Traveling from Ueno Station to Narita Airport:
A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
Japan’s world-class public transportation makes getting to Narita Airport from central Tokyo smooth and efficient—even for first-time visitors. Ueno Station is a popular and convenient starting point thanks to its excellent connections, easy access from many Tokyo neighborhoods, and proximity to major sightseeing areas like Asakusa and Akihabara. In this guide, you’ll discover all the main ways to get from Ueno Station to Narita Airport, with step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and recommendations for every type of traveler.
Why Choose Ueno Station?
Direct access to Narita Airport via the Keisei Skyliner and other trains
Easy to reach from popular Tokyo districts
Clear signage and English support for foreign travelers
Main Transportation Options
1. Keisei Skyliner (from Keisei Ueno Station)
The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest and most popular way to reach Narita Airport from Ueno. It’s a high-speed, limited express train with reserved seats, designed for comfort and convenience.
Key Features:
Travel Time: About 36–45 minutes to Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 or Terminal 1.
Frequency: Trains depart every 20–40 minutes throughout the day.
Price: 2,570 yen (adult, one-way; includes seat reservation).
How to Buy Tickets:
Ticket machines (English available)
Ticket counters at Keisei Ueno Station
Online in advance via the official Keisei website or travel agencies
IC cards (Suica/PASMO) can be used for the base fare, but you must buy a separate Skyliner ticket for the express surcharge
Finding the Platform:
Look for signs for “Keisei Ueno Station” (separate from JR Ueno Station)
Follow blue Skyliner signs and pictograms
Platforms are underground
Pros:
Fastest route
Reserved seating (guaranteed seat)
Ample luggage space
English signage and announcements
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than regular trains
2. Keisei Access Express & Keisei Main Line
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a longer journey, the Keisei Access Express and Keisei Main Line are excellent alternatives.
Keisei Access Express:
Travel Time: 60–75 minutes
Price: 1,240 yen (adult, one-way)
Frequency: Less frequent than Skyliner; check timetable
Pros: Cheaper than Skyliner, direct service
Cons: No reserved seats, can be crowded during rush hours
Keisei Main Line (Limited Express):
Travel Time: About 70–90 minutes
Price: 1,030 yen (adult, one-way)
Pros: Cheapest train option, frequent departures
Cons: More stops, longer travel time, no reserved seats, may be crowded
How to Buy Tickets:
Ticket machines or counters at Keisei Ueno Station
IC cards (Suica/PASMO) accepted
3. JR Lines
There is no direct JR train from Ueno to Narita Airport. The JR Narita Express (N’EX) departs from Tokyo Station, not Ueno. If you prefer to use JR, you must first take the JR Yamanote Line or another JR line from Ueno to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Narita Express.
Travel Time: About 80–90 minutes (including transfer)
Price: 2,801–8,497 yen (depending on seat class and time)
Pros: Good for Japan Rail Pass holders
Cons: Requires transfer, less convenient from Ueno
4. Highway Buses
Airport limousine buses and other highway buses connect central Tokyo with Narita Airport. While there is no direct bus from Ueno Station, you can catch a bus from nearby Tokyo Station or other major hotels.
Travel Time: 80–120 minutes (depending on traffic)
Price: 1,600–2,800 yen
Pros: No transfers, luggage stored underneath, comfortable seats
Cons: Slower, subject to traffic delays, less frequent than trains
5. Taxis and Private Cars
Taking a taxi or private car is the most expensive option and only practical for groups with lots of luggage or those with special needs.
Travel Time: 55–60 minutes (without heavy traffic)
Price: 20,000–37,000 yen (plus highway tolls)
Pros: Door-to-door service, convenient with lots of luggage
Cons: Very expensive, can be affected by traffic jams
Walking from JR Ueno Station to Keisei Ueno Station
JR Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station are separate but close together (about 3–5 minutes on foot). Here’s how to find your way:
Exit JR Ueno Station via the Central or Shinobazu Exit.
Look for signs pointing to “Keisei Ueno Station” (京成上野駅).
Walk straight across the street (Shinobazu-dori Avenue), following the blue Keisei signs.
Keisei Ueno Station is in a separate building, slightly to the left as you exit JR Ueno.
Practical Tips for First-Time Users
Buying Tickets: Use ticket machines with English instructions or go to the counter for help. Staff are used to assisting foreign travelers.
IC Cards: Suica and PASMO can be used for most trains, but not for Skyliner express surcharges.
Handling Luggage: All trains have luggage racks; Skyliner has extra storage space. Avoid rush hours if you have large bags.
Lost or Confused? Station staff are friendly and can help in English. Look for information counters or ask “Skyliner wa doko desu ka?” (“Where is the Skyliner?”)
Arrive Early: Allow extra time for buying tickets and finding the platform, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese stations.
Best Options by Traveler Type
Families or Those with Luggage: Keisei Skyliner (fast, reserved seats, luggage space)
Budget Travelers: Keisei Main Line Limited Express (cheapest), Access Express (balance of speed and price)
Groups or Special Needs: Taxi or private car (expensive, but door-to-door)
Japan Rail Pass Holders: Consider using the JR Narita Express from Tokyo Station
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Time | Price (Adult) | Seats Reserved | Luggage Space | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keisei Skyliner | 36–45 min | ¥2,570 | Yes | Ample | Fastest, comfortable | Slightly higher cost |
| Keisei Access Express | 60–75 min | ¥1,240 | No | Standard | Cheap, direct | Slower, less frequent |
| Keisei Main Line | 70–90 min | ¥1,030 | No | Standard | Cheapest, frequent | Many stops, slowest |
| JR (via Tokyo Station) | 80–90 min | ¥2,801+ | Yes | Standard | Good for JR Pass holders | Requires transfer |
| Highway Bus (via Tokyo Sta) | 80–120 min | ¥1,600–2,800 | Yes | Under bus | No transfers, comfortable | Traffic delays, less frequent |
| Taxi/Private Car | 55–60 min | ¥20,000+ | Yes | Trunk | Door-to-door, convenient | Very expensive |
Final Tips and Welcome
Traveling from Ueno Station to Narita Airport is straightforward, with options for every budget and need. For most first-time visitors, the Keisei Skyliner offers the best mix of speed, comfort, and simplicity. Budget travelers can save with the Keisei Main Line, while families and those with heavy luggage will appreciate the reserved seats and luggage space on the Skyliner.
Japan’s train stations are well-signed and staff are ready to help, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure. Have your passport and flight details handy, and enjoy the journey—your Japanese adventure is just beginning!
Safe travels and welcome to Japan!
Latest Information
The information in this article is current as of June 2025. Fares, timetables, and other details are subject to change, so please make sure to check the latest updates on the official websites below before your trip.
Keisei Electric Railway (Skyliner): https://www.keisei.co.jp/
JR East (Narita Express): https://www.jreast.co.jp/
Airport Limousine Bus: https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/
Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT): https://www.tcat-hakozaki.co.jp/
Narita Airport Official Website: https://www.narita-airport.jp/
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