| Narita International Airport (成 田 国際 空港, Narita Kokusai Kūkō) | |
 | |
| The airport seen from above. | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kantō |
| Coded IATA | NRT |
| ICAO code | RJAA |
| Location | |
 35 ° 45 ′ 54 ″ N 140 ° 23 ′ 18 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
THE'Narita International Airport (IATA : NRT) is the main international airport serving Tokyo, to Japan, the other international airport being that of Haneda in the west of the capital.
Understand
This airport is located in the municipality of Narita, at about 70 km north-east of Tokyo within the Chiba prefecture. It is Japan's main international airport. It is overall modern and efficient, but sometimes crowded, especially at immigration. Security was quite heavy, especially on arrival, due to the continuing controversy over the airport expropriations. CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems for departing passengers and airport visitors have replaced identity checks by officers.
Narita should not be confused with theTokyo international airport (Haneda), located much closer to downtown Tokyo and offering an increasing number of international flights. If you need a transfer between airports, allow at least 5 to 6 h correspondence in order to have enough time to complete the transfer.
Flights
The airport is made up of three terminals connected by both trains and buses.
- the Terminal 1 hosts All Nippon Airways (ANA) and most Star Alliance companies in the South Wing, while most of the Skyteam companies (Air France, China Southern, Delta, KLM, Korean Air) operate in the North Wing.
- the Terminal 2 welcomes Japan Airlines (JAL) and most of the other Oneword companies (American, British Airways, Finnair, Qantas…).
- the Terminal 3, opened in 2014, hosts most (but not all) domestic and international low-cost airlines: Jetstar, Spring Japan, Jeju Air and Vanilla Air.
Check the airport website just before your departure for your arrival terminal. On the way to the airport, there are also lists (in English) posted by the doors of the trains going to Narita.
Land transportation
Even though the airport is quite far from the city there are many options to go from Narita to Tokyo. The most common ways are express trains from major stations in Tokyo, and Airport Limousine buses that go directly to major hotels. The table below summarizes the simplest routes.
Narita in Tokyo at a glance
- The easiest: The buses Limousine serve large hotels; particularly handy if you have a lot of luggage (1 h 30-2 h depending on traffic, 3 100 JPY).
- The fastest: The Keisei Skyliner to Nippori and Ueno stations, then change to a taxi or local train (36 min for Nippori and 2 470 JPY);
- The cheapest: Keisei bus for the Tokyo station, then change to a local train (~1 h 30, 900 JPY).
- Best compromise: Keisei Access Express running on the Toei Asakusa metro line (1 h 05 for Asakusa, 1 240 JPY).
- The most expensive: Taxi to town (at least 25 000 JPY; taxis with flat rate: around 17,000-19 000 JPY)
- If you have a JR Pass: JR Narita Express for the Tokyo station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa and Yokohama (To 55 min from Tokyo station, free with the pass, 3 000 JPY without).
By train
There are three main line from Narita all going to Tokyo. If you are coming from the airport, the terminals have their own stations and it is imperative to get off at the correct one. The stations are clearly marked in English: Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 3 Station. In Japanese, they are respectively designated "Narita airport » (成田空港, narita kūkō) and "airport building 2" (空港 第 ２ ビ ル, kūkō dai-ni biru). The list of companies and their terminals is displayed inside the trains.
Terminal 3 is not directly served by train. From terminal 2, it is accessible by walking through a corridor of 500 m or by a short free shuttle ride.
The two most important reserved seat train services serving the airport are the Skyliner and the Narita express. Typically, Skyliner trains offer the fastest route from Tokyo (36 min), while Narita Express trains allow direct connections from Shinkansen stations and most major stations in Tokyo, but at a slower pace (61 min).
If you are on a tight budget and plan to take one of the various local trains that go to Narita Airport, use a contactless payment card (Suica or PASMO) will be practical.
Smoking is prohibited on all of these trains.
JR line
- Narita express (N'EX) – From Narita Airport this is probably the most convenient train to Tokyo station and beyond. The journey takes 55 min and allows the easiest connections for Shinkansen high speed trains. Trains usually depart from Terminal 1 around 3pm and 45pm every hour. Smoking is prohibited there. All seats are by reservation, but a ticket can be purchased at any time.
- The N'EX is free for holders of a Japan Rail Pass or a JR East Pass. You can reserve a seat when you redeem your voucher for a Rail Pass at the JR travel office (JR EAST Travel Service Center) or when it is closed at any JR ticket office. Foreigners without a Rail Pass can purchase a special ticket round trip for 4 000 JPY. The round trip must be made within 14 days. the normal rate starts at 3 020 JPY for journeys to Tokyo Station in standard class, the green car (first class) being more expensive.
