Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Arriving at Narita — your complete guide
Late-night trains, airport hotels, luggage forwarding, pocket Wi-Fi pickup, and onward connections — every detail traced to a dated source.
Before you land
Narita Airport (IATA: NRT) is Tokyo’s main long-haul international gateway, located in Chiba Prefecture about 60 km from central Tokyo. It has two terminals (T1 and T2/T3), connected by a free shuttle bus. Travel time to central Tokyo is 60–90 minutes depending on the mode of transport.
Narita handles most of Tokyo’s late-evening long-haul arrivals, which is why knowing your late-night options in advance matters.
Arriving & immigration
Narita’s immigration hall can get busy when multiple long-haul flights arrive close together (especially 18:00–22:00 JST). Pre-fill the Visit Japan immigration and customs QR codes on your phone before landing to save time in the queue.
Late-night arrivals
If you land after the last Narita Express (typically around 21:00 JST), your options narrow to late-night buses, airport-area hotels, or a taxi. Read our late-night Narita arrival guide for exact cutoffs and what to do in each scenario.
Getting to central Tokyo
The Narita Express (N’EX) runs to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, and Shibuya/Shinjuku. The Keisei Skyliner is faster to Ueno/Nippori. Both are covered by the JR Pass (N’EX) or require a separate ticket (Skyliner). Limousine buses serve major hotels but take 90+ minutes in traffic. For late-night options, see our late-night arrival guide.
Airport hotels
Narita has several hotels within the airport grounds or a short shuttle away, which are ideal for late-night arrivals or early departures. Our late-night guide discusses which ones make sense and when.
Luggage forwarding
Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) from Narita lets you skip hauling large bags on a 60-minute train ride into the city. See our airport luggage delivery comparison for services and sourced pricing.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Pocket Wi-Fi is available for pickup at Narita’s arrivals hall. Our Ninja WiFi vs. Japan Wireless comparison covers the two most popular providers, with pickup at Narita and pricing.
JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Narita Express, making it useful if you plan to take long-distance JR trains during your stay. A price revision takes effect October 1, 2026 — our JR Pass price increase guide explains what changes and how to decide if the pass still pays off.
Narita guides
- Narita Airport to Tokyo: what to do when you land late
Late-night arrival at Narita? Here are your real options — trains, buses, and hotels — with timetables and fares.
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Japan airport luggage delivery comparedBounce vs. Yamato vs. airport counter — what each service costs and when to use which.
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Ninja WiFi vs. Japan Wireless: which pocket Wi-Fi should you pick?Coverage, pickup at Narita, and pricing — compared side by side.
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Japan Rail Pass price increase in October 2026What the revised JR Pass prices mean, and how to decide if the pass still pays off.