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How to Get from Kichijoji to Narita Airport by Bus: A Complete Guide (Plus Other Recommended Options)

How to Get from Kichijoji to Narita Airport by Bus: A Complete Guide (Plus Other Recommended Options)
Narita Airport Airport Access

8 min read

Kichijoji is a convenient town just one train ride from Shibuya or Shinjuku.

It’s also a place where you can enjoy greenery in the middle of the city, thanks to spots like Inokashira Park.

In this article, we’ll explain how to get from Kichijoji to Narita Airport by bus.

We also compare bus travel with other transportation options, so be sure to use this as a reference.

*This article is based on information current as of December 2023.

Limousine bus service from Kichijoji to Narita is currently suspended. If and when service resumes, an announcement will be posted on the operator’s official website, so please check before your trip.

Getting from Kichijoji Station to Narita Airport by Bus

Here’s a summary of bus information from Kichijoji Station to Narita Airport. Let’s take a closer look at fares and boarding locations.

Fares

Bus CompanyFareHow to Purchase
Odakyu BusAdults ¥3,150 / Children ¥1,580Odakyu Bus office/information counter or reservation website
Kanto BusAdults ¥1,300 / Children ¥650Cash or IC card (PASMO, Suica, etc.)
Keisei BusPlease contact the bus companyCash or IC card (PASMO, Suica, etc.)
Limousine BusPlease contact the bus company

Note that all of the above bus companies have currently suspended operation (as of December 14, 2023). Please be aware of this. When service resumes, an announcement will be posted on the operator’s official website, so we recommend checking before you travel.

Timetable and Travel Time

The bus runs direct to Narita Airport, stopping at each terminal. Travel time is approximately 85–125 minutes via expressway.

Route
Kichijoji Station
↓ Narita Airport Terminal 3 (for JJP, SJO passengers) Narita Airport Terminal 2 (for JAL, SKY, SFJ passengers) Narita Airport Terminal 1 (for AJX, TZP, ANA, APJ passengers)

The timetable is as follows.

Source: Kanto Bus Co., Ltd. official website (https://www.kanto-bus.co.jp/airport/)

Boarding Location

To catch the bus from Kichijoji Station to Narita Airport, exit the north exit of Kichijoji Station and board from Bus Stop 10, located under the railway underpass.

Source: Kanto Bus official website (https://www.kanto-bus.co.jp/airport/)

In case you get lost, it’s a good idea to arrive at Kichijoji Station about 30 minutes early to confirm the location.

Be careful: if you miss your scheduled departure time and the bus leaves without you, your ticket becomes invalid.

Also, while the bus generally runs on schedule barring serious traffic congestion, loading luggage can take extra time when there are many passengers. Be sure to choose a bus departure time that leaves plenty of buffer before your flight.

Generally speaking, it’s considered safe to arrive at the airport 30 minutes to 1 hour before departure for domestic flights, and 2 hours before departure for international flights.

Getting from Narita Airport to Kichijoji Station by Bus

Now let’s look at the basic information for traveling from Narita Airport to Kichijoji Station, including fares. Since the bus boarding location differs depending on which terminal you arrive at, it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Fares

Bus CompanyFareHow to Purchase
Odakyu BusAdults ¥3,150 / Children ¥1,580Ticket counter inside the airport
Kanto BusAdults ¥1,300 / Children ¥650Ticket counter inside the airport
Keisei BusUnknownCash or IC card (PASMO, Suica, etc.)
Limousine BusApproximately ¥3,100–3,600

Note that all of the above bus companies have currently suspended operation (as of December 14, 2023). Please be aware of this. When service resumes, an announcement will be posted on the operator’s official website, so we recommend checking before you travel.

Timetable and Travel Time

The bus runs direct to Kichijoji Station but stops at each terminal along the way. Travel time is approximately 85–125 minutes via expressway.

Route
Narita Airport Terminal 3 Narita Airport Terminal 2 Narita Airport Terminal 1
↓ Kichijoji Station

The timetable is as follows.

Source: Kanto Bus Co., Ltd. official website (https://www.kanto-bus.co.jp/airport/)

Boarding Location

Here are the boarding locations for each terminal.

Terminal 1

Source: Narita Airport official website (https://www.narita-airport.jp/jp/access/bus)

Exit the international arrivals lobby and head to Bus Stop 9.

There are three bus ticket sales counters (numbers 7, 8, and 22 in the diagram above), so you can purchase your ticket at whichever is closest to the lobby where you arrived.

Terminal 2

Source: Narita Airport official website (https://www.narita-airport.jp/jp/access/bus)

Exit the international arrivals lobby and head to Bus Stop 9.

There are two bus ticket sales counters (numbers 10 and 26 in the diagram above).