After Tokyo Station, the train splits in two, the front part going south to Shinagawa, Musashi-Kosugi, Yokohama and Ofuna, as the rear cars go west towards Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Trains run to Hachiōji, Takao and Omiya in the evening, services making the reverse route in the morning. If you are going directly south for a Shinkansen, you might prefer to change at Shinagawa rather than Tokyo: the Tokyo stop is four levels in the basement and the Shinkansen platforms are opposite the station, so that in Shinagawa there are only 2/3 lanes between the two. In the unlikely event that all seats are sold, JR will sell standing tickets for 500 JPY less.
Non-express train
JR also operates Rapid trains on the Sōbu / Narita line, departing once an hour and stopping at various locations en route, including Chiba. These are normal, non-smoking commuter trains, often crowded during rush hour, especially if you are riding in Yokohama or Tokyo. From Narita Airport to Tokyo, count 1 h 22 and 1 320 JPY (compare to 1 240 JPY Keisei Access Express for Ueno). The Rapid train also has a few green car (booked in advance: 980 JPY, during the holidays: 780 JPY ; supplement if purchased on board). The amounts billed before getting on are deducted from a contactless card like the Suica.
Keisei Railway
The private company Keisei (京 成) offers trains from central and southern Tokyo, as well as direct commuter trains to Haneda. Keisei trains run on two routes: faster, more direct Narita Sky Access Line and the slower, less direct Keisei Main Line. The two lines separate between Narita Airport and Takasago Station. Both go to Keisei de Ueno and Nippori stations in Tokyo. Nippori offers the easiest connections to the Yamanote and Jōban lines of the JR, and to the Nippori-Toneri Liner for Adachi district in Tokyo. At Keisei Ueno you can walk by 04 min to JR Ueno Station to join the Yamanote, Tōhoku and Takasaki lines and the Shinkansen going north, as well as the Ginza and Hanzōmon subway lines.
Since the Sky Access and Keisei Main Line have separate pricing, they have separate ticket gates and platforms at the three stations at Narita Airport. Sky Access Line passengers only have one gantry to go through, while Keisei Main Line passengers have two. A train by Sky Access from the airport to Nippori / Ueno costs 1 240 JPY, while it will be 1 030 JPY with the Keisei Main Line. All of this can be paid for with a contactless card.
Sky Access Line
The flagship of Keisei's services is the Skyliner which run on the Sky Access line 2-3 times per hour. the Skyliner is the fastest train connecting Narita Airport to Tokyo (Keisei Ueno and Nippori stations). The new Skyliner trains offer comfortable seats and a top speed of 160 km / h. The entire journey from Terminal 1 to Ueno takes 44 min, the train running non-stop between Nippori and Terminal 2-3 in 36 min. All seats are by reservation and the normal fare is 2 470 JPY one way, although foreign tourists can enjoy a discount by using the Skyliner eTicket. Using this service you can purchase vouchers for a Skyliner ticket for 2 200 JPY, and print the vouchers to redeem them for a ticket in Japan at a Keisei or Skyliner counter. You will then need to present your passport and indicate your desired departure time.
The economical choice on the Sky Access line is to take the commuter train known as the "Access Express " Where "Access Tokkyū » (ア ク セ ス 特急). These trains depart every 40 min, and most daytime trains run on the Toei Asakusa subway line. With only a limited number of stops, the Access Tokkyū is the best choice for Asakusa (1 h 05, 1 280 JPY) and Nihombashi (1 h 10, 1 320 JPY). Shimbashi (1 h 151 320 JPY) allows easy access to the Yurikamome skytrain for Odaiba. A change of train at Nihombashi then allows you to quickly reach the Ginza district (Higashi-Ginza station, 1 h 20, 1 320 JPY). Many services then continue on the Keikyū line for Shinagawa (1 h 25, 1 510 JPY) and theHaneda Airport (1 h 45, 1 790 JPY).
After 16 h (17 h on weekends), Access Tokkyū trains run directly to Nippori and Keisei Ueno by 1 h (1 240 JPY). The rest of the time you will need to change at Aoto for a local train which makes the trip longer to 1 h 20-1 h 30. During these times, it is best to take the Mainline Limited Express directly to Ueno (1 h 21) and save 210 JPY.
Keisei Main Line
(in English : "Keisei Main Line ») Suburban trains tokkyū (特急) classics (those not marked "Access") depart from Narita airport every 20 min, joining Ueno in 01 min 21 s (1 030 JPY). In the morning and early afternoon you should take these trains tokkyū rather than Sky Access trains since they allow direct and cheaper journeys (Access trains require a change in Aoto, where you have to take a local train to Ueno, saving time). After 16 h (17 h on weekends), Sky Access trains run direct from the airport to Nippori and Ueno, 20 min thus gained can be worth 210 JPY what's more.
