As the crow flies, Narita Airport is located about 63 km east of Shinjuku. There are four main modes of transportation to get there: train, limousine bus, airport transfer, and taxi.

We’ll explain the time it takes, the fares, and how to purchase the tickets for each.

To reach Narita Airport by train, you have two main options: the Narita Express or local lines such as the Keisei Skyliner and Keisei Main Line.

The Narita Express offers direct access from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Narita Airport Station or Airport Terminal 2 Station, making it ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free journey without transfers.

For those who don't mind transfers and want to experience more of Japan's train system, the Keisei Skyliner and Keisei Main Line are great alternatives.

The Narita Express provides convenient, direct access to Narita Airport from major stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Yokohama. While it's a quick and easy option for reaching the airport, it is on the pricier side.

Seats on the Narita Express are comfortable, with adjustable headrests and spacious reclining chairs. Each seat comes with a large table and power outlets, perfect for travelers needing to work during the ride.

There’s space under the seats for smaller bags, and larger luggage can be stored in a locked luggage area with dial locks for added security. The train also has security cameras near the doors and luggage storage areas to ensure safety.

LCD screens display information and news in four languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean), with some content available in both Japanese and English, making it accessible for international travelers.

You can board the Narita Express at JR Shinjuku Station from platforms 5 or 6. The South Exit or New South Exit gates provide the most convenient access to these platforms.

The train arrives at two stations: "Narita Airport" Station, connected to Terminal 1, and "Airport Terminal 2" Station, which serves Terminals 2 and 3. Be sure to check your terminal in advance for a smooth transfer.

The travel time from Shinjuku Station to Narita Airport Station is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Fares are 3,250 yen for a standard seat and 4,020 yen for a Green Car (first class). This option is ideal for those in a hurry or wanting to reach Narita Airport without any transfers.

There are two main ways to purchase Narita Express tickets:

1. Online
You can buy tickets through JR East’s online booking site, "Eki-net." Choosing the ticketless option gives you a 100 yen discount, making it a cost-effective choice.

2. At the Station
Tickets can be purchased at designated ticket machines, the JR Ticket Counters, or "View Plaza" travel centers within the station. You can also buy them through travel agencies.

There are two main routes for traveling to Narita Airport by local trains.

Route 1
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station to JR Nippori Station, then transfer to the Keisei Skyliner to Narita Airport.

Route 2
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station to JR Nippori Station, then transfer to the Keisei Main Line to Narita Airport.

Compared to the Narita Express, these options are more budget-friendly. However, there is a transfer at Nippori Station, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with trains. That said, as long as you follow the station signs carefully, you should have no trouble finding your way.

The total travel time on the Keisei Skyliner, including the transfer, is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The fare from Shinjuku Station to Nippori Station is 210 yen, and from Nippori to Narita Airport Station is 2,580 yen, making the total 2,790 yen. While less direct, this route is slightly faster and cheaper than the Narita Express.

There are three main ways to buy Keisei Skyliner tickets:

1. Ticketless Service
Your smartphone screen acts as your Skyliner ticket. This service eliminates the need to exchange physical tickets and prevents the risk of losing them. You can purchase tickets on the Keisei Electric Railway website using a credit card or various digital payment services.

2. At the Ticket Counter
You can buy tickets at counters in Skyliner stations such as Keisei Ueno, Nippori, Airport Terminal 2, and Narita Airport stations. Tickets are also available at ticket counters inside Narita International Airport terminals and through travel agencies.

3. By Phone
You can reserve tickets by calling the Ticket Reservation Center from one month to two days before your travel date. The tickets can be picked up only at the Keisei Ueno Station counter (9 AM to 6 PM). Note the ticket collection period:
・For reservations made 10–30 days before departure, tickets must be picked up within 8 days of booking.
・For reservations made 2–9 days before departure, tickets must be collected by two days before travel.

Keisei Customer Dial Ticket Reservation Center
・Phone number: 0570-081-160
・Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

Another option is taking the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station to Nippori Station and transferring to the Keisei Main Line. The total travel time, including the transfer, is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The fare is 210 yen from Shinjuku to Nippori, and 1,280 yen from Nippori to Narita Airport, for a total of 1,490 yen.

While this route takes longer, it's over 1,000 yen cheaper than the Keisei Skyliner, making it a good option for those looking to save money.

The Limousine Bus offers direct service to Narita Airport from major stations and hotels in central Tokyo.

