Narita Airport 'Limousine Bus' Guide: Easy, Budget-Friendly Way to Get to Tokyo
- Written by: Ran Tanaka
Narita International Airport, about an hour from central Tokyo, is one of Japan’s main gateways. While there are several options for getting to the city, such as trains and taxis, the Narita Airport Limousine Bus stands out as a convenient, budget-friendly choice.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the Limousine Bus, which provides a seamless connection between Narita Airport and various locations in downtown Tokyo, offering a stress-free and affordable way to travel.
Convenient Bus Options from Narita Airport to Tokyo
Several bus companies operate between Narita Airport and central Tokyo. The most well-known is the Limousine Bus, operated by Airport Transport Service. It’s easy to spot with its bright orange body and the words “Friendly Airport Limousine” in white lettering.
Other options include the “Airport Bus TYO-NRT,” which goes to Tokyo Station, express buses by Narita Airport Transport that also run to places like Ibaraki and Miyagi, and Willer Express.
Here, we’ll provide an overview of each bus service, including how to ride, destinations, and how to make reservations.
Main Destinations of Limousine Buses in Central Tokyo
There are many types of express buses, each heading to different destinations. Choose a bus that best matches your intended location.
The Limousine Bus operates approximately 1,200 trips a day to major terminal stations and key hotels in the Kanto region, making it one of the largest networks.
Some of the main areas it serves in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, Hibiya/Ginza, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Odaiba.
- Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT)
- Shinjuku Area (Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Keio Plaza Hotel, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Hilton Tokyo, Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku)
- Ikebukuro, Mejiro, Kudanshita, Korakuen Area (Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro Tokyo, Hotel Metropolitan)
- Roppongi and Akasaka area (ANA InterContinental Tokyo, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, The Okura Tokyo, Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu, Hotel New Otani, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo).
- Hibiya and Ginza area (Palace Hotel Tokyo, Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo, Courtyard By Marriott Tokyo Ginza Hotel, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier).
- Ebisu and Shinagawa area (Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, Shinagawa Prince Hotel, The Westin Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Tokyo Marriott Hotel, The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo).
- Shibuya and Futako-Tamagawa area (Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel).
- Haneda Airport
Narita International Airport Bus Stops by Terminal
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.
Where to Buy Express Bus Tickets at Narita International Airport
At Narita International Airport, bus ticket counters are located as follows:
・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.
For passengers wishing to ride the Limousine Bus, look for the orange signs. You can purchase tickets to your desired destination at any of the counters.
Can You Make an Advance Reservation for Buses?
For Limousine Buses, you can make reservations through the official website, provided you pay in advance with a credit card. The reservation site is available in English. It’s also convenient to register as a member beforehand.
How Frequently Do Buses Run from Narita International Airport?
The frequency of express buses varies depending on the destination and bus company, but during the day, they generally run every 10 to 30 minutes. After arriving at Narita Airport, check the departure times at the bus ticket counter.
For Limousine Buses, buses to the Shinjuku area run 4 to 6 times per hour between 7 AM and 10 PM, while buses to the Ginza area run 1 to 2 times per hour.
Express Bus Fares from Narita International Airport to Central Tokyo
Fares generally range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen.
For Limousine Buses, the fare from Narita Airport to central Tokyo (excluding certain areas) is 3,600 yen one way for adults (half price for children). Each passenger can check in up to two pieces of luggage, and the buses are equipped with free onboard Wi-Fi, restrooms, USB power outlets, and in some cases, accessible vehicles with lifts for barrier-free travel.
The "THE Access Narita" and "Tokyo Shuttle" airport buses (TYO-NRT) offer the lowest fare, with one-way tickets priced at 1,500 yen for adults (excluding late-night and early-morning buses). However, only one suitcase per passenger is allowed, and certain items like musical instruments and ski gear cannot be checked in. Consider choosing the option that best suits your travel style based on fare and services.
Save with Round-Trip Limousine Bus tickets!
Limousine Buses offer discount tickets for foreign travelers. One highly recommended option is the "RETURN VOUCHER," which can be used on routes between Narita Airport and central Tokyo.
The "RETURN VOUCHER" includes two one-way tickets for 6,000 yen. You can use it for a round trip by one person or a one-way trip for two people.
If you're planning to tour Tokyo after arriving by Limousine Bus, the "Limousine & Subway Pass" is a great deal. This pass combines a Limousine Bus ticket with an unlimited ride pass for the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, with three options to suit different travel styles.
Use the best express bus for your situation
There are many types of high-speed buses from Narita International Airport to Tokyo and buying tickets is easy. The Limousine Bus, in particular, is perfect for people who want stress-free transit within a large network routes and stops in the city.
Make the most of your trip in Japan by using express buses smartly!
(This information was originally posted in 2019 and updated in September 2024. Please check official websites for the latest information.)
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Address
Narita Airport, Narita-shi, Chiba, 282-0004
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Nearest Station
Narita Airport Station (JR Narita Line / Keisei Main Line / Narita SKY ACCESS Line)
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Address
Narita Airport, Narita-shi, Chiba, 282-0004
Ran Tanaka is a Japanese writer and travel agency employee. After working as an editor for a major website, she switched to a travel company. She specializes in travel and food-related genres, and she has covered all 47 prefectures in Japan. She regularly travels to report on hidden gems, scenic spots, and the kinds of travel tips that only a travel industry insider can know.
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