Terminal 3

Source: Narita Airport official website (https://www.narita-airport.jp/jp/access/bus)

Head toward the pedestrian deck and board from Bus Stop 13.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter (number 31 in the diagram below) on the general floor of the 1st floor of Terminal 3.

Summary of Transportation Options Between Kichijoji and Narita Airport

So far, we’ve explained how to travel between Kichijoji and Narita Airport by bus.

In this section, we’ll also cover the following transportation options besides the bus:

  • Train
  • Taxi
  • NearMe

Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that suits you best.

Train

Traveling between Kichijoji and Narita Airport by train takes approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, with about 1–2 transfers.

The fare ranges widely from ¥1,440 to ¥4,040 depending on the route, so you’ll want to choose a route that fits your needs based on cost, number of transfers, and travel time.

Here are the recommended routes from Kichijoji to Narita Airport.

LineJR Chuo Line + Keisei Main LineJR Chuo Line + Narita Express
RouteKichijoji
↓ (Chuo Line) Shinjuku
↓ (JR Yamanote Line) Nippori
↓ (Keisei Main Line) Narita Airport
Kichijoji
↓ (Chuo Line) Shinjuku
↓ (Narita Express) Narita Airport
Travel TimeApprox. 2 hours 3 minutesApprox. 1 hour 49 minutes
Fare (IC card)¥1,448¥3,424

The advantage of choosing the train is that, compared to buses or taxis, there’s less risk of delay due to traffic congestion.

On the other hand, the downside is that you need to make several transfers according to the train schedule and carry your own luggage.

This is a recommended option for those with little luggage who want to keep costs down.

If you have a lot of luggage or feel uneasy about traveling by train, other options are recommended.

Taxi

Traveling between Kichijoji and Narita Airport by taxi takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The fare is around ¥38,750 if you use the expressway (for the route between Kichijoji Station and Narita Airport Terminal 1).

However, please note that the above travel time and fare can vary depending on the time of day you ride (late-night rides incur a surcharge) and road congestion.

The advantage of a taxi is that you can board from wherever you like. Although the fare is higher, it’s a recommended option for those who want to travel without being tied to a fixed departure time.

NearMe

Besides the options above, there’s also the shared-ride taxi service “NearMe.” NearMe is a taxi ride-sharing service provided by NearMe, Inc. It uses large vans that allow shared rides for up to 9 passengers.

Traveling between Kichijoji and Narita Airport with NearMe takes approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes. The fare starts from ¥5,980.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the new transportation option introduced above, “NearMe.” Please consider it as a new alternative to buses and taxis.

Overview of NearMe

NearMe is a taxi ride-sharing service provided by NearMe, Inc. It uses large vans that allow shared rides for up to 9 passengers.

First-time users get a 30% discount on their fare through a current campaign. There’s also a group discount (¥1,500 or more off) for parties of 3 or more. Traveling with family or friends can help reduce the cost per person.

Additionally, NearMe’s fare doesn’t change even when using the expressway or riding early in the morning or late at night. This makes it a more affordable option than a taxi, which is why we recommend it.

How to Book

You can book NearMe through the official website.

Since the fare is fixed and payment can be made online, there’s no need to handle payment in the vehicle amid the rush of your flight day.

After submitting a booking request, you’ll be notified whether a vehicle is available within 24 hours. Your pickup time and vehicle are confirmed by 6 PM the day before, so you won’t run into the frustration of trying to call a taxi on the day and not being able to get one.

Benefits of NearMe

Next, let’s introduce three more benefits of using NearMe:

  • No transfers required
  • Book and ride at a time that suits you
  • Great value when traveling with a group

No Transfers Required

Unlike the train, NearMe is a taxi ride-sharing service, so you can board from wherever is convenient for you.

Once you’re on board, you just sit back and arrive at the airport, making it a great option for those with large luggage or who feel uneasy about transferring trains. Another major benefit is that it’s cheaper to use than a regular taxi.

Book and Ride at a Time That Suits You

With NearMe, although advance booking is required, you can board at a time and place of your choosing, just like a taxi. It’s also more cost-effective than a taxi, offering excellent value for money.

Great Value When Traveling With a Group

The more people you travel with, the better the value.

With a regular taxi, if you’re bringing large suitcases, a single car can typically only accommodate 2–3 people.

But with NearMe, up to 9 people can ride together. Traveling with friends or family in a single vehicle lets everyone share in the excitement of the trip — a win-win.

Summary

We’ve introduced how to travel between Kichijoji and Narita Airport by bus, along with other transportation options.

Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the option that best fits your purpose.

NearMe lets you board from a location of your choosing, keep costs down, and travel with a larger group. Be sure to consider it as a new transportation option going forward.

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