Narita Express (N’EX) Guide 2026: Tickets, Seats, Routes & Tips

Narita Airport is located some distance from central Tokyo, and travelers arriving in Japan usually choose between options like the Skyliner, Access Express, airport buses, or the Narita Express (N’EX), which this guide focuses on.

While it isn’t the fastest way into the city, N’EX stands out for its comfort and convenience. There’s no need to carry luggage up and down stairs for transfers, no risk of traffic jams, and every train offers comfortable cars with reserved seating. It also provides direct access to major hubs such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, making it a reliable choice for many independent travelers.

But is the Narita Express expensive? How do seat reservations work, and do you need to book in advance? This guide walks you through tickets, seating, routes, and practical tips to help you decide whether N’EX is right for your trip.

What is the Narita Express (N’EX) and who is it best for?

The Narita Express (N’EX) is a direct limited express train operated by JR East, designed specifically to connect Narita International Airport with key parts of central Tokyo. It runs fixed services between Narita Airport and city stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama, offering fully reserved seating, dedicated luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and more—making it a top recommendation for first-time travelers in Japan.

Its first stop after leaving Narita Airport is Tokyo Station, followed by major city hubs like Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama, even extending to destinations like Mount Takao. It connects key destinations with a single, direct ride—no transfers necessary. If you’re staying near Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, or Yokohama, N’EX takes you straight there, making it perfect for travelers with large luggage.

Situations where N’EX is a great choice:

• Those who want to go straight into the city without transfers
• Travelers carrying heavy luggage and concerned about stairs
• Anyone wanting to sleep from departure to destination without hassle

If it’s your first time in Japan, you’re traveling with family, or have bulky luggage, the N’EX is a more comfortable and stress-free option than the Skyliner.

Official JR East N’EX Website

How much does the Narita Express (N’EX) cost? What types of tickets are available?

The fare for the N’EX consists of two parts: the base fare and the limited express surcharge. There are regular and Green Car surcharges. Generally, the Green Car surcharge is between ¥770 (for destinations within Tokyo) and ¥2,270 (for places like Yokohama or Ofuna).

For example, a one-way trip from Narita Airport to central Tokyo (Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku) costs around ¥3,070–¥4,020 depending on the destination and seating. A trip to Yokohama costs over ¥4,300.

Common ticket prices:

N’EX Discount Ticket Options

Among the various rail passes offered by JR East, one is specifically for the Narita Express: the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket. However, if you’ve already purchased a different JR East Pass—such as the Tokyo Wide Pass or other JR passes—you can also use those to ride the Narita Express without needing a separate ticket or the N’EX-specific pass.

N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket

If your travel dates fall within a 14-day round-trip window and both your arrival and departure are via Narita Airport, the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket is an excellent deal.Its main advantage is saving money on your Narita Express fares. For example, if you’re staying in Shinjuku, a one-way N’EX ticket from Narita Airport costs ¥3,250, and round-trip costs ¥6,500. With the round-trip ticket, you’ll pay only ¥5,000—saving around 23%.

Using Other JR Passes on the Narita Express

If you’ve purchased any of the following passes issued by JR, you can also reserve a seat on the Narita Express without needing to buy a separate ticket or the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket:

• Japan Rail Pass
• JR EAST Pass (Tohoku area)
• JR EAST Pass (Nagano, Niigata area)
• JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Tokyo Wide Pass
• Hokuriku Arch Pass

However, please note that the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be used on the Narita Express.

More info about JR East Rail Passes: Starting October 2023, JR East All-Area Passes Experience Price Increase

How to Buy Narita Express (N’EX) Tickets

You can purchase N’EX tickets through the following methods:

• Buy at the airport: After arriving at Narita Airport, you can purchase and reserve seats directly at the JR Travel Service Center (JR East Travel Service Center), Midori-no-Madoguchi (Green Window), or from ticket vending machines.
• Online reservation: Via the JR East website (account registration required).
• Third-party travel platforms: Such as KLOOK, KKday, etc.
• If using a JR Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass: Simply reserve your seat—no additional charge is required.

