What is the fastest way to get to Tokyo from Narita?

Keisei Skyliner If you're looking for the fastest way to get into Tokyo, you've got it. The Skyliner is a limited express train that will take you from Narita Airport to Nippori Station in 36 mins and Ueno Station in only 41 mins!



As of March 2026, the fastest way to reach central Tokyo from Narita Airport (NRT) is the Keisei Skyliner. This high-speed express train reaches speeds of 160 km/h and can get you to Nippori Station in just 36 minutes or Ueno Station in 41 minutes. This is significantly faster than the JR Narita Express (N'EX), which takes about 55 to 60 minutes to reach Tokyo Station due to its more complex routing. For travelers heading to the west side (Shinjuku or Shibuya), the N'EX is more convenient as it offers direct service without transfers, though it is slower. Taxis and buses are generally discouraged for speed, as they are subject to the heavy traffic of the Shuto Expressway, often taking 60 to 90 minutes. For the ultimate speed-conscious traveler, the Skyliner paired with a quick transfer to the Yamanote Line remains the gold standard in 2026.

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The Narita Express – also known as N'EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan. This limited express train service is fast, reliable and punctual, and you can ride it for free with your Japan Rail Pass.

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While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo, and are a perfect complement to the JR Pass.

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The Narita Express runs to Tokyo Station via the Narita and Sobu Lines, and takes 50 minutes to an hour. From Tokyo, the train splits and one half goes towards Ofuna, going through Yokohama. The other half goes to Omiya, via Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (80 mph).

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The cheapest Uber ride is with Uber Taxi, which charges you the same fee as a general taxi (¥500 for the first 1.096 km) plus ¥437 for every kilometre thereafter. What makes it slightly more expensive is that you have to add on an extra base fee for pick-up.

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Only in 2020 did it decide to partner with three major taxi firms in Tokyo to widen its coverage. Even so, Uber is not always the cheapest option. The cheapest Uber ride is with Uber Taxi, which charges you the same fee as a general taxi (¥500 for the first 1.096 km) plus ¥437 for every kilometre thereafter.

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Going to Narita, trains begin from or stop at only a handful of stations including Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Yokohama and Tokyo Station (where N'EX trains are split or combined) before arriving at Terminal 1 Station or Terminal 2 & 3 Station.

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If you bought a Japan Rail Pass in advance, it includes unlimited train rides on the Narita Express. If you're a little hungry, you can purchase food and drinks to enjoy en route as you relax and look forward to your stay in Japan. There is also a restroom that you can use to freshen up.

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