Narita Airport to Shibuya: All Options Compared

Option 1: Narita Express (N’EX) — Easiest Route

The N’EX runs directly from Narita to Shibuya Station. After Tokyo Station and Shinagawa, the train continues to Shibuya then Shinjuku.

Details

• Time: About 80 minutes
• Cost: ¥3,250 one-way (Ordinary Car, reserved seat)
• Tourist deal: N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket ¥5,000 (passport required, valid 14 days)
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. After clearing customs, go to the JR EAST Travel Service Center or ticket machines in the basement.
2. Buy the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket (¥5,000) with your passport, or a regular one-way ticket (¥3,250).
3. Check the departure board. Confirm the N’EX you are boarding stops at Shibuya — most trains on the Shinjuku-bound route do, but verify.
4. Board the N’EX and sit in your reserved seat. Stow luggage on the overhead racks.
5. The train arrives at Tokyo Station (60 min), then Shinagawa, then Shibuya (about 80 min total).
6. Exit at Shibuya Station. Follow signs to your desired exit — the station is large.

Why Choose N’EX

• No transfer needed. Board at the airport, exit at Shibuya.
• Comfortable reserved seats with Wi-Fi and USB charging.
• Large luggage racks.

Note: A fare revision of approximately +7.8% is expected from March 2026.

Option 2: Keisei Skyliner + JR Transfer — Fastest Overall

The Skyliner reaches Nippori in 36 minutes, then transfer to JR to reach Shibuya.

Details

• Total time: About 65 minutes
• Total cost: About ¥2,700 (Skyliner ¥2,470 + JR ¥210)
• Skyliner time: 36 minutes to Nippori
• Transfer at Nippori: JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya, about 25 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. At the airport, buy a Skyliner ticket to Nippori (¥2,470) at the Keisei counter or machines.
2. Board the Skyliner. All seats reserved.
3. Arrive at Nippori in 36 minutes.
4. Exit the Keisei gates, walk to JR gates (2-3 minutes).
5. Take the JR Yamanote Line heading westbound / 外回り (Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya direction). Shibuya is about 25 minutes from Nippori.
6. Exit at Shibuya Station.

Why Choose This

• Faster total time than N’EX.
• Cheaper than N’EX.
• The Nippori transfer is well-signed.

Watch Out

• The Yamanote Line leg (Nippori to Shibuya) takes 25 minutes because you go around the west side of the loop. Make sure you take the outer loop (外回り), not the inner loop.
• Luggage handling during the transfer can be inconvenient.

Option 3: Airport Limousine Bus — Best for Hotels

Direct bus service to Shibuya Station area and Shibuya hotels.

Details

• Time: 85-130 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Cost: ¥3,600 one-way
• Stops: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (Mark City), Shibuya Station, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Step-by-Step

1. At the arrivals hall, go to the Limousine Bus ticket counter.
2. Buy a ticket for the Shibuya route (¥3,600).
3. Go to the designated bus stop. Staff load your luggage.
4. Board and relax. The bus goes directly to Shibuya.
5. Get off at Shibuya Station or your hotel. Collect luggage.

Why Choose the Bus

• Door-to-door for Shibuya hotels.
• No stairs, no transfers, no navigating train stations with bags.
• Comfortable seats.

Watch Out

• Rush hour traffic (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM) can add significant time.
• Fewer departures compared to the Shinjuku bus route — check the schedule.

Option 4: Keisei Access Express + Metro — Budget Option

The cheapest train option.

Details

• Total time: About 90 minutes
• Total cost: About ¥1,520
• Route: Narita → Aoto → Oshiage/Asakusa (Toei Asakusa Line) → Transfer to Ginza Line at Asakusa → Shibuya

Step-by-Step

1. Buy a ticket at the Keisei machines. Some Access Express trains run through directly to the Toei Asakusa Line.
2. Board the Access Express.
3. At Asakusa Station (Toei), transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (orange line) heading to Shibuya.
4. The Ginza Line terminates at Shibuya. About 30 minutes from Asakusa.

Why Choose This

• Less than half the price of N’EX.
• Straightforward with just one transfer at Asakusa.

Watch Out

• No luggage space on commuter trains.
• Can be crowded during rush hour.

Which Option is Best for You?

Situation	Best Option
First time visitor	N’EX
Want the fastest trip	Skyliner + JR
Staying at a Shibuya hotel	Limousine Bus
Budget traveler	Access Express + Ginza Line
Heavy luggage	Limousine Bus or N’EX
Late arrival (after 9 PM)	N’EX or Access Express

Troubleshooting

N’EX does not stop at Shibuya? Some N’EX trains terminate at Tokyo Station. If yours does, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Tokyo Station and ride to Shibuya (about 25 minutes, ¥210).

Limousine Bus is sold out? Take the N’EX or Skyliner instead. Bus tickets can also be bought online in advance at limousinebus.co.jp.

You ended up at Shinjuku instead of Shibuya? Shibuya is just 2 stops from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line (5 minutes, ¥160).

Arrived after midnight? Only option is a taxi (¥25,000-30,000) or staying at a Narita airport hotel until the first train.

Back to Airport Access Guide for all route options.