Below is a step-by-step example of how to purchase the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket through the official JR East online reservation system.

Buying the N’EX Round Trip Ticket from the JR East Website

How to Reserve a Seat and Board the Narita Express

Do I need a reservation? How do I make one? Can I board without one?

The Narita Express is fully reserved seating—there are no unreserved cars—so it’s highly recommended to reserve your seat before boarding. Here’s how:

• After landing, go to a JR ticket counter or ticket machine
• Show your passport, JR Pass, or payment details and select your desired train
• Receive your reserved seat ticket and proceed to the platform (boarding areas are clearly marked)
• Board the correct car and seat as indicated on your ticket

Each train car has a seating chart near the door. Just match your ticket information to the correct seat. During your ride, a train conductor may check your ticket, but usually won’t disturb you otherwise.

While technically you can board the N’EX without a reservation, you must still purchase or collect a “non-reserved seat ticket” in advance or onboard. (If you have a pass, you can obtain this for free.) The price for a non-reserved seat ticket is the same as a reserved seat ticket for that train and seat class.

You can find an open seat after boarding, but if a reserved passenger arrives, you’ll have to vacate the seat and find another one. You can check the seat status using the overhead indicator lights—if the light turns yellow, it means the seat is reserved and you must give it up.

If the train is crowded, there may be no available seats at all. Even with a non-reserved seat ticket, you may have to stand in the aisle.

Where to Board? How to Find the Narita Express (N’EX) Platform

• Underground JR platforms at Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2
• Follow the signs marked “JR” or “Narita Express (成田エクスプレス)”
• Travel process: Buy ticket → Reserve seat → Pass through gate → Find your platform and board
• You can enter the platform early to wait; LED screens above seats display station names

After arriving at Narita Airport, whether you land at Terminal 1 or Terminals 2/3, you can access the underground JR platforms to board the N’EX.

Each terminal has its own JR Narita Airport Station: Terminal 1 is served by “Narita Airport Station (成田空港駅),” and Terminals 2/3 by “Airport Terminal 2 Station (空港第2ビル駅).” These are located just below the terminal buildings. Simply follow the signs labeled “JR” or “成田エクスプレス” (Narita Express). You’ll also see bright red signs indicating N’EX—very easy to spot and hard to get lost.

Head to the JR ticket counter or vending machines to purchase and reserve your ticket. Once you’re done, go through the ticket gate into the JR area. Use the screens or ticket information to find the correct platform. Inside the train, station names are displayed in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. There are also LED screens above the seats to help you track the stops, so there’s no need to worry about missing yours.

What to Expect After Arriving in Tokyo? Transfer Tips

The Narita Express stops at major hubs across central Tokyo—Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Yokohama, and more. While these stations offer excellent connections to other lines, they are huge and the layouts can be quite complex. It’s a good idea to check your transfer routes and platform numbers in advance. For example, if you plan to transfer to the JR Chuo Line at Tokyo Station or switch to the Keikyu Line at Shinagawa, knowing the exit and platform info beforehand will save you a lot of hassle.

If you’re traveling with large suitcases, we recommend avoiding rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM), as the crowds can make navigating the stations and transferring trains much more difficult. You can also check which exits have elevators or escalators in advance—Tokyo Station’s “Marunouchi South Exit” and “Yaesu South Exit” are typically easier to navigate. If you get lost while transferring, feel free to ask a station attendant or go to an information counter. Most major stations have staff who speak English and are happy to help.

FAQ｜Common Questions About Taking the Narita Express (N’EX)

Q: Can I bring luggage on the Narita Express? Where do I put it?

A: Yes, you can! The N’EX is designed for airport travelers and has large luggage storage areas near the doors of each car. You can also store smaller bags under the seat in front of you or beside your seat. There’s no strict limit on how much luggage you bring, as long as it’s kept out of the aisles and you manage it properly. However, note that the N’EX doesn’t offer pre-reserved luggage storage—it’s first-come, first-served. If you board late, you may need to move to another car to find space.

