Tokyo Narita NRT: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Narita International Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Narita International Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Narita International Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Arriving at Narita International Airport (NRT)

Tokyo's Narita International Airport is situated in Tokyo's Chiba prefecture, 37 miles (60 kilometers) to the east of Japan's capital city. The airport is also known as New Tokyo International Airport. It's Japan's largest airport, with three passenger terminals. The airport is a hub for Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, and Peach. It also operates flights for major global airlines, including Air China, Delta Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines. The airport is a major stopover city for flights around Asia and Australasia. The opening hours are different for each of the airport's three terminals. While Terminal 3 is open 24 hours a day, Terminals 1 and 2 are open between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. 

What's the best way to get from Narita International Airport to the city center?

The best way to reach Tokyo city center from Narita International Airport is by train. There's a train station at each of the airport's three terminals, and there are either direct trains or journeys with one brief transfer along the way. The Narita Express (NEX) train is a direct route from the airport that reaches central Tokyo in 50 minutes. The Skyliner train is another speedy option, taking 47 minutes to make the journey with one transfer along the way. The second-best way to reach central Tokyo is by bus. The Narita Express bus travels from the airport to central Tokyo. Traffic is fairly congested in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, so a travel time of 60 minutes for the bus would be fairly optimistic, even outside of traditional peak hours. 

How far is the city center from Narita International Airport?

Narita International Airport lies 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Tokyo city center. The fastest and most efficient way to reach the city center is by train, as it avoids the traffic that often congests Tokyo's streets. Trains can take passengers on to central Tokyo or beyond, with an extensive network of train lines. Trains operate roughly every 30 minutes, from early morning to late at night. The trains in Tokyo are famous for their efficiency and speed but may be overwhelming to new visitors. Buses may provide a more relaxed or familiar option, particularly for those traveling with children. 

What services are there at Narita International Airport?

Narita International Airport prides itself on offering facilities, amenities, and services for passengers of all interests and needs. There are exhibitions where passengers waiting for their transport home can get their fill of modern and traditional art. And families traveling with children can enjoy the observation decks, where children can let off steam and get the best view of the planes taking off and landing. Those getting ready for a vacation in Tokyo can stop at the currency exchange services or ATMs, visit the travel accessories shops to purchase SIM cards, and use the free WiFi. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Narita International Airport strives to provide high-quality services to all passengers. There are various forms of assistance catering to passengers of all mobility levels. It's recommended that passengers call the airport ahead of time to confirm the assistance required. The relevant help desk is open 24 hours a day. The airport has numerous wheelchair-accessible elevators, moving walkways for those with limited mobility, and ramps for those in wheelchairs. There are electric carts for easy transport around the airport, accessible toilets throughout the facility, and special carpark spaces for those who will be picked up at the airport. The Narita Express has wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and ramps to assist boarding. 

Local tips: what to know before flying to Narita International Airport

Although two of the airport's terminals aren't open all night, there are 24-hour dining options and shops for passengers arriving at all times. Still, when possible, locals prefer to arrive during the day for a more convenient arrival experience. Those with limited mobility or other special needs are encouraged to familiarize themselves ahead of time with all that Narita International Airport has to offer in this regard, to ensure the smoothest, most stress-free journey possible. It's important for all passengers to note that Narita Airport is large, and it can take 15 minutes to walk from one terminal to another, or 3 minutes on the free shuttle bus. Travelers should be prepared to adjust their transport plans from the airport according to their arrival terminal.