โตเกียว Day Guides
The Narita Express (N’EX) is a fast, clean, and comfortable train that takes passengers directly from Narita International Airport to several major stations in central Tokyo.
The main stations the Narita Express stops at are:
Ueno
Shinagawa
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Ikebukuro
If you're staying in or near any of these areas, the Narita Express is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get there from the airport.
After your flight lands, you will follow the usual arrival process:
Go through immigration – show your passport and visa (if needed).
Pick up your luggage from the baggage carousel.
Walk through customs – you may be asked a few questions or need to show a customs declaration form.
After passing customs, you will enter the Arrivals Lobby of your terminal.
Once you're in the Arrivals Lobby, look for the overhead signs that say:
“JR Line / Keisei Line”
Even though it doesn’t say “Narita Express” directly, this is the right way to go. The Narita Express is part of the JR Line.
You will need to go down to the basement level, called B1F (Basement 1st Floor). You can get there in two ways:
You’ll see an escalator going down near the exit of customs. In some areas, you may need to take two different escalators to reach B1F.
If you have heavy luggage, the elevator is a good option. Look for the elevator signs nearby.
Note: Don't worry if the signs look confusing. Just follow anything that says JR Line, and you’ll be heading in the right direction.
Once you reach B1F, you’ll find yourself in a train concourse area. There may be small shops, vending machines, and even a Starbucks Coffee nearby.
You can stop here to:
Use the restroom
Grab a coffee or snack
Take a break if you're tired from the flight
This is a good place to pause before continuing.
Now you need to buy your ticket for the Narita Express. There are two main ways to do this:
This is a staffed ticket counter. You can speak to someone (many speak English) and say:
“One ticket for Narita Express to [your destination], please.”
They will:
Sell you a ticket
Reserve your seat
Help you with any questions
You can also use your Japan Rail Pass here if you have one. Just tell them where you’re going, and they’ll give you your reservation ticket.
These machines have an English language option. You can choose your destination, pay with cash or card, and print your reserved seat ticket.
Your Narita Express ticket will show:
The departure time
Your train car number (Car No.)
Your seat number
Your destination
On the train platform, there are signs that show car numbers in green. Match your car number to where you should wait.
Next, walk to the JR Line ticket gates. These look like small automatic doors with a slot for your ticket.
Insert your ticket into the gate (it will pop out on the other side).
If using a digital QR code, scan it at the reader.
If you’re using a JR Pass, show it to the nearby staff to open the gate.
After going through, follow the signs that say “Narita Express” or “JR Line”. You’ll go down another escalator or elevator to the train platform.
Once you're on the platform:
Look for signs that show car numbers.
Walk along the platform to find your car number (shown on your ticket).
Wait in the area for your train car. The Narita Express is a very long train, so it’s best to wait near your correct car.
Other trains also stop at the same platform. Make sure the train says “Narita Express” on the side and on the overhead signs before you board.
Don’t get on a train unless it clearly says Narita Express and matches your departure time.
Ueno: Museums, parks, and traditional neighborhoods
Shinagawa: Easy transfer to the Shinkansen (bullet train)
Shibuya: Famous for fashion, youth culture, and nightlife
Shinjuku: Major shopping, hotels, and entertainment
Ikebukuro: Anime shops, shopping malls, local vibes
Travel time varies from 50 to 90 minutes, depending on your destination.
You can also take the Narita Express from Tokyo back to the airport.
Go to any of the above stations.
Buy a return ticket at the JR counter or machine.
Board the N’EX back to Narita.
