Tokyo Airport Guide

Narita International Airport (NRT) is one of Tokyo's two major airports, about 60 km east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Check your terminal in the airport's live flight information before you travel: NRT has three terminals, and airline groupings are useful clues rather than guarantees.

• Terminal 1 has North and South wings.
• Terminal 2 has a main building and satellite area.
• Terminal 3 is used by several low-cost carriers. It shares Airport Terminal 2・3 Station with Terminal 2; Narita says the signed walk from the station to Terminal 3 takes about 10 minutes.

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are also linked by a pedestrian corridor and free landside shuttle. Terminal 1 requires the free shuttle bus when you are changing terminals landside.

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo, but the better airport is usually the one with the better flight—not simply the shorter map distance. Compare the full itinerary, your Tokyo neighbourhood and the time public transport is running.

Changing between NRT and HND is an airport transfer, not a connection inside one terminal. Narita lists direct airport buses to Haneda. Rail options can involve through-running trains or a change, depending on the departure. In every case, plan to enter Japan if required, collect any bag that is not checked through, travel across the region and meet the next airline's check-in deadline. Check the airport route search and operator timetable for your date instead of relying on a fixed journey time.

Start by asking whether your bags are checked through. Narita supports international-to-international connections without entering Japan or collecting baggage when the airline confirms that your itinerary is eligible. Follow International Connecting Flights, pass through transit security and obtain an onward boarding pass from the airline if you do not already have one.

Changing terminals airside

Narita operates transit-passenger shuttle buses between the international secure areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The route you can use depends on the arriving and departing airlines, and some passengers may instead be directed through immigration. Follow the airline's instructions and the airport's signs rather than going landside on your own. Narita does not allow passengers to remain airside overnight outside operating hours.

Changing terminals landside

The free terminal shuttle operates before security. Narita publishes approximate ride times of 10 minutes between Terminals 1 and 2, about 3–6 minutes between Terminals 2 and 3, and about 14 minutes from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 on the all-terminal route. Traffic and waiting time are extra. You can also use the signed pedestrian corridor between Terminals 2 and 3.

When you must enter Japan

If baggage is not checked through, you are on separate tickets, you want to leave the airport or your airline says the airside process is unavailable, assume you will need the correct permission to enter Japan, then clear immigration, collect baggage, clear customs and check in again. Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and itinerary; confirm them with Japan's immigration authorities or your airline before departure.

Narita does not publish one universal minimum connection time for every airline and route. Use the connection accepted by the ticketing airline and leave extra room for a terminal change or separate-ticket recheck.

Narita is well east of central Tokyo, so choose transport by destination rather than asking for a single “best” train. JR's Narita Express is useful for Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama; Keisei's Skyliner is useful for Nippori and Ueno; buses can be simpler for a hotel or district with a direct stop. Check the live route search because service patterns, last departures and fares change.

Uber is not widely available for airport pickups at Narita. The service exists in Tokyo but taxi options at NRT are limited to traditional Japanese taxis.

Taxis are available at all terminals but are expensive due to the distance:

Destination	Fare (approx.)
Central Tokyo (Tokyo Station)	¥20,000-25,000
Shinjuku	¥25,000-30,000
Shibuya	¥25,000-30,000
Ginza	¥20,000-25,000

Fixed-rate taxis are available to certain areas. Inquire at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall.

Shared Shuttle Services:

• Airport Limousine Shared: Pre-bookable shared van service
• Nearme: App-based shared airport shuttle (typically ¥3,500-5,000 per person)

For most travelers, trains offer much better value than taxis.

JR Narita Express

The Narita Express (N'EX) serves Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama, among other stations. It is a good fit when it takes you close to your final destination and you prefer an assigned-seat airport train. Buy the correct ticket before boarding and check JR East for the timetable and fare on your date.

Keisei trains

The Skyliner runs toward Nippori and Keisei Ueno, where you can connect to other rail lines. Other Keisei services can be cheaper and may run toward different parts of Tokyo; the fastest-looking train is not always the fewest-change option for your address. Check the departure display and route search before boarding.

Stations at the airport

• Terminal 1: Narita Airport Station, about a five-minute walk from the terminal according to the airport.
• Terminals 2 and 3: Airport Terminal 2・3 Station, about five minutes from Terminal 2 and ten minutes from Terminal 3.

Airport buses

Direct buses serve Tokyo districts, major hotels and Haneda Airport. They can save a rail transfer and luggage handling, but road traffic makes the schedule less predictable. Buy the appropriate ticket at the airport and confirm the current stop and operator timetable; Narita also lists lower-cost buses to destinations including Tokyo Station and Ginza.

Narita offers on-site parking at all terminals:

Lot	Rate	Notes
P1 (Terminal 1)	¥260/30 min	Short-term, closest to terminal
P2 (Terminal 2)	¥260/30 min	Short-term
P5 (Terminal 3)	¥260/30 min	Short-term
Long-term lots	¥520-1,030/day	With shuttle service

Daily maximums: ¥2,100 for short-term, varying rates for long-term.

