Is the Keisei Skyliner the Best Way to Narita Airport? A Thorough Comparison of Fares, Time, and Other Options
9 min read
The Keisei Skyliner connects Narita Airport and Tokyo directly, getting you there in as little as 36 minutes. But since it’s not a train most people ride every day, many probably feel unsure how to use it.
As a traveler, you’re probably curious what makes it better than other transportation options.
This article explains in detail the Keisei Skyliner’s fares, how to ride it, and other features, as well as how it compares to other transportation options!
If you’re planning to use the Keisei Skyliner to get to Narita Airport, be sure to check out this article.
Get to Know the Keisei Skyliner: Fares, How to Ride, and More
This section explains the Keisei Skyliner’s fares, how to ride it, and other key features.
- What exactly is the Keisei Skyliner?
- How to ride it and buy tickets
- Stops, fares, and travel time
- Things to keep in mind when using the Keisei Skyliner
If you’d like detailed information about the Keisei Skyliner, read on.
What Is the Keisei Skyliner?
The Keisei Skyliner is a limited express train connecting Ueno and Nippori in Tokyo with Narita Airport.
With only 4 stops along the way, it can get you to Narita Airport in as little as 36 minutes.
- The fastest conventional-line speed in Japan, at 160 km/h
- A spacious, all-reserved-seat cabin
- Trains bound for Narita run every 20 minutes until 6:00 p.m.
Its comfort and speed in getting you to the airport are what set it apart.
How to Ride and Buy Tickets
To ride the Keisei Skyliner, you need to purchase a basic fare ticket and a Liner ticket.
You can either “buy on the day at the departure station” or “purchase in advance.”
If buying on the day at the station, use the ticket counter or a vending machine.
If you need a ticket that includes the basic fare, buy a “Liner ticket with fare ticket.” If you’re using your own Suica, buy just the “Liner ticket.”
If purchasing in advance, three reservation methods are available:
- Online
- By phone
- At a ticket counter
1. Online
You can apply via this reservation page.
You can choose your seat, and select whichever ticket pickup method is most convenient for you — at a counter, at a FamilyMart, or ticketless. Since it’s available 24 hours a day, this is the most convenient reservation method.
2. By Phone
Call 0570-081-160 to make a reservation.
However, phone reservations are only accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and tickets can only be picked up at Keisei-Ueno Station, so it’s not the most convenient option.
3. At a Ticket Counter
You can make a reservation at any Skyliner stop or at a travel agency.
Since you can talk directly with staff while booking, this is a good option if you’re unsure how the process works.
- Skyliner stops
- The ticket counter inside the Narita International Airport terminal buildings
- The Ueno information counter
- Keisei Travel branch offices
- Kinki Nippon Tourist, JTB, Nippon Travel Agency, Odakyu Travel, Keio Tourist Service, Tobu Top Tours, Meitetsu Kanko, Hankyu Travel International, and other major travel agencies
You can purchase tickets at any of the above locations.
Once you’ve purchased a basic fare ticket and Liner ticket using one of these methods, you’re ready to ride the Keisei Skyliner.
Stops, Fares, and Travel Time
This section covers the Keisei Skyliner’s stops, fares, and travel time.
There are 4 stops:
- Keisei-Ueno Station (starting/terminal station)
- Nippori Station
- Airport Terminal 2 Station
- Narita Airport Station (starting/terminal station)
The trip from Keisei-Ueno to Narita Airport Station takes as little as 44 minutes, while the stretch from Nippori to Airport Terminal 2 takes as little as 36 minutes.
【Sample travel times from Keisei-Ueno Station to Narita Airport Station】
| Keisei-Ueno | Nippori | Airport Terminal 2 | Narita Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 | 6:05 (5 min from Ueno) | 6:42 (42 min from Ueno) | 6:45 (45 min from Ueno) |
(Reference: Skyliner timetable)
Depending on the time of day, it may take a few minutes longer than the fastest time, but with only 4 stops, the big advantage is being able to get to the airport smoothly.
The fare is ¥1,270 for the basic ticket plus ¥1,250 for the Liner ticket, for a total of ¥2,520 for adults, and roughly half that, ¥1,270, for children.
If you pay the basic fare with Suica, it’s discounted to ¥1,257 (total ¥2,507; ¥1,258 for children).
*Children = ages 6 to 11 (including 12-year-olds still in elementary school)
Things to Keep in Mind When Using the Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is a convenient way to travel between Narita Airport and central Tokyo, but there are a few things to watch out for.
Be sure to check these carefully before you ride.
You Can’t Board the Keisei Skyliner Without a Reservation
Since all seats on the Keisei Skyliner are reserved, you cannot board without a reservation.
Because departure times are fixed, missing your train means your ticket becomes invalid. To board the next Liner, you’ll need to purchase a new Liner ticket for ¥1,250. (Your basic fare ticket can still be used.)
Be sure to make your reservation online or at a ticket counter in advance, and make sure you board the correct train.
Watch Out for Getting the Stop Wrong
When riding the Skyliner, be careful not to get off at the wrong stop.
- Airport Terminal 2 Station: directly connected to Terminal 2, and the closest station to Terminal 3
- Narita Airport Station: directly connected to Terminal 1
Since all seats are reserved, once you get off you cannot reboard. If you accidentally get off at the wrong stop, use the free connecting shuttle bus.
If you’re short on time, getting off at the wrong terminal could be a serious problem.
Make sure you know which terminal you need before boarding.
