Best Ways to Get From Narita Airport to Tokyo: A Family Travel Guide (2025)

Narita Express (N'EX) train at the platform, ready to depart for Tokyo, a popular airport transfer option for families with kids

Landing at Narita Airport can feel like stepping into a new world, especially after a long international flight with kids. But once the wheels touch down, the big question kicks in: what’s the best way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo with kids in tow? Whether you’re heading to Shinjuku Station for your hotel check-in, wondering how to get from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport for a connecting flight, or debating between the Narita Express vs Keisei Skyliner, the options can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through how to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo’s most popular family destinations, including Shibuya, Asakusa, and Oshiage, so you can find the smoothest route for your crew.

Planning your full Tokyo trip? Our Tokyo Family Travel Guide has all the info you need on where to stay, how to get around, and what to see with kids. Or head to the Tokyo with Kids Hub to browse all our Tokyo adventure guides, journal stories, and tips.

Quick Comparison of Narita to Tokyo Transport Options for Families

Narita Express (N’EX)

  • Best For: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya hotels
  • Cost: ¥3,000+; Reserve online here
  • Time: 60–90 min
  • Direct: Yes
  • Family Perks: Reserved seating, luggage space, Wi-Fi

Keisei Skyliner

  • Best For: Asakusa, Ueno, Oshiage
  • Cost: ¥2,570; Reserve online here
  • Time: ~45 min
  • Direct: Yes
  • Family Perks: Fastest train, links to subway lines

Airport Limousine Bus

  • Best For: Door-to-door to major hotels/stations
  • Cost: ¥3,200–¥3,600; Reserve online here
  • Time: 75–120 min
  • Direct: Yes
  • Family Perks: Zero transfers, great for big luggage

Private Transfers & Taxis

  • Best For: Tired families, late arrivals
  • Cost: ¥16,000–¥20,000; Reserve private transfer here
  • Time: 60–90 min
  • Direct: Yes
  • Family Perks: Door-to-door, zero hassle

Local JR and Keisei Trains

  • Best For: Budget-savvy travelers
  • Cost: ¥1,000–¥1,500
  • Time: 90–120 min
  • Direct: No
  • Family Perks: Inexpensive, but with stairs and transfers

Narita to Haneda Airport Transfer Options

  • Best For: Connecting flights
  • Cost: ¥2,000–¥3,000; Reserve online here
  • Time: 90–120 min
  • Direct: Some
  • Family Perks: Bus or train combo options available

Once you’ve figured out how to get to your hotel, check out our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids for ideas to kick off your Tokyo adventure.

More Detailed: Main Transportation Options from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Narita Express (N’EX)

This comfortable and family-friendly train goes directly from Narita to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and more. Trains leave every 30-60 minutes.

  • Best for: Families heading to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or major train hubs
  • Cost: ~¥3,000 (kids half-price); Reserve online here
  • Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Direct? Yes
  • Stroller-Friendly? Yes, with luggage racks and wide aisles
  • Pros: Comfortable seating, easy for non-Japanese speakers, direct access to major areas
  • Cons: No door-to-door; might need one short transfer after arrival

Keisei Skyliner

The fastest way to the city. It connects Narita to Nippori and Ueno, and links easily to the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines

  • Best for: Families staying near Ueno, Asakusa, or Oshiage
  • Cost: ¥2,570; Reserve online here
  • Time: ~45 minutes
  • Direct? Yes (to Nippori/Ueno)
  • Stroller-Friendly? Mostly, but stations have stairs
  • Pros: Fastest option to eastern Tokyo
  • Cons: Requires subway transfer for destinations beyond Ueno

Airport Limousine Bus

This bus service connects Narita directly to major hotels, Disneyland, and city terminals.

  • Best for: Families with large luggage or young kids
  • Cost: ¥3,200-¥3,600 (kids discounts available)
  • Time: 75-120 minutes; Reserve online here
  • Direct? Yes (to hotel or station)
  • Stroller-Friendly? Very, luggage is stored under the bus
  • Pros: Zero transfers, ideal for tired families
  • Cons: Can be delayed by traffic

Private Transfers & Taxis

If convenience is king, this is your choice. Pre-booked taxis or vans meet you at arrivals and drive you to your door.

  • Best for: Large families, jet-lagged travelers, late-night arrivals
  • Cost: ¥16,000-¥20,000; Reserve private transfer here
  • Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Direct? Yes
  • Stroller-Friendly? Absolutely
  • Pros: No stress, best for groups or babies
  • Cons: Expensive, especially solo

Local JR or Keisei Trains

Trains like the Keisei Main Line or JR Rapid take longer but cost less. Great for families staying outside central Tokyo.