Reserved seat trains which are cheaper than the Skyliner include the Morning Liner which runs from the airport to Ueno twice in the morning, and the Evening liner which runs from Ueno to the airport 6 times in the evening after the last Skyliner. Both cost 1 440 JPY, but you can only book on the day of departure at a special ATM. This machine sells tickets liner for 410 JPY to be used in addition to the normal rate of 1 030 JPY.
By bus
All the coaches below have 4 stops to get on (Terminal 1 north wing, Terminal 1 south wing, Terminal 2, Terminal 3) and also 3 or 4 stops to get off.
Airport Limousine Bus
- Airport Limousine Bus (リ ム ジ ン バ ス)
This shuttle bus network serves most of the major hubs in Tokyo, stopping at major hotels and also some suburbs. Prices are comparable to the Narita Express train, but may be more convenient if you are coming for the first time and your hotel is serviced. These buses also allow you to reach theHaneda Airport ; Access Tokkyu trains are cheaper, but these buses are much more frequent. The journey to most places in central Tokyo takes 1 h 30-2 h and costs 3 100 JPY per person, but be aware that there can be traffic jams at peak times (especially towards the airport).
Airport Limousine's flagship service terminates at 1 Tokyo City Air Terminal (T-CAT) , located in the Hakozaki district in the Chūō district of Tokyo. There are approximately 4-5 departures per hour for a journey of 1 h (but not always) because the buses join the T-CAT by several highways. The normal rate is 2 800 JPY, but foreign tourists can buy tickets for only 1 900 JPY by requesting a “T-CAT Special”. The T-CAT is directly connected to the Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line, which runs from Shibuya to the Tokyo SkyTree and provides numerous connections between the two. A taxi can take you from Tokyo station to T-CAT for approx. 1 000 JPY.
The return voucher to Narita Airport must be used within 14 days after the first date of travel.
Foreign tourists can also purchase a round trip Limousine Bus ticket between the airport and any of Tokyo's 23 wards for 4 500 JPY. Narita Airport Return Voucher must be used within 14 days of the first date of travel.
There is also a special night ticket at 1 000 JPY for all buses leaving from T-CAT to the airport after 17 h.
Airport Limousine buses allow you to take 2 pieces of checked baggage per passenger, each weighing a maximum of 30 kg.
Access Narita Bus
- Access Narita (ア ク セ ス 成 田)
1 000 JPY. – It is a low cost bus operated by Heiwa Kotsu Company (also known as Be-Transse Group) and by JR Bus. It stops at two places: Tokyo station Yaesu exit and Ginza district at Sukiyabashi intersection near the police station ('koban'), near the Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi subway lines.
- The Access Narita only allows you to have one piece of luggage in the hold (20 kg maximum).
Tokyo Shuttle
- Tokyo Shuttle 1 000 JPY to go,1 900 JPY round trip. – This is a low cost bus operated by Keisei Bus between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station (across the street from the northeast Yaesu exit). Most trips start and end at the Shinonome Bus Service Office, which is located at 10 min walk from Shinonome Station on the Rinkai Line. A small number of buses also serve Ginza and Oedo Onsen Monogatari. A discounted offer is available for those using the Tokyo Shuttle and the onsen. Combination tickets with unlimited pass for all Tokyo metros (Tokyo Metro and Toei) are available from 1 700 JPY for a pass of 24 h.
- The Keisei Bus only allows you to have one piece of luggage in the hold.
From / to Yokohama
In nearby Yokohama is the Yokohama City Air Terminal (Y-CAT) which is only a few minutes walk from Yokohama station. Buses run between Yokohama and the airport 3-4 times per hour and cost 3 600 JPY (about 1 h 25).
From / to Kansai
If you land in Narita late enough or decide to hang out there, there is an overnight coach that will take you directly to Kyoto and Osaka. The service is operated by Nankai Bus and Chiba Kotsu and departs from Terminals 1 and 2 to 21 h 30, arriving in Kyoto at 6 h 20 (8 740 JPY) and Osaka at 7 h 30 (9 260 JPY). The return trip departs from Osaka at 21 h 05 and from Tokyo to 22 h 15arriving at Narita airport the next morning around 7 h.
By taxi
A taxi to central Tokyo is extremely expensive ; a ride from Narita to Tokyo station will cost around 25 000 JPY (or more depending on traffic and route) if you hail a taxi directly. That's the equivalent of a handful of nights in a typical Tokyo business hotel, and you're more likely to get stuck in a traffic jam than to save time.
