How to Get from Shinagawa Station to Narita Airport: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for International Travelers

Traveling from Shinagawa Station to Narita Airport is a straightforward process, but as one of Tokyo’s busiest transport hubs, Shinagawa can be overwhelming—especially if you’re arriving by Shinkansen (bullet train) with luggage in tow. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from transferring between train lines to buying tickets, and even suggest some must-see spots around Shinagawa if you have time before your flight.

 is one of Tokyo’s most important transportation hubs. It’s a stop for the Shinkansen (bullet train) lines connecting Tokyo with cities like Kyoto and Osaka, and it offers direct access to both Narita and Haneda airports. For international travelers, Shinagawa’s convenient location and excellent train connections make it a top choice for airport transfers.

There are two primary ways to reach Narita Airport from Shinagawa:

Route	Duration	Cost (approx.)	Transfers	JR Pass Valid?	Comfort Level
	1 hour	¥3,190–¥4,730	None	Yes	High (reserved)
	1.5–2 hours	¥1,500–¥2,500	1	No	Moderate

 is the fastest, most comfortable, and most foreigner-friendly option, especially if you have a JR Pass. Keikyu/Keisei is cheaper but involves transfers and is not covered by the JR Pass.

1. 

When you arrive at Shinagawa Station on the Shinkansen, you’ll find yourself in the Shinkansen concourse. Signs are in English and Japanese.

: If you have a lot of luggage, use the elevators or escalators marked on station maps.

2. 

 is large but well-organized. Here’s how to transfer from the Shinkansen area to the Narita Express platform:

• : Follow signs for the JR Lines or Transfer to JR Lines.

• Look for Narita Express (N’EX) signs: These are usually red and clearly marked in English.

• : Use the South Transfer gates to access platforms 13/14, which serve the Narita Express.

: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, keep it handy—you’ll need to show it at the transfer gates. If you have a paper ticket, show it to the staff.

3. 

• Reserve a seat for the Narita Express at the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or at a ticket machine.

• Show your JR Pass at the gate and when boarding.

• Buy a ticket at the JR Ticket Office or ticket machines.

• The fare is about ¥3,190 for an ordinary seat or ¥4,730 for Green Car (first class).

• You can also purchase the N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket, a discounted round-trip ticket for foreign visitors. This can save you money if you’re returning to Tokyo within 14 days.

  

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: Staff at the ticket office usually speak basic English and can assist with seat reservations.

4. 

•  (check your ticket for the exact platform).

• : All seats are reserved, so wait at the correct car for your assigned seat.

• : The Narita Express is modern, clean, and has ample luggage space.

• : The journey to Narita Airport takes about 1 hour, with no transfers required.

:

• Comfortable, wide seats

• Overhead luggage racks and storage areas

• English announcements and information screens

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5. 

• The Narita Express stops at Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 & 3.

• Check which terminal your airline uses and get off at the correct stop.

• Follow signs to the departures area—English signage is plentiful.

  
  
  

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If you’re looking to save money or the Narita Express schedule doesn’t fit your needs, consider these alternatives:

• From Shinagawa, take the Keikyu Line to Aoto Station, then transfer to the Keisei Line for Narita Airport.

• Some Keikyu trains offer through service to Narita Airport, but these are less frequent.

• Total travel time: 1.5–2 hours.

• Cost: ¥1,500–¥2,500.

• : Keikyu is not covered by the JR Pass.

• 
  

• Direct buses run from major hotels and Tokyo Station to Narita Airport.

• Travel time: 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.

• Cost: ¥3,000–¥3,500.

• Most expensive option (¥22,000–¥41,000), but convenient for groups or heavy luggage.

• 
  

• : Allow at least 2 hours from Shinagawa to Narita Airport, plus extra time for ticketing and security.

• : Use luggage delivery services if you want to travel light.

• : Most signage is in English, but staff may have limited English skills—use translation apps if needed.

• : Free Wi-Fi is available at Shinagawa Station and on the Narita Express.

• : Elevators and escalators are available throughout Shinagawa Station.

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If you have a few hours before your train to Narita Airport, Shinagawa offers some great places to explore:

1. 

• Famous for the graves of the 47 Ronin, a legendary group of samurai.

• About 10 minutes’ walk from Shinagawa Station.

2. 

• Family-friendly, with dolphin and sea lion shows.

• About 20 minutes by train from Shinagawa Station.

3. 

• Modern shopping and dining complex inside Shinagawa Station.

• Perfect for last-minute souvenirs or a meal before your journey.

4. 

• Beautiful for a stroll, especially during cherry blossom season.

• About 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station.

5. 

• Unique art exhibitions in a stylish setting.

• About 15 minutes by taxi or train.

For more options, consider boat tours, specialty museums, or local food tours around Shinagawa.

Q: Can I use my JR Pass on the Narita Express?
A: Yes, the Narita Express is fully covered by the JR Pass.

Q: How do I transfer from the Shinkansen to the Narita Express at Shinagawa?
A: Exit the Shinkansen gates, follow signs for JR Lines, and proceed to the South Transfer gates for platforms 13/14.

Q: What if I miss my reserved Narita Express train?
A: Go to the ticket office to rebook your seat on the next available train.

Q: Are there coin lockers or luggage storage at Shinagawa Station?
A: Yes, you’ll find coin lockers and a luggage storage service inside the station.

Q: Which terminal at Narita should I get off at?
A: Check your airline and ticket. Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 & 3 have separate stops.

Traveling from Shinagawa Station to Narita Airport is efficient and easy, especially with the Narita Express. Follow the steps above for a smooth journey, and enjoy some time exploring Shinagawa if your schedule allows. Safe travels!