Many people consider taking a limousine bus from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

But since there are several different types of buses, you may be wondering which one to take.

In this article, we compare the features and fares of the limousine buses running from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

If you’re planning a trip to Narita Airport, be sure to check out this article.

How to Get from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport by Bus

Here we’ll explain how to get from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport by bus.

1. How many types of buses are there?
2. Comparing each option
3. A way to travel that’s neither bus nor taxi

Let’s look at each of these in detail.

How many types of buses go to Narita Airport?

As of February 2020, there are two types of buses running from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

1. Airport Limousine
2. AIRPORT BUS “TYO-NRT”

Note: The previously separate “Tokyo Shuttle” and “THE Access Narita” services have merged to jointly operate as TYO-NRT.

Either bus will get you to Narita Airport in about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.

Comparing the Specs of the Two Bus Services

Here’s a comparison of the specs for the two bus services departing from Tokyo Station.

	Airport Limousine	AIRPORT BUS “TYO-NRT”
Adult fare	¥2,800–¥3,200	¥1,000
Child fare	¥1,400–¥1,600	¥500
Late-night fare	None	¥2,000 (¥1,000 for children) (for buses departing between 23:00 and 4:59)
Number of boarding points	6	1
Travel time	Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes	Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of daily departures	52 per day (from Tokyo City Air Terminal)	71 per day
Operating hours	5:45–20:50 (from Tokyo City Air Terminal)	5:20–24:00
Discount ticket book	¥12,000 (11 tickets) *2 tickets used per trip to Narita Airport	None
Discount system	Available	None
How to purchase	On-site, online, or by phone	On-site or online reservation *only some services are bookable

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons of Airport Limousine

The advantage of Airport Limousine is that it departs from six different locations around Tokyo Station.

Schedules vary by location, but the largest one, Tokyo City Air Terminal, runs 52 buses per day.

You can also get the following discounts depending on the time and location:

• T-CAT Night Deal 1000 — rides from Tokyo City Air Terminal after 7pm cost ¥1,000
• Youth/Senior discount — fares of ¥1,900 for ages 12–25 and 65+
• Double Value Ticket Book — 4 tickets for ¥7,200 (valid for 6 months)

The downside is that the fare is high.

Compared to TYO-NRT, another highway bus that costs a flat ¥1,000 all day, Airport Limousine is relatively expensive.

Pros and Cons of AIRPORT BUS “TYO-NRT”

The advantage of TYO-NRT is simply that it’s cheap. Except for late night, it costs a flat ¥1,000 all day, making it excellent value for money.

Another appeal is that it runs a large number of services — 71 per day.

The downside is that only a limited number of departures can be reserved.

Reservable services run from 6:00 to 17:00, and there are only 30 of them.

During busy periods these can fill up, so if you don’t plan ahead with plenty of time to spare, you may risk missing your flight.

Introducing NearMe: A New Way to Travel That’s Neither Bus Nor Taxi

As an alternative to buses and taxis from Tokyo Station, we offer the next-generation AI-powered service “NearMe Airport”.

Simply put, NearMe is a ride-sharing service that takes you to Narita Airport in a vehicle that can seat up to 9 people.

It’s available anywhere within Tokyo’s 23 wards, with a flat rate starting from ¥5,980 per person regardless of pickup location. Since the vehicle can pick you up anywhere within the service area, you can travel comfortably from your door straight to the airport.

NearMe is especially convenient for those who aren’t used to riding highway buses, or who want to travel door-to-door without the hassle of hauling luggage.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Bus from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport

Here we introduce ways to get the best deal on a bus from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

Airport Limousine

Airport Limousine offers plenty of discounts, so if you use them well, you can travel for less than the standard fare.

The T-CAT Night Deal 1000 in particular is a great deal — you can ride for just ¥1,000, though only after 7pm.

Also, if you use the discount ticket book, the cost per ride comes to about ¥2,200, so if you use Narita Airport frequently, it’s worth purchasing.

AIRPORT BUS “TYO-NRT”

TYO-NRT doesn’t offer any special discounts.

That said, since it costs just ¥1,000 at any time, it’s still very cost-effective compared to other highway buses or trains.

Since only a limited number of seats can be reserved, be sure to book early.

Points to Note When Taking a Bus to Narita Airport

Here we introduce some points to keep in mind when taking a bus to Narita Airport.

1. Buses may be delayed
2. Pay attention to where you get off
3. Keep your ID in your carry-on luggage
4. Research the location of the bus stop in advance
5. The return trip cannot be reserved

Let’s look at each of these in detail.

Point 1: Buses May Be Delayed

Buses can be delayed depending on road traffic conditions.

Each operator prepares detour routes and does their best to arrive on time, but compared to trains, the likelihood of schedule disruptions is higher.

Rather than cutting it close, be sure to allow extra time when traveling.

Point 2: Pay Attention to Where You Get Off

Narita Airport has three terminals, so pay close attention to where you get off.

If you get off at the wrong location, it will take extra time to get to where you need to be.

If you do end up at the wrong terminal, use the free shuttle bus. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to travel between terminals.

Point 3: Keep Your ID in Your Carry-On Luggage

Be sure to keep your ID in your carry-on luggage and hold onto it carefully.

Generally, it will not be accepted as checked baggage.

ID checks may also be conducted on board, so make sure to keep your passport or driver’s license on you at all times.

Point 4: Research the Location of the Bus Stop in Advance

Be sure to thoroughly research the location of the bus stop ahead of time.

An extremely large number of buses depart from Tokyo Station, so there are many boarding points, and it’s not unusual for it to take several tens of minutes just to get to the right one.

Missing your bus due to going to the wrong stop is a common problem, so make sure you’ve done your research and allow enough time to arrive punctually.

Point 5: The Return Trip Cannot Be Reserved

For highway buses, the return trip from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station cannot be reserved.

Purchase your bus ticket at the counter or ticket machine inside the terminal whenever you’re ready to travel.

Summary

In this article, we’ve summarized the features and fares of the limousine buses running from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

Since limousine buses start at as little as ¥1,000, they offer excellent value for money.

That said, while it’s a budget-friendly option, having to carry heavy luggage all the way to Tokyo Station can feel like a hassle.

In that case, consider using “NearMe,” which will pick you up by car at a location of your choice.

While the fare is a bit higher, you can travel comfortably to Narita Airport without having to carry your luggage around.

Each option has its own pros and cons, so be sure to compare your travel options carefully and choose the one that best suits you.