Flat-rate taxis to Tokyo cost between 17 000 JPY and 19 000 JPY from special taxi ranks. It will be easier and cheaper to take public transport (Narita Express, Skyliner, Airport Limousine bus) and then change to a taxi to reach your final destination. Take the train if you are in a rush or the bus if you are not.
Tokyo MK Taxi and Cab Station Ltd offer taxi reservations in English. Their prices are more or less equivalent to the fixed prices indicated above, once the additional costs are taken into account. UberBlack offers a fixed rate of 27 000 JPY from Narita to any of Tokyo's 23 wards via their smartphone app.
Keisei also offers the Skyliner & Taxi Ticket which combines a one-way ticket with the train Skyliner with a taxi ride from Keisei Ueno Station to any destination within the 11 districts of Tokyo. The taxi will pass two or three of Tokyo's top attractions on the way to your destination. The price is 5 000 JPY-6 500 JPY for one person ; the price per person is reduced for groups of two or three people. Up to two large suitcases per group are accepted.
Remember that licensed taxis in Japan have a green license plate. Unauthorized taxis have a white or yellow placard and should be avoided.
Circulate
There are free shuttle buses every 10 min approximately between terminals 1, 2 and 3 both for passengers in international zone (who have not passed the immigration services) and those actually on Japanese territory (who have already passed them).
Terminals 2 and 3 are also connected by a corridor covered with 500 m (10-15 min on foot), only for passengers on Japanese territory.
Wait
If you have young children the excellent playrooms (Play Room) are a godsend. The one in T2 is equipped with a tatami area for babies and play equipment for preschool children. Inexplicably, it is not listed on the official website, but you can find them by following the "nursery" signs after you pass immigration, just walk after escalators to the satellite terminal and turn right.
Eat and drink
Narita has a huge array of choices to eat before security, but just a few small eateries on the other side. Take out is a good choice for the landing, the sushi restaurant Ganso (T2) is quite respectable.
You can only find chain restaurants in Terminal 3.
To buy
Once you arrive in Narita, you can access ticket machines operated by Citibank, Japan Post, 7-Eleven and AEON which accept international debit cards and credit cards.
Note: Most visitors with a Europay Mastercard Visa type chip card can only use 7-Eleven and AEON machines.
There are many currency exchange office at both terminals, more before passport control than after. You can therefore compare the rates offered by the different establishments.
Starting from Narita, the best shops and restaurants are in the check-in area: after going through security and immigration, only expensive duty-free and a few convenience stores are available. But keep in mind that Japan limits liquids in carry-on baggage, so plan to purchase plane drinks after security.
Communicate
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport (SSID: FreeWifi-Narita); paid access with NTT and Softbank access points are also available. Several charging stations (100 volts) and desks with lamps are available in both terminals.
Housing
If you are in Narita on a connecting flight, you might want to use day rooms or showers inside the terminal after security. Rooms are billed by the hour, 1 000 JPY the first hour and 500 JPY every following hour (1 600 JPY and 800 JPY for double rooms). One bedroom consists of a bed and a bathroom with a shower. It's a great way to refresh yourself before your next flight. Rooms can be reserved up to one month in advance. If you just want to take a shower, a shower room will cost 500 JPY half an hour. Soap and shampoo are provided, but things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and deodorant, so you'll need to have some in your carry-on baggage.
Narita's official hours are not 24 h/ 24, it is closed between 23 h and 6 h. That said, sleeping there at night on the benches is tolerated by security; come with the necessary since nothing is open at night by the vending machines.
- 1 Radisson Hotel Narita 286-0221 Chiba, Tokyo Narita Airport, Nanae 650-35 (easily accessible with a frequent shuttle bus from both terminals of 7 h To 22 h, journey of 20 min),
81 476-93-1234 ch. double: 12 000 JPY, breakfast : 2 300 JPY. – 
free. A comfortable western style hotel with pools, restaurants, bars and in-room wi-fi. - 9 hours Narita Airport (outside Terminal 2, in the parking lot of building 2)
24 h/ 24; maybe rented by the hour. from 4 900 JPY. – Spend your stopover in Narita in Japanese style: in a capsule hotel, with showers, lockers and a cabin to sleep in. Men and women separated.
free. A comfortable western style hotel with pools, restaurants, bars and in-room wi-fi.
Around
To visit Tokyo is the most obvious idea for a long layover; however, the city of Narita is a closer choice.
| Routes via Narita International Airport |
| Tokyo ← Chiba ← Narita ← | O  E | → END |
| Keisei Ueno ← Keisei Funabashi ← Keisei Narita ← | O  E | → END |
Higashi Matsudo ← in  ← Narita ← | O  E | → END |
Chiba ← in  ← Narita ← | O  E | → END |
Chiba ← in  ← Narita ← | O  E | → END |