  • Best for: Budget-focused families comfortable with transfers
  • Cost: ¥1,000-¥1,500
  • Time: 90-120 minutes
  • Direct? No
  • Stroller-Friendly? Somewhat, stations often have stairs
  • Pros: Cheapest way into the city
  • Cons: Requires transfers, can be crowded during rush hours

Narita to Haneda Airport

There are two main ways to transfer:

  • Best for: Flight connections between Tokyo airports
  • Airport Limousine Bus: ¥3,200, direct, ~90 minutes; Reserve online here
  • Train Combo: Keisei Access Express + Asakusa Line + Keikyu Line, ¥2,000+, ~100-120 minutes

How to Choose the Best Narita to Tokyo Route for Your Family

  • Staying near Tokyo, Shibuya, or Shinjuku? Narita Express
  • Exploring Ueno, Asakusa, Oshiage? Keisei Skyliner
  • Luggage-heavy or hotel-bound? Airport Limousine Bus or Private Transfer
  • On a tight budget? Local Trains
  • Switching airports? Limousine Bus to Haneda

Family Travel Tips at Narita Airport

  • Don’t miss the play areas for younger kids.
  • IC Cards: Suica / Pasmo
  • Nursing Rooms & Baby Areas: Clearly marked, clean, and stocked.
  • Luggage Delivery Services: Book online here and send bags straight to hotel.
  • WiFi & SIM Cards: eSIM online here / WiFi online here, or pick up pocket WiFi or SIM at vending kiosks or counters.
  • Rail Pass Exchange: Online here or JR East counters are available inside the terminal.
  • Food Before Transit: Plenty of kid-friendly food options post-immigration.

Still deciding where to stay? Our Tokyo Hotel Guide includes family-friendly picks near major stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station.

FAQs: Best Ways to Get From Narita Airport to Tokyo

Planning how to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo with kids? These family-focused FAQs answer the most common questions about transfers, tickets, travel time, stroller access, and more.

Q: What’s the fastest way to get from Narita to Tokyo Station?

A: The fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station is by taking the Narita Express (N’EX), which is a direct train with no transfers and takes about 60 minutes.

Q: How do I get to Shinjuku Station from Narita Airport?

A: The easiest way to get from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station is by taking the Narita Express (N’EX). It’s a direct train with reserved seats and takes around 90 minutes, costing about ¥3,000.

Q: What is the cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Asakusa or Oshiage?

A: The cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Asakusa or Oshiage is by taking the Keisei Main Line local train with a transfer at Aoto Station. It costs around ¥1,000 but requires a few transfers and stairs.

Q: Are Narita Airport transfer options stroller-friendly?

A: Yes, most Narita Airport transfer options are stroller-friendly. The Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, and Limousine Bus all offer easy boarding with space for strollers. Local trains can be more difficult due to stairs and limited elevator access.

Q: How do I get from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport?

A: To get from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus for a direct 90-minute ride or use the Keisei Access Express with a transfer to the Keikyu Line. Travel time is 90–120 minutes, and costs range from ¥2,000 to ¥3,200.

Q: Can you use the Japan Rail Pass for the Narita Express?

A: Yes, the Japan Rail Pass covers the Narita Express (N’EX), making it a great option for families traveling onward to other cities like Kyoto or Osaka.

Q: Do kids ride free on trains from Narita Airport?

A: Children under 6 ride free on most trains from Narita Airport if they don’t occupy a seat. Kids aged 6–11 usually pay half fare. Be sure to confirm when booking reserved seats.

Q: Is there a direct train from Narita Airport to Shibuya?

A: Yes, the Narita Express has a direct route to Shibuya Station. The ride takes about 90 minutes and is stroller- and luggage-friendly.

Q: Can I buy Narita Express tickets at the airport?

A: Yes, you can buy Narita Express (N’EX) tickets at Narita Airport using ticket machines, JR counters, or online in advance. Seat reservations are required.

Q: What’s the best way to get from Narita to Tokyo with luggage?

A: The Airport Limousine Bus or a private transfer are best for families with lots of luggage. Both offer direct door-to-door service without transfers.

Until Next Time…

No matter which option you choose, your family’s Tokyo adventure starts the moment you leave Narita Airport. Whether you want the speed of a Skyliner or the calm of a limousine bus, there’s a route that fits your rhythm. Trust your travel style, embrace the pace that suits your crew, and know that the journey into Tokyo can be just as memorable as the destination.

Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~

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