runs on high-speed rails. That said, it is the best option for those looking for comfortable and direct transportation from Narita to Tokyo and a handful of other stations served by Narita Express.
Does Narita Express run 24 hours?
Besides offering the fastest way to get to Tokyo, N’EX is very reliable. The Narita Express trains run every 30 minutes to one hour from hub stations, and, interestingly, they operate throughout most of the day. This means you are likely to get their services regardless of when you want to leave for Tokyo.
The Narita express trains begin running from Narita airport to the city begin at around 7:45 am and run after every 30 minutes or so until the last one departs at around 9:45 p.m. The first Narita express train leaves Shinjuku station at 5:55 am. Services in other hubs start anywhere between 6 and 7 am.
Currently, N’EX operates 27 trains daily, which allows for greater efficiency and punctuality.
Can I eat on Narita Express?
Food, snacks, and drinks are allowed on the Narita Express, and, conveniently, there are tables from which you can eat.
If you have a reserved seat, it also makes perfect sense to buy a snack at the airport or station to eat on the train. There are several convenience shops at every station where you can grab a snack.
How much does the Narita Express cost?
Narita Express trains offer a fast, convenient, and comfortable way to reach various destinations in Tokyo. As you would expect, they have regular seating and first-class (also known as Green Cars). A one-way regular-class ticket from Narita International Airport to Tokyo is 3,070 while a ride on a Green car is 4,640 for the same journey. Depending on where you are going, the cost can go up to 4,700 yen (to Ofuna) for ordinary rides and up to 6,270 yen for first-class rides.
Reserved seats are 200 yen lower during the off-season and 200 yen higher during the peak season.
N’EX also offers a round trip ticket, which helps you to save up to 33%. However, the ticket can only be purchased by foreign visitors and remains valid for only two weeks. Before you purchase a round-up ticket, you will be required to prove that you are a foreigner by showing your passport.
Note: Children (6 – 11 years old) fare is usually about half that of an adult.
How fast is the Narita Express?
Operated and maintained by Japan Railway, Narita Express currently offers the fastest and most convenient way to reach Tokyo and other destinations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. With speeds of over 160 KPH, N’EX trains take about 53 minutes from between the airport and Tokyo Station.
The majority of N’EX services do not stop between the Narita Airport Terminal 2.3 Station and Tokyo. However, in the morning and evening rush hours, Narita Express trains serve as commuter express – it stops at a handful of selected destinations like Narita, Sakura, Yotsukaidō, and Chiba. As a result, N’EX trains taken in the morning may arrive at Tokyo and other destinations 15 minutes later than usual.
Does Narita Express go to Shinjuku?
N’EX is an excellent and fairly inexpensive option to travel from Narita Airport to Shinjuku. It takes roughly 73 minutes for trains to reach Shinjuku.
Narita Express trains also serve other hubs, including Yokohama, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Omiya, and Ofuna.
Do I need to book Narita Express in advance?
Narita Express is a limited express train service, and you will need to reserve a seat in advance to access the train. You can purchase tickets at Narita Airport, Japan Railways ticket offices, or reserved seat ticket vending machines. Unless you have a Japan Rail Pass, you must hold a fare ticket and limited express ticket for you to board Narita Express .
You can also book N’EX and make a reservation from overseas at the dedicated JR East website, except during holidays.
How do I buy Narita Express tickets?
Purchasing Narita Express tickets is pretty straightforward. To buy a ticket at a ticket office in Japan, all you need is to present your passport at the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket sales point. After your eligibility has been confirmed, you can purchase a pass right away.
Notably, only holders of non-Japanese passports can use N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket.
Can you use Suica for Narita Express?
A Suica is a prepaid e-money card used for transportation by trains by JR East Japan. You can use the card for almost any train in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Express is no exception.
If you will be staying in the Tokyo area, Suica Card is a cost-saving option for your traveling around Tokyo and beyond.
Where does the Narita Express stop?
N’EX trains serve the Tokyo metro area and begin from or stop at selected hubs, including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ofuna.
Can I use an IC card for Narita Express?
You can use IC cards to pay for base fare when traveling using N’EX.
People are satisfied to judge things by their own narrow experience, never knowing of the wide world outside.
japanese proverb
Narita Express offers luxurious, fast, smooth, and reliable rides from Narita Airport to Tokyo and other major stations. Whether you afford an ordinary-class ticket or the first-class ticket, you will find the service very enjoyable. There are a few other options for making your way into downtown Tokyo but the Narita Express is my favorite. If riding the rails is as relaxing for you as it always is for me then I believe you will love taking the sleek, fast and comfortable N’EX out of the Narita Airport. Happy Travels….
