Your Guide to Reaching Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa
Narita International Airport (NRT) is located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. While it’s not the closest airport to the city, it’s well-connected by trains, buses, and taxis.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to get to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa—the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
🚄 1. Tokyo Station
🏅 Best Option: Narita Express (N’EX)
- Time: ~55–60 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,070–¥3,250 (about $20–22 USD)
- Comfort: High — reserved seats, free Wi-Fi, large luggage space
- Departs from: Narita Terminals 1, 2, and 3
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to Tokyo Station. The Narita Express (N’EX) runs about once or twice an hour and takes you directly into the heart of the city. It’s covered by the JR Pass if you have one.
🎟️ Tip: You can buy N’EX tickets at the JR East Travel Service Center inside the airport.
🏙 2. Shinjuku
🥇 Best Option: Narita Express (N’EX)
- Time: ~85–90 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,250 (~$22 USD)
- Comfort: Very high — clean, quiet, easy with luggage
No transfers needed—this train goes straight to Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest and best-connected hubs in Tokyo. If you’re staying in Shinjuku, this is the most hassle-free choice.
💰 Budget Option: Airport Limousine Bus
- Time: 100–120 minutes (may vary with traffic)
- Cost: ¥3,200 (~$22 USD)
- Perk: Drops off at major hotels like Hilton, Hyatt, Keio Plaza
🚍 Tip: Buses are great if you’re traveling with heavy luggage and don’t want to deal with stairs or platforms.
🧭 3. Shibuya
✅ Best Option: Narita Express (N’EX)
- Time: ~75–80 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,250 (~$22 USD)
- No Transfers: Direct to Shibuya Station
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhoods and the N’EX makes it easy to get there with no transfers.
💰 Budget Option: Keisei Skyliner + JR Yamanote Line
- Time: ~70 minutes total
- Cost: ¥2,800 (~$19 USD)
- How:
- Take the Skyliner from Narita to Nippori Station
- Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya
🔁 Slightly more effort but can save a few dollars and runs more frequently.
🚉 4. Shinagawa
🚄 Best Option: Narita Express (N’EX)
- Time: ~70 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,250 (~$22 USD)
- Why it’s good: Shinagawa is a great base for travel with access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and easy access to Haneda Airport too.
✅ Direct and easy, especially if you’re connecting to other cities like Kyoto or Osaka.
✈️ Summary Table: Narita to Tokyo Areas
| Destination | Best Option | Time | Price (JPY) | Direct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | N’EX | 55–60 min | ¥3,070–¥3,250 | ✅ Yes | Fastest, smooth ride |
| Shinjuku | N’EX | 85–90 min | ¥3,250 | ✅ Yes | Best for hotels, nightlife |
| Shibuya | N’EX | 75–80 min | ¥3,250 | ✅ Yes | Trendy, central, youth-friendly |
| Shinagawa | N’EX | ~70 min | ¥3,250 | ✅ Yes | Great for Shinkansen connections |
🧳 Final Tips
- 🕰 Trains stop running around midnight. If your flight lands late, consider staying at a hotel near Narita or taking a late-night bus.
- 💱 Exchange some yen at the airport or withdraw from ATMs before getting on your train.
- 📶 Buy a SIM card, eSIM, or Pocket Wi-Fi before heading into the city—you’ll need data to navigate stations.
- 🎫 Consider booking your N’EX or Skyliner tickets online in advance to save time.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
