The Keisei Skyliner is an express train connecting Narita International Airport and Keisei Ueno Station. It travels non-stop from Nippori Station via the Narita Sky Access Line, reaching Airport Terminal 2 in just 36 minutes, making it one of the fastest options for travel between the airport and central Tokyo.

The Skyliner operates at least once per hour in both directions, with most services running every 20 minutes throughout the day. This frequent schedule ensures convenience for travelers, whether you're arriving or departing.

From Keisei Ueno Station, the first train to Narita International Airport departs at 5:40 AM. After 6:20 PM, the Evening Liner, which runs via the Keisei Main Line, operates until the last train at 11:00 PM.

From Narita International Airport, the first train to Keisei Ueno departs at 7:23 AM (7:30 AM on Saturdays and holidays), with the final train leaving at 11:30 PM. The Skyliner runs from early morning until late at night, giving travelers flexibility to choose a suitable time, even for early or late-night flights.

The Keisei Skyliner is primarily known for its rapid and direct connection between Narita International Airport (NRT) and central Tokyo.

Select Keisei Skyliner trains stop at Aoto Station, offering convenient transfers to the Keisei Main Line and Toei Asakusa Line. From here, travelers can easily reach popular sightseeing and accommodation areas such as Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree), Asakusa, and Higashi-Ginza.

The Skyliner’s main route connects Narita International Airport (NRT) with Keisei-Ueno Station in central Tokyo in as little as about 40 minutes. Major stops like Nippori and Keisei-Ueno also provide smooth transfers to the JR Yamanote Line, allowing quick access to key districts including Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

When comparing the Keisei Skyliner vs. the JR Narita Express, the Skyliner stands out for its speed and convenience. It’s the fastest way from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, reaching Ueno in about 40 minutes, roughly 20 minutes quicker than the Narita Express to Tokyo Station.

All seats on the Skyliner are reserved, ensuring a comfortable ride every time, and each car has dedicated luggage storage, perfect for travelers with large suitcases.

That said, the Narita Express is ideal for those staying near Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama, as it offers direct service to these major JR hubs. The Narita Express is also covered under the Japan Rail Pass and several other rail passes.

The fare for a one-way Keisei Skyliner ticket is 2,580 yen for adults. This includes a regular Keisei line fare of 1,280 yen and a Skyliner express fare of 1,300 yen. All seats are reserved, and you can choose your seat when purchasing the ticket.

Additionally, tickets can be purchased online, with language options available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. There's also a special discount for international tourists, reducing the fare to 2,310 yen when bought online. It’s a great idea to book your Skyliner tickets at the same time you finalize your flight reservations to ensure a smooth travel experience.

For online booking, visit the Skyliner e-ticket site or book your ticket below.

Now, let's take a ride on the Keisei Skyliner from Narita International Airport to Keisei Ueno Station.

Our journey begins at Narita Airport Station, located in Terminal 1 of Narita International Airport. The station is on the first basement floor of Terminal 1, and you can easily reach it by taking an escalator or elevator. Just follow the signs labeled "train" to guide you to the station.

Once you descend to the first basement floor, you’ll spot a blue counter with "Keisei" written on it. Here, you can tell the staff your destination and purchase your ticket. The counter accepts credit card payments, so even if you haven’t exchanged enough Japanese yen, you’ll still be able to buy your ticket without any issues.

After purchasing your ticket at the counter, proceed through the automatic ticket gates just beyond. Once you pass through, you'll see an escalator directly ahead, marked by an orange sign. Take the escalator down, and it will lead you straight to the platform.

Since the Keisei Skyliner arrives at the platform in advance, allowing passengers plenty of time to board, you can go ahead and get on the train as soon as the doors open.

The Keisei Skyliner consists of eight cars, and all seats are reserved. The seats are spacious, with a width of 47 cm and a depth of 105 cm, providing plenty of room to stretch your legs. Every seat is a reclining seat, allowing you to sit comfortably and relax during the ride.

The high backrests and ergonomic design offer a cozy, enveloping feel, making the seating ideal for soothing your travel-weary body. It's designed with comfort in mind, helping you unwind after a long journey.

In Car 4, you'll find a vending machine, and Car 5 is equipped with a restroom that also includes a baby bed. The restroom is designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing enough space for comfort. While the train journey is relatively short, it’s reassuring to know that there are vending machines and restrooms available, especially since the Skyliner runs non-stop from the airport to the next stop at Nippori Station.

Every car has a designated space for large luggage, perfect for storing suitcases, snowboards, and other bulky items. This area is monitored by security cameras, ensuring your belongings are safe. Additionally, there are overhead racks above the seats for smaller items, so it's convenient to store your hand luggage there.

The train offers free Wi-Fi throughout the journey, and there are power outlets at your feet, allowing you to charge your devices before reaching your destination.

Japanese outlets are similar to those in North America, with a voltage of 100V. However, they often lack the third prong for grounding, so if your device has a three-pronged plug, you'll need an adapter. Otherwise, most two-pronged North American plugs will work without a converter.

Once the Keisei Skyliner departs from Narita International Airport, you can sit back and relax while waiting for your arrival. After a while, you'll hear an announcement saying, "We will arrive at Keisei Ueno Station in 5 minutes." The announcement is also made in English, ensuring that foreign passengers can follow along comfortably.

As you take a break on the train and browse information about Japan online, you'll find that you’ve arrived in Tokyo in no time.

We've arrived at the final stop, Keisei Ueno Station! The platform is located underground, so you'll need to take an escalator or elevator to reach the surface. Since many passengers may have large luggage, there's no need to rush—take your time as you make your way out.

The area around Keisei Ueno Station is surrounded by popular tourist spots like Ameya-Yokocho Market, Ueno Zoo, and the National Museum of Western Art. If you plan to do some sightseeing or shopping in Ueno, it's a good idea to use the baggage storage counter. For just 900 yen per item, you can store your luggage for up to 24 hours (reception hours may vary depending on the location), making it a convenient and affordable option.

If you're looking for a comfortable ride with reserved seating and, above all, a speedy transfer, the Keisei Skyliner is highly recommended!

The Keisei Skyliner makes it easy to continue your journey across Tokyo. At Nippori Station, passengers can transfer directly to multiple JR Lines, including the Yamanote Line, which loops around central Tokyo and connects major areas such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

At the terminal Keisei-Ueno Station, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hibiya Line are just a short walk away, offering convenient access to popular neighborhoods like Ginza, Shimbashi, Akihabara, and Roppongi. With these seamless transfer options, the Skyliner serves as an ideal starting point for exploring every corner of Tokyo.

(Note: This information was originally posted in 2019 and updated in October 2025 Please check official websites for the most up-to-date details.)