You Need a Limited Express Ticket to Board
To ride the Skyliner, you need both a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket (Liner ticket).
With Suica in particular, you need to tap your limited express ticket first before tapping your Suica. Since Suica only covers the basic fare, don’t forget to purchase your limited express ticket as well.
Comparing the Keisei Skyliner with Other Transportation Options to Narita Airport
Besides the Keisei Skyliner, there are several other ways to travel from Tokyo to Narita Airport.
Each has its own strengths, so this section thoroughly compares fares, travel time, and other factors for getting to Narita Airport. We hope you find it useful.
A Thorough Comparison of Transportation to Narita Airport
Here, we take a detailed look at the main transportation options for getting to Narita Airport.
[Comparison of Major Transportation Options to Narita Airport]
| Type | Fare (adult) | Travel time | Boarding location | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner | Train | ¥2,470/person | About 40–50 min | 2 stations: Ueno, Nippori | Every 20–40 min |
| Narita Express | Train | ¥3,020/person (from Tokyo Station) | 54 min–1 hr 10 min | 22 stations across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba | About once an hour |
| Keisei Access Limited Express | Train | ¥1,330/person (from Nihombashi) | 59 min–1 hr 5 min | 13 stations across Tokyo and Chiba | 1–2 per hour |
| NearMe | Taxi (rideshare) | From ¥5,980/person | About 100 min | Pickup from home anywhere in Tokyo’s 23 wards | Scheduled around your flight time |
| Taxi | Taxi | About ¥22,000 (from Shinjuku Station) | About 1 hr 10 min | Anywhere, from home | Anytime |
| Limousine Bus | Bus | ¥2,800–¥3,900/person | About 1 hr 20 min (from Tokyo Station) | Stops in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama | 1–2 per hour |
| AIRPORT BUS “TYO-NRT” | Bus | ¥1,300/person (¥2,600 late-night) | About 1 hr 10 min (from Tokyo Station) | Tokyo, Ginza, Shinonome | 9 per hour at peak times |
Based on these, here’s which service stands out for each category.
For the Lowest Fare, Choose the Highway Bus “TYO-NRT”
If you want the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Narita Airport, the highway bus ‘TYO-NRT’ is your best bet.
TYO-NRT launched on February 1, 2020, and offers excellent value at just ¥1,300 per ride.
It also runs 9 times an hour during peak periods, so there’s little risk of not being able to board due to full seats.
If price is your top priority, consider the TYO-NRT highway bus.
From Outside Tokyo, the Narita Express or Limousine Bus Cover a Wider Area
If you’re traveling to Narita Airport from outside Tokyo — say, Kanagawa or Saitama — the Narita Express or Limousine Bus cover a much broader area.
Both cost in the ¥3,000–¥4,000 range and can get you to Narita in about 2 hours.
If you live outside Tokyo, look for your nearest station or bus stop and give one of these a try.
For an Easy, Comfortable Ride to Narita from Within Tokyo, “NearMe” Is Recommended
If convenience and comfort are your top priorities, [NearMe](https://app.nearme.jp/en_us/airport-shuttle/?airport=narita&utm_source=online&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=article_narita_211) is a great option.
NearMe is a shared taxi service available throughout Tokyo’s 23 wards. It will pick you up anywhere within the 23 wards, and get you to Narita Airport for a flat rate starting at ¥5,980 per person.
There’s no need to carry heavy luggage on foot — the appeal of this service is a comfortable, door-to-airport ride.
Below, we go into more detail about NearMe’s service.
NearMe: A Flat-Rate, Door-to-Airport Service to Narita Airport
Here, we introduce NearMe, our own service that offers flat-rate travel to Narita Airport.
NearMe is a ride-hailing service that takes you door-to-door to Narita Airport.
Its vehicles can carry up to 9 passengers, and it will pick you up anywhere within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
| 【The 23 wards where NearMe is available】Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku, Bunkyo, Taito, Sumida, Koto, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, Toshima, Edogawa, Nakano, Suginami, Kita, Arakawa, Itabashi, Nerima, Adachi, Katsushika |
|---|
AI calculates the optimal pickup route, and you can book according to your flight time, so there’s no more scrambling to get there.
The fare is a flat rate starting at ¥5,980 per person, anywhere within the 23 wards, making it great value as well.
Other features include:
- Smooth online payment
- No extra charges for flight delays
- English-language support for bookings
- Wi-Fi available on flights bound for Narita Airport
With so many advantages, it’s a popular choice for a comfortable, stress-free ride to the airport.
If you have a lot of luggage or feel uneasy about the trip to Narita, be sure to try NearMe’s shuttle service. (Service site)
Summary
In this article, we introduced the features of the Keisei Skyliner — a fast way to get to Narita Airport — and compared it with other transportation options.
While the Keisei Skyliner’s fare is on the higher side, its big appeal is getting you to Narita Airport in as little as 36 minutes.
That said, since it only has 2 stops within Tokyo, it may be inconvenient if you live far from either one.
There are many ways to get to Narita Airport, each with its own pros and cons.
Compare your area and the fares, and choose the transportation method that works best for you.
- If you simply want the cheapest option, choose “TYO-NRT”
- If you’re traveling from outside Tokyo, choose the Narita Express or a Limousine Bus
- If you want a comfortable door-to-airport ride, choose “NearMe”
Find the transportation method that suits you best, and start your trip off comfortably.
References
https://www.japanhoppers.com/ja/features/transport/424/
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