What is the travel time difference between the Keisei Main Line and the Skyliner?

The Keisei Main Line takes about 30 to 40 minutes longer than the Skyliner. Since it stops at every station, the perceived travel time is longer, which can be physically exhausting on the first day of your trip.

Are reserved seats available when taking the Narita Sky Access?

The Narita Sky Access does not operate with reserved seats. It works like a regular subway express train, so if there are no seats available, you will have to stand with your luggage.

Can I go directly from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station without transferring if I take the Skyliner?

You cannot go directly to Tokyo Station using only the Skyliner. You must get off the Skyliner at Nippori Station and transfer once to a JR line within the station to reach Tokyo Station.

Which is cheaper for Skyliner tickets: buying them locally in Japan or purchasing them in advance on Klook?

Purchasing them in advance through Klook is ~$3 cheaper. If you buy them locally in Japan, it costs ~$17, but you can get them for ~$13 if purchased in advance.

Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (2026): Skyliner Guide

If my Tokyo trip starts with a transportation headache, the whole journey feels exhausting.

After three trips to Tokyo, I've had the chance to try all three main ways to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. I'll share the pros of each, so you can pick what's best for you.

At the end, I'll share a ~$4 discount coupon for your Tokyo trip, so keep reading!

Why Landing in Japan Can Feel Overwhelming

Stepping off the plane at Narita International Airport, my first thought was always, "Wow, this is crowded and confusing!"

There were so many signs, even more people, and train names I'd never seen before.

Skyliner, Narita Sky Access, Keisei Main Line... it all felt like a jumble.

I initially prioritized saving money on transport, so I tried the Keisei Main Line (local train)

> Narita Sky Access (express train)

> Skyliner (reserved-seat limited express)

in that order during my trips from Narita Airport.

My ultimate conclusion? For future trips, I'll definitely be taking the Skyliner from Narita to Tokyo Station.

Keisei Main Line: The Budget Option, But a Long Haul

On my first trip, I jumped on the Keisei Main Line without much thought.

I was swayed by the 'cheapest option' talk, and figured a 30-40 minute time difference wasn't a big deal compared to the pricier Skyliner.

But once I was on board, that journey felt much longer than I anticipated. It stops at every single station, making the trip drag on. I kept wondering, "Are we there yet?"

After an early morning flight with no food, we finally arrived in Tokyo around 2:00 PM, just in time for a very late lunch... I remember being so hungry and tired.

From then on, I swore off the Keisei Main Line for getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo.

On your first day, already tired from the flight, that extra travel time is a real drain. I saved a few bucks, but I definitely spent more energy.

Narita Sky Access: Good Value, but Standing Room Only?

On my next trip from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, I tried the Narita Sky Access.

The fare was about half the price of the Skyliner, which was really appealing, and the travel time was comparable.

However, the Narita Sky Access doesn't have reserved seats. I ended up standing the entire way because there were no seats available...

Imagine a crowded express train during peak hours in a major city.

Hauling luggage and standing for the duration meant my legs were pretty sore by the time we arrived. The lack of guaranteed seating is definitely a significant factor to consider.

Skyliner: Now I Get the Hype!

Finally, I tried the Skyliner.

Every single seat is reserved, so I was guaranteed a comfortable spot, and the aisles are wide, so I didn't feel awkward with my luggage.

It's incredibly fast from Narita Airport to Nippori Station, which is a key hub close to Tokyo Station. The journey felt so quick!

From Nippori, it's just one easy transfer to a JR line to reach Tokyo Station. There are also three different transfer lines, so it's easy to find a connection that works with your schedule.

The transfer is within the station, so you don't have to walk far, which makes it surprisingly convenient.

I usually dislike transfers, but here, it was as simple as following the clear signs.

For me, the biggest advantage of the Skyliner for a Tokyo trip is the guaranteed reserved seating.

I could store my luggage without any worries.

One tip: it's actually cheaper to buy your Skyliner tickets in advance through Klook rather than at the station in Japan.

I bought mine on Klook for ~$13, but at the station in Japan, it's almost ~$17, which is much pricier.

That ~$3 difference could buy you an extra takoyaki, so definitely book through the link below!

⬇️ Get your Skyliner tickets for ~$3 less here

Narita Airport Skyliner Tickets - Klook Korea

Additionally, I'm sharing some extra discount coupons for your Tokyo trip: save ~$2 or ~$4!

Discount codes: 세시간전3000 / 세시간전6000

Please note: You must register through the link above for these coupons to be valid!

So, What's the Best Way from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station?

While saving money is important, after experiencing all three options, I firmly believe that comfort is king, especially when you're starting an exciting trip!

The Keisei Main Line is okay if you have plenty of time, but honestly, I wouldn't bother with it anymore for a Tokyo trip; time is too precious.

The Narita Sky Access is the most reasonable option if you're prioritizing value. However, if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group, I'd skip it.

I need a guaranteed seat, so I'm passing on this one for future trips.