Airport-to-city guide

Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo

Narita International Airport sits well outside central Tokyo. Narita Express and Keisei rail services, airport buses, taxis and private transfers connect it with different parts of the city.

4 practical optionsLast reviewed September 24, 2026

Compare the arrival

Choose around your final address.

These are broad planning ranges, not live schedules. Check the official links before travel.

Rail

Usually about 55 to 90 minutes, depending on station and service

Narita Express connects the airport with several major central Tokyo stations.

Arrives: Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku or other Narita Express stations
Works well when: Useful when your stay is near a served station or an easy onward connection.
Luggage: Reserved seating and luggage space help, but plan the final station transfer.

Rail

Usually about 40 to 60 minutes to Nippori or Ueno

Keisei services provide a fast path toward northeast central Tokyo.

Arrives: Nippori or Keisei Ueno
Works well when: Useful for Ueno, Asakusa-area connections or an onward Japan Rail transfer at Nippori.
Luggage: The train is luggage-friendly; the onward city connection may be busier.

Bus

Often 70 to 120 minutes, traffic dependent

Airport buses can reduce changes when they serve your hotel or nearby hub.

Arrives: Major hotels and transport hubs on the chosen route
Works well when: Useful with luggage and a convenient destination stop.
Luggage: Hold storage is available subject to service rules.

Taxi

Often 60 to 120 minutes, traffic dependent

A direct but long road journey from Narita to central Tokyo.

Arrives: Your Tokyo destination
Works well when: Useful for groups, late arrivals or specific assistance needs.
Luggage: Choose a vehicle sized for the group and luggage.

Arrival context

Before you leave the terminal

Late-night arrival

The last rail and bus departures may not suit a delayed late arrival. Check the official airport access planner before travel and plan a road or airport-area fallback.

Families

A direct airport bus can be calmer than changing trains if it stops near your hotel.

Accessibility

Narita publishes barrier-free access information for rail and bus connections. Confirm assistance with the chosen operator in advance.

Narita is not the same airport as Tokyo International Airport (Haneda).
Choose the rail service around your Tokyo neighborhood, not only the shortest published duration.
Check which airport terminal your service departs from.

Continue the trip

Plan Tokyo beyond the airport.

Carry the city into Rutaiva’s planning and travel tools, then continue from the arrival to the rest of the journey.

Plan with AI Find stays Airport transfers Things to do Rent a car