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Japan: Tokyo (Narita)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
BEST WAY DOWNTOWN: Narita Express Train

BASICS
Narita is 44 miles (70 km) east of Tokyo. The airport serves all international flights except China Airlines. Tourist Information Centers are located in the arrivals hall of both terminals and are open from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Monday-Friday and 9 A.M.-noon Saturday, closed Sundays and holidays. They have maps and will help you with your ground transportation needs.

The airport's Web site sports helpful features, including: TAXI
This is one of the most expensive taxi rides in the world — around 20,000 yen, or $200. There have been reports of taxi drivers giving in a little, but even at 15,000 yen, or $150, a taxi ride from Narita is not something most of us would choose. The taxis are small and have little space for luggage. Travel time ranges from one to two hours, depending on traffic and your final destination.

BUS
The Airport Limousine Bus is a cost-effective way to get to Tokyo. This bus departs from just outside the terminal every 5 to 20 minutes, and goes to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT) in the center of Tokyo. From there it is a short taxi ride to major Tokyo hotels.

There are also buses to the major hotels in all of Tokyo's districts. Check with the Airport Limousine Bus counter to see if your hotel is served. Purchase your ticket at the Airport Limousine Bus counter just outside of customs. The fare is from 2,800 yen ($28) to 3500 yen ($35), depending on the distance. Travel time is between one and two hours.

Another bus service between the airport and some downtown hotels is Airport Shuttle, which has a desk in the arrivals area outside of customs.

 
NARITA EXPRESS TRAIN
The fastest trip into Tokyo is with the Narita Express Train (NEX). The train station is on the lower level of the airport terminals, so there is no shuttle bus to deal with. The main drawback is that all seats are reserved, so if you do not book in advance you may not find a seat.

If you do not have a reservation, go to the NEX counter near the train terminal to purchase your ticket. Trains depart every 1/2 hour from about 7:43 A.M. to 10:43 P.M., according to the timetable. Travel time to Tokyo Station is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the fare is around 3000 yen ($30).

There is a slower Japan Railways train from Narita that leaves about every 45 minutes from 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. This train will take 80 minutes and cost about 1400 yen ($14).

KEISEI SKYLINER
This express train leaves Narita Station every 30 - 40 minutes for Ueno Station, which is a little north of Tokyo Station. They run from 6 A.M. to 10 P.M. (timetable). There is a counter for the Keisei Skyliner in the arrivals lobby of both terminals. Travel time about 60 minutes, and fare is about 1800 yen ($16). There is also a Limited Express that takes 75 minutes. The fare for the Limited is about 1000yen ($9).At Ueno station you can get onto the subway, or take a taxi to take to your final destination.

HOTEL SHUTTLE
If you are staying at a hotel near Narita Airport, your hotel probably has a shuttle bus. For example, the Narita International, soon to be the Radisson Hotel Narita, has a free shuttle bus service at the airport. Check with your hotel, or go to the Japan Tourist Information Center to inquire whether your hotel has a shuttle. As is true with most city center hotels, hotels in Tokyo, do not run shuttles.

RENTAL CAR
Rental cars are available at the airport and various agencies throughout Tokyo. Driving is very difficult in Tokyo, so beware. To get the necessary international driving permit, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or AAA (click on "International Driving Permits" at the bottom of the page). Avis, Budget, Hertz, Nippon, Nissan, and Toyota are only a few of many firms operating in Tokyo.

BUS TO HANEDA AIRPORT
If you are connecting to a domestic flight, you will probably have to go to Haneda Airport. Airport Limousine Service goes from Narita to Haneda. The fare is about 3000 yen ($30) and it will take 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

  • World Airport Information Main Page
    — Adapted from How to Get Out of the Airport
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