For those of you considering the comfortable and reliable Narita Express (N’EX) for your first step from Narita Airport to the heart of Tokyo, this guide is for you. This article will walk you through every step, from my highly recommended online booking method to boarding at the airport and navigating Tokyo Station after arrival, which requires a bit of attention.
Why Choose the Narita Express?
- Arrive at Tokyo Station in as little as 55 minutes.
- No transfers, so you won’t get lost.
- The peace of mind of a reserved seat for every passenger.
- Traveler-friendly amenities like luggage space and free Wi-Fi.
- The significant advantage of being covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be able to navigate the Narita Express like a pro. Start your trip to Japan smoothly!
Narita Express (N’EX) Basic Information
First, let’s review the basic information about the N’EX in this table.
| Travel Time | Approx. 55-60 minutes |
| Fare (Regular, One-Way) | 3,070 JPY |
| Fare (N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket) | 5,000 JPY (Valid for 14 days) |
| Frequency | Approx. every 30-60 minutes |
| Key Features | Comfortable amenities and Japan Rail Pass compatibility |
Ticket Purchases
To save time at the airport and ensure you get a seat, we highly recommend booking online before you depart for Japan.
Here are the benefits of booking online:
- Complete your payment before you travel, making it easier to plan your trip (can also be used for same-day travel).
- Securely reserve your seat, even during peak seasons.
Regular Tickets
- Price: 3,070 JPY
Regular tickets are recommended for those who do not have a Japan Rail Pass and only need a one-way trip.
Regular Tickets: Online Reservation
You can book online using the following method:
- Visit the official “JR-EAST Train Reservation” website.
- Select “Purchase Tickets” under “Customers not using a pass.”
- Choose your travel section (Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 2/3 → Tokyo), date, time, and number of passengers.
- Create an account or log in.
- Complete the payment with your credit card.
Important
You cannot board the train just by booking and paying online. After arriving in Japan, you MUST pick up your physical ticket at the following locations:
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ticket Office): A staffed counter marked with the letter “A”. Convenient if you want to ask staff questions directly.
- Reserved Seat Ticket Machines: The interface can be switched to English. Marked with the letter “B”.
Regular Tickets: On-site Purchase
If booking online is difficult, you can purchase tickets on-site. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
You can purchase tickets at the following locations:
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ticket Office): A staffed counter marked with the letter “A”. Convenient if you want to ask staff questions directly.
- Reserved Seat Ticket Machines: The interface can be switched to English. Marked with the letter “B”.
N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket
- Price: 5,000 JPY (Child: 2,500 JPY)
- Validity: 14 days
If you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass and plan to return to Narita Airport within 14 days, this ticket is the most cost-effective option.
N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket: Online Reservation
You can book the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket online as follows:
- Visit the official “JR-EAST Train Reservation” website.
- Select “Purchase a pass.”
- Select “N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket.”
- Choose your travel section (Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 2/3 → Tokyo), date, time, and number of passengers.
- Create an account or log in.
- Complete the payment with your credit card.
Important
You cannot board the train just by booking and paying online. After arriving in Japan, you MUST pick up your physical ticket at the following locations with your passport:
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ticket Office): A staffed counter marked with the letter “A”. Convenient if you want to ask staff questions directly.
- Reserved Seat Ticket Machines with Passport Readers: The interface can be switched to English. Marked with the letter “B”. Be sure not to mistake them for machines without passport readers.
N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket: On-site Purchase
You can purchase tickets on-site at the following locations:
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Ticket Office): A staffed counter marked with the letter “A”. Convenient if you want to ask staff questions directly.
- Reserved Seat Ticket Machines with Passport Readers: The interface can be switched to English. Marked with the letter “B”. Be sure not to mistake them for machines without passport readers.
Japan Rail Pass
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can ride the N’EX at no additional charge! However, a simple procedure is required, so please follow these steps.
- If you haven’t activated your pass yet, do so at the JR EAST Travel Service Center at the station.
- Reserve your seat at either the JR EAST Travel Service Center or a Reserved Seat Ticket Machine.
How to Board the Narita Express
Once you are in the airport arrival lobby, head to the basement floor (B1F) by following the “Railways” or “Train” signs or the red “N’EX” logo. Check the route to the station according to your terminal. In all terminals, the Keisei Line ticket gates are next to the N’EX gates, so be careful not to get them confused.
If you arrive at Terminal 1
Whether you arrive at the North Wing or the South Wing, follow the signs to the Central Building, and you will find the station on the basement floor (B1F). Look for the “JR Line” ticket gates.
If you arrive at Terminal 2 or 3
From the Terminal 2 arrival lobby, follow the signs to the station on the basement floor (B1F). If you arrive at Terminal 3, you must first take the access corridor to Terminal 2. Then, head for the “JR Line” ticket gates.
Final Check at the Ticket Gate and Platform
Once you get to the station, check the information for your train on the electronic display boards.
- Train Name: 「成田エクスプレス Narita Express(N’EX)」
- Destination: 「for Tokyo / Shinjuku」 etc.
- Departure Time (Dep.)
- Track Confirm these details and proceed to the correct platform.
Onboard Experience
The interior of the N’EX is full of features designed to help you relax after a long journey.
- Seats: All seats are reclining and have ample legroom to stretch out. They are also equipped with a large table for PC work and a convenient power outlet for charging your smartphone.
- Luggage Space: Each car has a dedicated luggage area for large suitcases. It comes with a combination lock for theft prevention, so you can relax at your seat with peace of mind.
- In-Car Wi-Fi and Information: Free Wi-Fi service is available. Additionally, the LCD screens inside the train display the next stop and news in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easy to know where you are.
Arriving at Tokyo Station & Transfers
After a comfortable train journey, you finally arrive at Tokyo Station. Here, there is one very important point to note.
Important
The N’EX arrives on the 5th basement floor (B5F) of Tokyo Station. It’s about a 15-minute walk using escalators to get to the main ground-level platforms where trains like the Yamanote Line and Shinkansen depart. Please allow plenty of time for your transfer.
Guide to Major Train Line Transfers
- To other JR lines like the Yamanote and Chuo Lines: Follow the signs for the “Marunouchi Central Exit” and head up to the ground level.
- To the Shinkansen: Look for the green “Shinkansen” signs and pass through the transfer gates.
- To the Tokyo Metro (Marunouchi Line, etc.): You will need to exit the JR ticket gates first and then follow the signs for each
Conclusion: Start Your Amazing Tokyo Trip with a Comfortable Ride
From online booking to transfers at Tokyo Station, you’re all set to use the N’EX. Start your trip on the right foot with a smart and comfortable ride.
Now that you’re ready for a smooth journey, it’s time to prepare for “connectivity.” With an eSIM, you can get online the moment your plane lands at the airport. No more worrying about expensive roaming charges or waiting in long lines at a shop.
Find the perfect eSIM plan for your trip on my website, QuickCompare eSIM, and make your stay in Japan stress-free!
