The Narita Express: Your Guide from Narita Airport to Tokyo
The flight between Paris and Tokyo goes by remarkably quickly, with plenty of on-demand films available (you can easily watch at least 3). The journey covers 12 hours over approximately 10,000 kilometers.
The flight between Paris and Tokyo goes by remarkably quickly, with plenty of on-demand films available (you can easily watch at least 3). The journey covers 12 hours over approximately 10,000 kilometers.
On board, you'll be served a substantial meal plus breakfast, which helps you begin adjusting to Japanese time right away (tip: try to sleep as much as possible on the plane, as your first day will be quite challenging with jet lag!)
In our case, we departed Paris at 11:50 AM and arrived at 6:50 AM.
Then allow about 30 minutes for customs and baggage collection.
To travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo (Tokyo Station or Shinjuku), the Narita Express is your best option. It's reasonably priced and straightforward...
After clearing customs, stay within Narita Airport and head to the right.
Take the escalator down to the basement level toward the JR Line to board the Narita Express.
Head to the JR Line ticket counter and purchase a ticket costing ¥3,310 (to Shinjuku).
The first express train to Shinjuku departs at 7:44 AM. Your ticket displays the car number—in this case, 9—and your seat assignment. The departure is from Track 1.
Below are the Narita Express schedules (first train at 7:00 AM, last train around 10:16 PM).
The train features numbered seats, and there's a small map showing your progress along the route (approximately 1h30 from Narita to Shinjuku):
Keep in mind that the airport's information office opens only at 8:00 AM. If you arrive around 6:50 AM on the first flight from Paris, you'll need to visit the Tokyo City Hall tourism counter instead.
Frequently asked questions
The Narita Express (NEX) ticket to Shinjuku cost ¥3,310 in 2009. Current fares may vary: we recommend checking the price directly on the JR East website or at the airport ticket counters. Discounts are available with a JR Pass or through tourist packages.
The journey from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station on the Narita Express takes approximately 1h30. Travel time may vary slightly depending on intermediate stops.
The first Narita Express from Narita Airport departs around 7:00 AM, with the last train departing at approximately 10:16 PM. Schedules may change: please check the JR East website for up-to-date times.
Yes, a JR Pass covers the Narita Express at no charge (subject to seat reservation). This is an excellent value option if you already have a JR Pass for your Japan travels.
The Narita Express (JR) primarily serves Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama stations. The Keisei Skyliner is often faster for reaching Ueno and Nippori and may be cheaper. Your choice depends on your final destination in Tokyo.
