Narita Airport to Shinjuku: All Options Compared

Option 1: Narita Express (N’EX) — Best for First-Timers

The N’EX runs directly from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station with no transfer required. This is the simplest option.

Details

• Time: About 90 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
• Runs from: Narita Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3

Step-by-Step

1. After clearing customs and immigration, follow signs to the JR ticket counter or ticket machines in the basement level.
2. If you are a foreign tourist, ask for the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket (¥5,000) at the JR EAST Travel Service Center — show your passport. Or purchase at machines with passport readers.
3. Check the departure board for the next Shinjuku-bound N’EX. Not all N’EX trains go to Shinjuku — some terminate at Tokyo Station. Confirm “Shinjuku” is listed as a stop.
4. Go to the platform and board the car matching your reserved seat number.
5. Stow large luggage in the overhead racks or the luggage area behind the last row of seats.
6. Relax for 90 minutes. The train stops at Tokyo Station (60 min), Shinagawa, Shibuya, then Shinjuku.
7. Exit at Shinjuku Station and follow signs to your desired exit.

Why Choose N’EX

• No transfer, no confusion. Board at the airport, get off at Shinjuku.
• Reserved seat guaranteed.
• Luggage-friendly with large overhead racks.
• Wi-Fi and USB charging on board.

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

Option 2: Keisei Skyliner + JR Transfer — Fastest Overall

The Skyliner is the fastest train from Narita, but it goes to Nippori/Ueno — not Shinjuku. You need one transfer.

Details

• Total time: About 55-60 minutes
• Total cost: About ¥2,700 (Skyliner ¥2,470 + JR ¥210)
• Skyliner time: 36 minutes to Nippori
• Transfer at Nippori: JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku, about 18 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. After customs, follow signs to the Keisei ticket counter or machines in the basement.
2. Buy a Skyliner ticket to Nippori (¥2,470). You can also book online in advance at the Keisei website for a small discount.
3. Board the Skyliner on the Keisei platform. All seats are reserved.
4. Arrive at Nippori Station in 36 minutes.
5. Exit the Keisei gates and follow signs to the JR Yamanote Line (山手線). The JR gates are a short walk (2-3 minutes).
6. Tap your IC card (or buy a ticket for ¥210) and take the Yamanote Line heading for Shinjuku (westbound / 外回り). Takes about 18 minutes.
7. Exit at Shinjuku Station.

Why Choose the Skyliner Route

• Fastest door-to-platform time overall.
• ¥550 cheaper than N’EX one-way.
• The Nippori transfer is straightforward — follow signs for JR.

Watch Out

• The transfer at Nippori involves walking between Keisei and JR gates (different companies). Allow 5-10 minutes.
• If you have very heavy luggage, the transfer can be tiring. There are escalators but no elevators on some connecting paths.

Option 3: Airport Limousine Bus — Best for Hotels

Direct bus service from Narita to Shinjuku area hotels and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Basta Shinjuku).

Details

• Time: 85-120 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Cost: ¥3,600 one-way
• Frequency: About every 20-30 minutes during peak hours
• Stops: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, multiple Shinjuku hotels (Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Keio Plaza, Washington Hotel, etc.)

Step-by-Step

1. After customs, follow signs to the Limousine Bus ticket counter in the arrivals hall.
2. Tell the staff your destination (e.g., “Shinjuku Station” or your hotel name). Buy a ticket (¥3,600, cash or credit card).
3. Proceed to the designated bus stop outside. Staff will load your luggage into the bus.
4. Board the bus and sit anywhere.
5. The bus goes directly to Shinjuku — no stops in between except other Shinjuku hotels.
6. Get off at your stop. Collect your luggage from the compartment.

Why Choose the Bus

• No transfers, no stairs, no navigating a train station with heavy bags.
• Drops you at major Shinjuku hotels directly.
• Comfortable seats with charging outlets on most buses.

Watch Out

• Traffic can add 30-60 minutes to the trip, especially during morning/evening rush (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM).
• Last bus from Narita to Shinjuku departs around 11:00 PM. Check the schedule online.

Option 4: Keisei Access Express — Cheapest Train Route

A budget train option for those who want to save money and do not mind a transfer.

Details

• Total time: About 90 minutes
• Total cost: About ¥1,520 (Access Express ¥1,270 to Aoto + Toei/Metro to Shinjuku)
• No reserved seats — bench seating, similar to a regular commuter train

Step-by-Step

1. Buy a ticket from Narita to Shinjuku via the Access Express at the Keisei ticket machines.
2. Board the Access Express on the Keisei platform. Some trains run through directly to Asakusa and beyond on the Toei Asakusa Line.
3. Transfer at Aoto Station to the Keisei Main Line or continue through to the Toei Asakusa Line, then transfer to the Toei Shinjuku Line or Metro at an appropriate station.
4. Navigate to Shinjuku Station.

Why Choose This

• About half the price of N’EX.
• Fine for backpackers and budget travelers.

Watch Out

• Requires at least 1-2 transfers. Navigation can be confusing for first-time visitors.
• No dedicated luggage space — you hold your bags on the train.
• Not recommended if arriving late at night (infrequent service).

Which Option is Best for You?

Situation	Best Option
First time in Japan, want simplicity	N’EX
Want the fastest trip	Skyliner + JR
Staying at a Shinjuku hotel	Limousine Bus
On a tight budget	Access Express
Arriving after 9 PM	N’EX (check last train)
Traveling with large luggage	Limousine Bus or N’EX
Group of 3-4 people	Flat-rate taxi (¥27,000-30,000 split = ¥7,000-10,000 each)

Troubleshooting

You arrived after the last train? Last N’EX to Shinjuku departs around 9:15 PM from Narita. Last Skyliner around 10:30 PM. If you miss both, take the Access Express or Keisei Main Line to the Toei Asakusa Line (runs later), or take a taxi (¥25,000-30,000 to Shinjuku).

Train cancelled due to weather? Check at the JR or Keisei counter. If trains are stopped, the Limousine Bus may still be running (and vice versa). In severe weather, consider staying at a Narita airport hotel.

You accidentally boarded the wrong N’EX? Some N’EX trains split — front cars go to one destination, rear cars to another. If you end up at Tokyo Station instead of Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line (orange) from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku (15 minutes, included in your IC card fare).

Back to Airport Access Guide for all route options.