The Narita Express – also known as N’EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan.
This limited express train service is fast, reliable, and punctual, and you can ride it for free with your Japan Rail Pass. Find out all the travel details in this post.
Narita Express is a Limited Express train, provided by JR East. To access the train, the desired seats must be reserved in advance (valid for JR Pass holders as well). You can do this easily at any of the following locations:
- Narita Airport Stations (Terminal 1 and 2-3)
- Japan Railways ticket offices
- Travel service centers
- Reserved seat ticket machines
Important note: Passengers with no seat reservations will not be allowed to board any of the N’EX trains. Please, make sure to reserve your seat before boarding. Furthermore, all passengers must follow the instructions and seat indications, written on their reservation ticket.
You may find it interesting to read our article How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Table of Contents
Narita Express trains
Similar to most trains, Narita Express uses a separate railway, which means traffic never blocks it. The train offers beautiful views to and from the city, as the airport is located outside of Tokyo area.
Narita Express trains offer luggage space and areas, such as low-hanging luggage racks where you can storeyour bags. Each separate seat provides a rather large seating area, which can also be used for placing all your luggage in your legroom.
Narita Express map
The N’EX has two stops in Narita Airport, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2-3. The routes are marked in red on the following map.
Narita Express stations
After leaving the 2 stations at the airport, the Narita Express stops at Tokyo Station and many major districts and cities in the region, including Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama.
The main Narita Express stations include:
- Narita (town)
- Chiba
- Tokyo Station
- Shimbashi
- Hamamatsucho (connection with Haneda Airport via Tokyo Monorail)
- Shinagawa
- Shibuya
- Shinjuku
- Yokohama
- Ikebukuro
Route timetable and schedule
Review the following timetable to understand when the first trains leave each station and their frequency to Shinjuku, to Tokyo Station, and the airport transfer.
| From/To | Operating hours and frequency |
| Shinjuku → Narita Airport | First train: 5:55 AM
Trains every 30–60 minutes |
| Ikebukuro → Narita Airport | First train: 6:00 AM
Trains every 30–60 minutes |
| Shibuya → Narita Airport | First train: 6:00 AM
Trains every 30–60 minutes |
| Shinagawa → Narita Airport | First train: 6:00 AM
Trains every 30–60 minutes |
| Tokyo Station → Narita Airport | First train: 6:00 AM
Trains every 30–60 minutes |
| Narita Airport → Tokyo | First train: 7:45 AM
Trains every 30 minutes until 9:45 PM |
| Narita Airport → Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Yokohama | First train: 7:45 AM
Trains every 30 minutes until 9:45 PM |
Early trains before 9:00 A.M. may take around 1 hour and 15 minutes longer due to extra stops.
The service operates 27 trains daily, which allows for the regularity and punctuality of the service. All N’EX trains anew their journey from Tokyo or Narita Airport every 30 minutes.
Please refer to the JR East schedules page to check the latest schedules from and to Narita Airport.
Narita Express tickets
There are two types of N’EX tickets: for Standard and Green Cars (First Class, similar to the Japan Rail Standard and Green class tickets). The price for each class is different (detailed below). However, the standard seats are extremely comfortable and spacious.
Also covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass
All N’EX seat reservations are available for free to any Japan Rail Pass holder. The airport transfer service is part of the many benefits the JR Pass has to offer. Holders can reserve a seat at any JR ticket office in Narita Airport, before boarding the train and without any additional payment.
Moreover, there is no limitation to the number of times a JR Pass holder can use Narita Express, whereas other transportation cards like SUICA, are not valid for the service.
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.
A single ticket, huge savings.
Keep in mind that the Keisei Skyliner service, an alternative transportation from Narita Airport to Ueno Station, is also not included in the JR Pass.
Prices without the JR Pass
For all other cases, the single-trip prices of N’EX are the following:
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to:
- Tokyo Station – 3,020¥ / 4,560¥ Green Class (GR)
- Shinagawa – 3,020¥ / 4,020¥ GR
- Shibuya – 3,250¥ / 4,020¥ GR
- Shinjuku – 3,250¥ / 4,020¥ GR
- Ikebukuro – 3,250¥ / 4,020¥ GR
- Omiya – 3, 840¥ / 5,380¥ GR
- Yokohama – 4,370¥ / 6,640¥ GR
- Ofuna – 4,700¥ / 6,970¥ GR
Round-trip ticket fares are usually around 18% off two single trips. Please refer to JR East page for further information.
Original cover photo by Nanashinodenshaku @ Wikimedia