Practically all international visitors arrive at Narita Airport, which is approximately 40 miles east of central Tokyo. There exists an ample variety of ways to get to and from Narita, and inversely to what some travel agents will communicate you, you do not need a reservation for most of them.

Maybe you want to rent a car at Narita and go into Tokyo. One advice: Don't do it.

If you wish to take a taxi, be well-advised that the tariff will be more than 25 000, and this may really be the slowest way to go.

The JR Narita Express train operates routes to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama stations. It's the quickest way to arrive to town, taking almost an hour, and it also the tariff is 3,000. You should take a reservation for this train, particularly if you wish to take if from Tokyo to Narita.

The Keisei limited express train is the least expensive option, running to Ueno station around 70 minutes for 1,000. Keisei also works a more plush Skyliner train that's 15 minutes faster to Ueno for twice the price.

If your hotel can offer limousine bus service, this will be the most appropriate option, especially if you have much baggage. Buses take approximately 90 minutes and the tariff is 3,000. Verify with the limousine bus ticket counter in the Narita arrival lobby to see if your hotel is on the route.

When you are leaving via Narita, it's very important to check in at the Tokyo City Air Terminal. Also, you can watch your bags and go through immigration and customs, so there's no need to wait in line at Narita. The bus from the terminal to Narita costs only a few thousand yen and takes about an hour (since you're already checked in, it's a relaxing hour). You must check in earlier at TCAT, and not every airline offers this service, so call your airline's Tokyo office beforehand.

Back to Getting There