Narita Express guide
The fastest way from Narita Airport to Tokyo
What is the Narita Express?
The Narita Express is a fantastic transportation option from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It's quite costly, but luckily included and free to use for everyone with a Japan Rail Pass. Get your Japan Rail Pass today and use the Narita Express unlimited times during your stay in Japan!
Important note
Keep in mind that seat reservation is required on this train, regardless of the hour. The staff at any JR desk will book it for you free of charge as a JR Pass holder.
Complete guide
Follow these steps to take the Narita Express from the airport
Activate your JR Pass
Start by activating your Japan Rail Pass at your nearest JR desk. Most tourists will arrive at Narita Airport Terminal 2, and your nearest JR desk will be the JR East Travel Service Center, where you can exchange your JR Pass and book your ticket with the Narita Express.
Tip: The staff will book it free of charge while you exchange and activate your Japan Rail Pass. Keep in mind that the Narita Express only has reserved seating and no non-reserved cars.
Look for NEX sign
Look for the red Narita Express "NEX" sign on the roof. It can be spotted quite easily with its red square and white mark. It's quite close from the JR Office to the Narita Express entrance gate.
Hold to your right
After walking a few meters, turn right and keep an eye out for a sign with an arrow pointing towards the front-left. The sign will have "Narita Express Terminal 2-3 Station" written on it, along with a red NEX sign and a blue JO Line sign.
Pass the gate
When using the Japan Rail Pass, please insert it into the automatic gate and pass through. It is important to ensure that you pick up the pass on the other side of the gate.
Warning: The pass cannot be refunded or re-issued if it is lost, so please keep this in mind throughout your stay in Japan.
Look for your escalator
To find the entrance to your train wagon, first locate the number of your wagon on the ticket that was issued to you by the JR Staff when you exchanged your Japan Rail Pass.
Tip: The train consists of 12 cars, with cars 1-7 being straight ahead and cars 8-12 located to the right of the first escalator.
Find your wagon number
Head down the escalator and locate your train car/wagon. The number of your wagon can be located on the roof. Stand in line and be sure to enter the correct car.
Locate your seat
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure! Japan is a remarkable country with incredible cities, amiable people, delicious food, and countless places to visit.
Enjoy the video guide instead
We made a video about the full step-by-step guide how to book and reach the Narita Express after your Japan Rail Pass has been exchanged. We have more videos on our YouTube channel including videos on how to book and reserve seating on Shinkansen trains as well as how to exchange your Japan Rail Pass in Japan.
Explore more videosTake the Narita Express with your JR Pass
Don't forget your Japan Rail Pass before you leave for Japan. Save both time and money with unlimited use of JR's Shinkansen bullet trains, local and express lines.
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