Tokyo has two airports, Narita International Airport (成田空港, Narita Kūkō, NRT), which handles a large number of international flights as well as domestic and international flights by many low-budget airlines, and the more centrally located Haneda Airport (HND), which handles the city's main share of domestic traffic and an increasing number of international flights.
Narita Airport (formerly also known as New Tokyo International Airport) is located in the city of Narita in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers outside of Tokyo. It consists of three terminal buildings: terminal 1, terminal 2 and terminal 3. Terminal 1 and 2 each have a railway station in their respective basements. Terminal 3 serves low-budget airlines and is connected with terminal 2 by a pedestrian walkway. Free shuttle buses operate between all three terminals.
The one way trip by JR Narita Express (NEX) takes roughly 90 minutes, costs around 3200 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass and some other JR passes. There are departures every 30 to 60 minutes. The NEX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket for 5000 yen provides foreign travelers with a discounted round trip from the airport into Tokyo and back within a 2-week period.
Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Nippori Station (about 40 minutes, 2580 yen) and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to get to Shinjuku Station (20 minutes, 210 yen). There are connections every 20-40 minutes. If purchased in advance online or via a travel agent outside of Japan, foreign tourists can ride the Skyliner for just 2310 yen.
The cheapest way to travel between Narita Airport and Shinjuku is via the Keisei Main Line. Take the Keisei Main Line from the airport to Nippori Station (75 minutes, 1060 yen, one transfer along the way may be required) and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (20 minutes, 210 yen). There are multiple connections per hour.
Limousine buses to Shinjuku Station depart Narita Airport every 15 to 20 minutes. The one way journey takes about 105 minutes and costs 3600 yen. In addition, there are direct limousine bus connections to several major hotels in the Shinjuku area. It is possible to purchase e-tickets online via Klook.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Narita Airport is located 60 kilometers or a one hour train ride outside of central Tokyo. When planning a short excursion into central Tokyo, you should allot at least three hours for the train trip in and out of the city, and check the schedule for your return trip in advance.
There are also a few points of interest in the vicinity of the airport itself, including Naritasan, a large and popular temple complex in Narita City. An excursion from the airport to Naritasan requires at least three hours, to be on the safe side. See the Narita section for details on other attractions around the airport.
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