Planning to travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo? Want to take the comfortable and speedy Narita Express (N’EX) without spending a fortune? Then don’t miss the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket, a special round-trip discount ticket designed exclusively for foreign travelers.

What is the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket?

The N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket is a discounted round-trip pass offered by JR East for short-term international visitors. It allows you to ride the Narita Express between Narita Airport and central Tokyo at a much lower price than regular fares—perfect for independent travelers!

• Price: 5,000 yen for adults / 2,500 yen for children (ages 6–11)
• Coverage: Round-trip between Narita Airport and major JR stations in Tokyo, such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama (you can choose different arrival/departure stations)
• Validity: Valid for 14 days from the date of purchase; the outbound and return rides can be taken on any two days within this period
• Eligibility: Foreign visitors to Japan holding a non-Japanese passport, regardless of visa type

Why is this ticket such a great deal?

A regular one-way ticket from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station costs around 3,070 yen, so a round trip would be 6,140 yen. But with the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket, you pay only 5,000 yen—saving over 1,000 yen instantly!

If you’re traveling to or from farther destinations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Yokohama, the savings become even more significant.

How to Buy? A Step-by-Step Guide

This ticket is only available at Narita Airport Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station, either at the JR EAST Travel Service Center or designated ticket machines with passport readers. It’s not sold at other stations such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, or Omiya, so make sure to purchase it as soon as you arrive at Narita Airport.

You cannot buy this ticket at Midori no Madoguchi (JR ticket counters). Here’s how to get your ticket:

• Option 1: Purchase at the JR EAST Travel Service Center at Narita Airport—just show your passport.
• Option 2: Use a designated ticket machine with passport scanner. Multilingual instructions make it easy and fast to use.

You will receive two physical magnetic tickets—one for the outbound trip and one for the return. You can reserve seats in advance at a machine or ticket counter before your travel day.

To board, insert the ticket into the traditional ticket slot at the gate (not the IC card scanner). Repeat when exiting. Do not use the IC touch gates—this works just like a regular paper ticket.

You can also reserve the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket through JR East’s online booking system. For more on how to reserve online, check out this guide:

Narita Express (N’EX) Complete Guide: Price, Timetable, Seat Reservations, and Station Access

N’EX Schedule and Timetable

The Narita Express operates roughly every 30 minutes, with frequency depending on the time of day and destination. Popular departures may fill up quickly during peak hours, so be sure to check the schedule in advance:

JR East Narita Express Official Website (English)

Is This Ticket Right for You? N’EX vs JR Pass

If you’re staying mainly in Tokyo or the Kanto area, the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket is the simplest and most cost-effective option—no need to spend extra for a national JR Pass.

However, if you’re planning long-distance travel (e.g., Kansai, Tohoku, Hokkaido), and will use the Shinkansen often, a JR Pass (like the Nationwide Pass or JR East Pass) may be better suited. Note that these two ticket types cannot be used on the same route.

N’EX Round Trip Ticket vs JR Pass

• N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket: Best for short stays in Tokyo or nearby, without long-distance Shinkansen travel.
• JR Pass: Ideal if visiting multiple regions like Kansai or Tohoku and planning frequent long-distance travel.

Staying in Tokyo for 3–5 days and flying in/out of Narita? This round-trip ticket is perfect. But if your trip includes Kyoto or Osaka, a JR Pass may be better in the long run.

N’EX vs Keisei Skyliner: Which Is Better?

Another fast option from Narita Airport is the Keisei Skyliner, which connects to Ueno and Nippori in as little as 41 minutes. However, while it’s faster, it doesn’t directly integrate with the JR system.

If you’re staying near JR stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro, the N’EX is more convenient and comfortable. But if you’re staying near Ueno and prioritize speed, the Skyliner is worth considering.

Recommended reading: N’EX or Skyliner? Comparing Fast Train Options from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Important Notes and Restrictions

• Valid only on the Narita Express; not usable on other trains
• One use each for the outbound and return journeys; ticket becomes invalid once you exit the station
• Both trips must be completed within 14 days of purchase
• No stopovers or transfers to other JR segments allowed

If you’re arriving in Tokyo and departing from Yokohama (or vice versa), you can use different stations—just stay within the valid areas.

Can I Change or Refund My Ticket?

Once used, the ticket cannot be changed or refunded. Be sure your travel plans are confirmed before purchase. In case of unexpected issues, ask station staff for assistance.

Recommended Itineraries

The N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket is ideal for exploring Tokyo and nearby cities like Yokohama. Since it’s valid for 14 days, you can freely plan a round trip that fits your schedule.

Classic Tokyo Culture Route

After arriving at Tokyo Station by N’EX, visit Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree to enjoy both traditional and modern vibes. Then head to Akihabara or Ginza for shopping and gourmet food.

Yokohama Waterfront and Night Views

From Tokyo or Shinagawa, take a JR line to Yokohama and explore the Minato Mirai area. Red Brick Warehouse, the Ferris wheel, and bay nightscapes make this a must-see destination.

One Day in Shinjuku

Explore the skyscraper district of Shinjuku, including the free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, vibrant Kabukicho, and department stores galore—a paradise for urban explorers.

Final Thoughts: The Best Value from Narita to Tokyo

For budget-conscious travelers, the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket is one of the best options for travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo. Save money while enjoying the speed and comfort of the Narita Express. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, families, or business travelers.

If you’re only using the train one way, note that single-trip N’EX discount tickets are also available.

Want an even smoother experience? Pre-book a CDJapan Rental eSIM or Pocket WiFi so you can connect the moment you land—navigate routes, book trains, contact hotels, and travel stress-free!

Save smart, travel easy—start your Tokyo trip with N’EX!