Q: How often does the N’EX run? What if I miss my train?

A: The N’EX typically runs every 30 minutes with reliable service from Narita Airport Terminal 1/2, stopping at key stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. Approximate travel times:

• Narita Airport → Tokyo Station: ~1 hour
• Narita Airport → Shinjuku: ~1 hour 25 minutes
• Narita Airport → Yokohama: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Because it doesn’t run as frequently as regular trains, it’s best to check the timetable in advance. If you miss your train, you can take the next one, but note: if you’ve reserved a seat, you’ll need to rebook your reservation—it can’t be used on a different train. However, if you have an “unreserved seat ticket,” you’re free to board any train that day within the designated section.

For discounted tickets like the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket, different rules may apply—check at the ticket counter just to be safe.

Q: Can I use a Suica card to board the Narita Express?

A: No, not by itself. Since all seats on the N’EX are reserved, you can’t simply tap a Suica card at the gate like with a regular JR train. You must buy a ticket and reserve a seat in advance. Even if you have a JR Pass, you still need to make a seat reservation. If you don’t, you’ll need to buy or receive an “unreserved seat ticket,” which lets you board the train without a specific seat assignment.

However, if you’ve already paid for the limited express fare (via a reserved seat ticket or unreserved seat ticket), then you can use your Suica or other IC card to cover the base fare portion of the trip.

Q: Is the N’EX more expensive than the Skyliner? Is it worth it?

A: In general, a one-way N’EX ticket from Narita Airport to central Tokyo costs just over ¥3,000. The Skyliner to Ueno costs around ¥2,500 and is slightly faster. However, the N’EX has direct service to many more destinations—like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama—making it ideal for travelers not staying near Ueno. And if you have a JR Pass or buy a discount ticket like the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket, the N’EX may actually be the more cost-effective choice. It really depends on your destination and travel plans.

Here’s a simple comparison of major options from Narita Airport to Tokyo:

If your destination is on the east side of Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa), the Skyliner or Access Express will be faster. But if you’re heading to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama, the N’EX is the most convenient and reliable option.

You can also check out this guide: N’EX or Keisei Skyliner? Express Train from Narita Airport

More information about Skyliner: Narita International Airport to Tokyo: How to Buy Skyliner Tickets Using Suica

Q: How do I use the N’EX with a JR Pass?

A: If you have a valid JR Pass (such as the nationwide Japan Rail Pass or a regional JR East Pass), you can ride the N’EX for free—no extra ticket purchase is required. However, it’s still recommended that you reserve your seat in advance. You can do this at any JR counter or ticket machine by simply showing your JR Pass. While you can technically board without a seat reservation, dragging luggage while hopping between empty seats is far from ideal.

Q: Can I take the N’EX from Tokyo back to Narita Airport?

Absolutely! In fact, many travelers buy a round-trip ticket. If you already know your return flight time, it’s a good idea to reserve your N’EX return train in advance. From places like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Shinagawa, the trip back to Narita Airport takes just over an hour, with the same reliable schedule.

Summary: Who Should Take the Narita Express?

• ✅ First-time visitors to Tokyo who want a stress-free ride
• ✅ Travelers with heavy luggage looking for reserved seats and comfort
• ✅ Budget allows for a ~¥3,000 ticket and not chasing the cheapest fare
• ✅ Holding a JR Pass or Tokyo Wide Area Pass

For independent travelers, the Narita Express is a reliable and beginner-friendly way to get into Tokyo. While it may cost a bit more than some alternatives, it offers comfort, direct service, punctuality, and peace of mind. If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, traveling with big suitcases, or don’t want the hassle of figuring out multiple transfers, the N’EX is your best bet. And if you already have a JR Pass, it’s a no-brainer—start your Tokyo adventure right from the airport with the Narita Express!