With guaranteed seating and luggage storage, you can travel comfortably without worrying about standing or carrying heavy bags. Most buses come equipped with restrooms (except for a few) and free Wi-Fi, making the journey even more convenient.

One advantage is that the Limousine Bus departs from various hotels near Shinjuku Station, so if you're staying nearby, there's no need to head to the station. The service operates from 4 AM to 2 AM, accommodating early or late flights.

However, the travel time can be affected by traffic, so it’s important to plan with extra time to ensure you arrive at Narita Airport on schedule.

In the Shinjuku area, the Limousine Bus departs from several locations, including Shinjuku Station West Exit, Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), and Hilton Tokyo.

At Narita Airport, the bus drops passengers directly at the departure lobbies of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, allowing you to head straight to the check-in counters upon arrival.

The standard travel time for the Limousine Bus from Shinjuku to Narita Airport is around 2 hours, with a fare of 3,600 yen. You can check specific travel times from various stations and hotels on the Limousine Bus website.

There are two main ways to reserve your Limousine Bus tickets:

1. Online
You can book tickets through the "Limousine Web" reservation site, via convenience store ticketing services (Wellnet), or via reservation websites like Klook. Credit card payments are accepted on Limousine Web.

2. By Phone
You can also make a reservation by phone.

Tokyo Airport Transportation Co., Ltd.
・Phone number: 03-3655-7220
・Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

A flat-rate taxi is a service that allows you to go from an area in Tokyo to Narita Airport at a predetermined fixed fare. It is difficult to know exactly what the fare will be when using a regular taxi, so with a flat-rate taxi you do not have that worry.

However, taxi fares are more expensive than other modes of transportation and should be considered as a recourse only when trains and limousine buses are not available.

The travel time from Shinjuku Station to Narita Airport by fixed-rate taxi is around 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The standard fare (5 AM–10 PM) is 25,000 yen, while the late-night/early-morning fare (10 PM–5 AM) is 30,000 yen. Additionally, highway tolls are charged separately.

Fixed-rate taxis must be reserved by phone. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance and must be booked at least one hour before use.

Japan Taxi Co., Ltd. Narita Airport Fixed-Rate Taxi
・Phone number: 050-3116-8217
・English-speaking operator line: 050-3116-4791
(English-speaking operators are available 24/7 to assist with taxi bookings, inquiries, and interpretation with drivers.)
・Service hours: 24 hours, year-round.

An airport transfer is a pre-booked service that transports passengers directly between their hotel or specified location and the airport. These transfers often use larger vehicles to accommodate multiple passengers and luggage, making them a practical and comfortable option for families or groups.

There are two types of airport transfers:
・Shared Transfers: Passengers share the vehicle with others heading in the same direction. This option is more affordable, but may involve additional stops to pick up or drop off other passengers.

Shared transfers can cost around 8,000 yen per person from Shinjuku to Narita.

・Private Transfers: This service offers a direct ride for just you and your group, providing more privacy, comfort, and convenience, though at a higher cost.
Both types are ideal for groups or families needing extra space and luggage accommodation.

Private transfers can cost around 13,000 yen from Shinjuku to Narita.

While more expensive than public transport, airport transfers offer extra space, flexibility, and convenience for those needing an easy and direct trip to the airport.

While there isn't a direct standard train route from Shinjuku Station to Narita Airport, a good alternative is to take a train to Tokyo Station and then transfer to a budget bus.

In this case, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Tokyo Station, and then board the "TYO-NRT" bus to Narita Airport.

(Note: The previously separate "The Access Narita" and "Tokyo Shuttle" services have been merged into "TYO-NRT.")

The total travel time is 13 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Tokyo Station by JR Chuo Line, followed by about 1 hour and 5 minutes from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport on the TYO-NRT bus. The fare is 210 yen for the train and 1,500 yen for the TYO-NRT bus, making it a budget-friendly option.

For buses departing from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport, reservations are not required for the time being. Simply go to the bus stop. If paying by cash or credit card, purchase your ticket beforehand at the "JR Highway Bus Ticket Counter." If using a transportation IC card (such as PASMO or Suica), you can pay directly on the bus.

However, when departing from Narita Airport, reservations are required. You can buy a ticket with a specified departure time at the airport's ticket sales counter.

Shinjuku Station is often described as a maze, and for first-time visitors to Japan, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about finding your way to Narita Airport. By reading this article and considering the fares, reservation methods, and options provided, you can choose the best route that suits your needs.

(Note: This information was first posted in 2020 and updated in September 2024. Please check official websites for the latest details.)