Easy: Use a prepaid transport card (like a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport) instead of a train ticket. From Narita, the card will cover your basic fare on the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner into town and you can buy a reserved seat/express ticket with cash on the platform.

You can use a Suica, Pasmo, or other major IC cards to pay the base fare for Keisei trains, including the Keisei Narita Skyaccess line. However, if you intend to ride the Keisei Skyliner—the premium, high-speed limited express service—simply tapping your card at the gate is not enough. The Skyliner requires a separate Limited Express ticket and a reserved seat. In 2026, you can purchase this supplemental ticket at Keisei ticket counters, automated machines, or via your smartphone while on the go. If you choose the slower "Rapid" or "Access Express" trains that also serve Narita, your Suica will cover the entire fare with a simple tap. It is a common "pro-tip" for travelers to ensure their Suica is loaded with at least 1,300 to 2,500 yen to cover the journey from the airport into central Tokyo without needing to stop at a machine.