When traveling between Narita Airport and central Tokyo, several airport bus operators are available. Among them, the most well-known and trusted is the Airport Limousine Bus, which is the focus of this guide.

While budget options like the AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT are also popular, the Airport Limousine Bus stands out thanks to its iconic orange buses marked with “Friendly Airport Limousine” and, most importantly, its extensive hotel network. This direct-to-hotel service minimizes luggage handling and offers one of the most comfortable ways to reach your accommodation.

The Airport Limousine Bus’s biggest strength is its dense route network. It operates between major hubs in the Kanto region and over 120 major hotels, with approximately 1,200 daily departures. Routes cover popular areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Asakusa, Odaiba, and more.

When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, it’s highly recommended to select a hotel served by the Airport Limousine Bus. Doing so can save significant time and effort by eliminating transfers and the hassle of carrying heavy luggage.

Buying Airport Limousine Bus tickets at Narita Airport is easy. On-site ticket counters and ticket machines, marked with the company’s distinctive orange signage, are located in the Arrival Hall (1F) of each terminal.

・Terminal 1: One counter in front of the North Wing 1st floor arrival lobby and two counters in front of the South Wing 1st floor arrival lobby.
・Terminal 2: One counter in front of the A and B zones on the 1st floor arrival lobby.
・Terminal 3: The ticket counter is located in the general area on the 1st floor.

That said, booking in advance online through third-party platforms such as Klook or KKday is strongly recommended. These platforms often offer discounted fares and provide instant electronic vouchers, making them especially convenient for international travelers.

Narita Airport has three terminals, but all Airport Limousine Bus services stop at every terminal before departing. Simply proceed to the designated bus stop shown on your ticket and wait for boarding.

Narita Airport is divided into three terminals, and buses serve all terminals en route to their destinations.

The bus stops for the express buses are located on the first floor of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Each terminal has different stops depending on the destination, and the platform number is indicated on the bus ticket.

A one-way adult fare from Narita Airport to central Tokyo is typically 3,200 yen, with children traveling at half price. While the AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT is cheaper at around 1,500 yen one way, it comes with stricter baggage limits and fewer amenities.

To get the best price, booking online in advance is recommended. Families should also take advantage of the child fare discount.

Departure frequency varies by destination. During daytime hours, most routes operate every 10–30 minutes. For example, between 7 AM and 10 PM:
・Shinjuku: approximately 2–4 buses per hour
・Ginza: approximately 1–2 buses per hour

Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you can check real-time departure information at ticket counters or via apps. See the official website for more information.

The Airport Limousine Bus offers a high level of comfort, including:
・Free Wi-Fi
・Onboard restrooms
・USB charging ports
・Accessibility features on select routes

Baggage handling is another major advantage. Each passenger may bring up to two large suitcases, with each item weighing up to 30 kg and totaling 250 cm in combined dimensions.

This is far more generous than most low-cost airport buses, which typically allow only one suitcase and restrict items such as sports equipment.

With frequent departures, multiple stops across central Tokyo, and direct hotel access, the Airport Limousine Bus is an excellent choice for travelers carrying large luggage or traveling as a family. Skipping train transfers and avoiding crowded stations makes the journey significantly more relaxed. Choosing a hotel served by the bus adds even more convenience and value.