Tokyo, Japan - November 29 2015: Narita Express is a limited express train serves Narita International Airport from various Greater Tokyo Area stations
Check out the guide to booking Narita Express train tickets for travel from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced traveler or if this is your first time traveling to Japan , understanding and navigating the train system or routes in this country can feel intimidating and inconvenient. However, that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your holiday plans to Japan. The reason is, you can take advantage of the Narita Express service , commonly known as N’EX or NEX, to make your trip to Japan easier.
The Narita International Airport express train service is like a bridge that can connect the airport and downtown Tokyo efficiently and comfortably; taking only about 53 minutes.
In fact, NEX can take you to various popular destinations, such as Shinjuku and Shibuya; from Narita Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It’s not surprising that NEX is often the main choice for foreign and local tourists. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the main features of Narita Express, its benefits, and how you can maximize your Narita Airport transfer experience by booking on Klook
What is Narita Express?
Photo Credit: Ving N on Unsplash
Narita Express is a limited express airport train service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Launched in 1991, N’EX has become the preferred mode of transportation for direct transportation between Narita Airport, located in Chiba Prefecture, and the Tokyo Metropolitan area. With its punctuality, comfort and efficiency, N’EX has become the top choice for travelers who want a smooth journey from the airport to their destination.
Apart from Narita Express, Klook also offers various options for Tokyo airport transportation to suit your needs. See summary below:
|
Airport transportation options |
Operation time |
Duration of trip to Tokyo |
Other details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
6.00. – 22.00 |
53 minutes |
– Direct train service from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, or Yokohama Station, and others – Can connect directly with the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to go to other major Japanese cities |
|
|
7.00 – 22.00 |
41 minutes |
– Direct train service from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 on the Keisei Line to Ueno Station or Nippori Station |
|
|
6.30 – midnight |
1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours |
– Bus services to various important locations in Tokyo and surrounding areas – Also available are services to and from Haneda Airport |
|
|
24 hours |
1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours |
– Shuttle service from the airport directly to hotels in the Tokyo area – Suitable for families or large groups |
Destinations that you can reach with Narita Express: From Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Photo credit: JR East
Narita Express provides direct access to major stations in central Tokyo from Narita Station. These destination stations include Tokyo Station (great for those staying in Marunouchi or planning to take the Shinkansen), Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama.
The service also stops at Omiya, Takao, Totsuka, Ofuna, and Ikebukuro Stations on select trains. With such a wide coverage, Narita Express can really connect you with various destinations or make you only need a local train to continue your journey.
While at Narita Airport, go to the Narita Express ticket counter at B1F Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. If you have booked a ticket on Klook, all you have to do is scan the QR code from the Klook app to exchange it for a ticket at the ticket machine. You’re ready to go!
Traveling from Tokyo Station
Ride the ever-so-budget-friendly local trains from Tokyo to Osaka station! Credits: @snowscat from Unsplash
There is no need to doubt the reputation of the Narita Express as the most convenient airport transportation for getting to Tokyo Station. Located in the heart of the city, Tokyo Station connects travelers to the Shinkansen network, other limited regional express lines, the inner city metro, and JR lines that will take you to every part of the city, such as major stations, such as Ginza Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Tokyo Disney Resorts.
Well, you can also book your Shinkansen tickets now via Klook, you know! With this ticket, you can reach the main stations in Japan such as Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, or Hakata without the hassle and queues!
Narita Express Ride Experience
You’ll get your own designated seat in the Narita Express Ordinary Car.
As soon as you step into the Narita Express carriage , you will be greeted with typical Japanese hospitality, efficiency and high-quality service. The train carriages are clean, comfortable and spacious, with special luggage storage racks to accommodate large suitcases. The carriages are also equipped with number locks for extra security.
There are two classes of seats that you can choose from: Green Carriages or Class 1 (Green Cars) and Ordinary Carriages or Class 2 (Ordinary Cars). All seats in these two types are based on a booking system, aka they have been reserved, yes.
English บวนบน Narita Express
Seats are arranged in a 2×2 configuration and equipped with folding tables, cup holders, power outlets for charging devices, and free WiFi. With these complete facilities (especially power sockets and free WIFI!) your trip will definitely be comfortable and hassle-free.
Large windows offer panoramic views of the changing landscape as you travel through the city. For those traveling in Green Carriages, the seats are usually wider with more legroom and the carriages are less crowded.
Buy JR Narita Express Tickets
How to buy N’EX tickets is very easy. Apart from booking a Japan Rail Pass, you can book self-catering tickets for N’EX trains on Klook (for JR Pass users, please see the section below)!
You just need to visit this page, then enter the departure and arrival stations you want, as well as the travel date to order tickets. Don’t worry, all tickets booked on Klook are reserved seats. This means, you don’t need to bother reserving seats on the spot, aka it’s not like using a JR Pass.
You can immediately enter the train after taking a physical ticket from the reserved seat ticket machine (light blue automatic ticket machine) with a QR code sent to you shortly after the order is made. We’ll also send you a detailed step-by-step guide so you can collect your tickets easily.
How to change the Narita Express ticket schedule
Is your flight to Tokyo delayed? No need to worry! You can change the Narita Express ticket schedule that you have ordered. Simply visit the Japan Railways ticket sales office ( Midori-no-madoguchi ) with the physical ticket you have taken and ask for a free change. You will be able to board the next Narita Express train with available seats.
Klook Tip: Collect your ticket from the ticket machine before visiting the JR ticket counter. See the link below for a station map of JR Narita Airport stations:
Likewise for departures from the city center, if you want to change the Narita Express ticket schedule that you have ordered, you can show the physical ticket at the JR ticket sales counter (Midori-no-madoguchi) and ask for help. See the links below for station maps of major JR stations:
Use the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for the Narita Express
รถไฟฟ้า Japan rail pass
Another advantage of the Narita Express is that it is covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on a variety of trains during certain periods. If you have a JR Pass, make sure to exchange your original Narita Express train ticket at the JR East office at Narita Airport before boarding the N’EX.
There are several JR Pass passes that cover the Narita Express train line, including the popular Whole Japan Rail Pass , JR East Nagano/Niigata Area Pass , and JR East Tohoku Area Pass . Everything can be booked on Klook, you know!
N’EX Schedule and Frequency
Narita Express trains run periodically throughout the day, usually every 30 to 60 minutes. The earliest service departs from Narita Airport Terminal 1 at around 06.00, while the last service departs at around 22.00. The journey to Tokyo Station takes about one hour. .
N’EX Ticket Prices
Aside from JR East trains in Tokyo, you can also board the Narita Express to the airport. Credits: @kzy856 on Instagram
A one way N’EX ticket usually costs around 3,000 yen. This includes standard and express train tickets; cannot be paid by IC card. Actual train ticket prices may vary based on departure date and station. You can check the actual prices on Klook!
With its excellent service, comfort and convenience, Narita Express is an important part of the Japan travel experience for foreign tourists. This train eases the transition from the moment of arrival, taking you into the heart of Tokyo and providing a first-hand experience of Japan’s famous public transportation system. Remember, the Narita Express is not just a train ride – it is the start of your unforgettable journey in Japan!