Off-site parking is significantly cheaper:

• Various operators offer ¥500-800/day with free shuttle
• Pre-booking recommended, especially during holidays
• Services like USAパーキング and サンパーキング are popular options

Narita offers extensive dining options across all terminals:

Terminal 1:

• Sky Food Court (4F): Multiple Japanese and international options
• Sushi Kyotatsu: Fresh sushi before your flight
• Kineya: Udon noodles
• Mos Burger: Japanese fast food chain

Terminal 2:

• Japanese Food Court (4F): Ramen, curry, tonkatsu
• Sakura Lounge Restaurant: Japanese cuisine
• McDonald's, Starbucks: International chains
• Yoshinoya: Beef bowl chain

Terminal 3:

• Food Court (2F): Limited but affordable options
• Ramen, udon, rice bowls: Basic Japanese fare at budget prices

Recommendations:

• For a proper pre-flight meal, Terminal 1 and 2 have better selection
• Terminal 3's food court is basic but functional for budget travelers
• Try Japanese convenience store food (onigiri, bento) from Lawson or FamilyMart for quick, authentic, and affordable meals

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

• Network: "FreeWiFi-NARITA"
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and light streaming
• Limit: 30-day unlimited access after email registration

Registration takes less than a minute. The connection is reliable throughout the terminals and works in all public areas.

For faster speeds, airline lounges offer premium WiFi connections.

SIM cards and pocket WiFi devices are available in the arrivals hall:

Locations:

• QL Liner counters (all terminals)
• Telecom Square (T1, T2)
• JAL ABC counter (T1, T2)
• GPA rental counters

Options:

• Tourist SIM (data only): ¥3,000-5,000 for 7-14 days (varies by data amount)
• Pocket WiFi rental: ¥500-1,000/day, shareable with multiple devices
• Prepaid SIM with voice: Less common, around ¥3,000-4,000

Popular carriers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI) networks. Data-only SIMs from IIJmio, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile are commonly available.

Pre-ordering online (Klook, Amazon Japan) can save time and money. Collect at the airport counter or have delivered to your accommodation.

ATMs accepting international cards are located throughout all terminals:

• Seven Bank ATMs (7-Eleven ATMs): Most reliable for foreign cards, accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus
• Japan Post Bank ATMs: Also accept most international cards
• AEON ATMs: In Terminal 2

ATM locations:

• Terminal 1: Arrivals hall (1F), departure level
• Terminal 2: Arrivals hall (1F), departure level
• Terminal 3: Near check-in area

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: All terminals
• GPA (Greenport Agency): Multiple locations
• Bank counters: Limited hours

Exchange rates at the airport are acceptable but city rates (Shinjuku, Ginza) are slightly better. Japan remains a cash-heavy society, though credit card acceptance has improved significantly.

Japan uses Japanese Yen (JPY/¥). Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at most restaurants and shops in tourist areas, but smaller establishments and some transit may require cash.

Narita offers extensive duty-free shopping:

Terminal 1:

• Fa-So-La DUTY FREE: Main duty-free operator
• JAPAN DUTY FREE: Cosmetics, electronics, Japanese goods
• ANA FESTA: Souvenirs and gifts

Terminal 2:

• Fa-So-La DUTY FREE: Comprehensive selection
• JAL DUTY FREE: In departure areas
• Japanese souvenir shops: Multiple options

Popular purchases:

• Japanese cosmetics: Shiseido, SK-II, KANEBO
• Japanese snacks: Kit Kat flavors, Tokyo Banana, Royce chocolate
• Electronics: Though Akihabara offers better prices
• Japanese whisky: Suntory, Nikka (often in stock at airport)
• Traditional crafts: Ceramics, fans, textiles

Terminal 3 has minimal shopping options - just basic convenience stores.

For best selection, shop in Terminals 1 or 2 after clearing security. Tax-free shopping is available at many stores with passport presentation.

Narita has numerous lounge options:

Priority Pass Lounges

• IASS Executive Lounge (T1): Basic amenities, snacks, drinks
• TEI Lounge (T2): Simple but functional
• Narita TraveLounge (T1, T2): Limited space, basic refreshments

Credit Card Lounges

• No Amex Centurion Lounge at NRT - nearest is Haneda
• Various card programs may have agreements with IASS lounges

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1 (ANA/Star Alliance):

• ANA Lounge: Star Alliance Gold and Business Class passengers
• ANA Suite Lounge: First Class and Diamond members
• United Club: United passengers and Star Alliance Gold

Terminal 2 (JAL/oneworld):

• JAL Sakura Lounge: oneworld Sapphire and Business Class
• JAL First Class Lounge: First Class and oneworld Emerald
• Qantas Lounge: Qantas and oneworld passengers
• American Airlines Admirals Club: AA premium passengers

Quality notes: JAL's First Class Lounge is considered excellent, featuring Japanese dining options including sushi. ANA's Suite Lounge similarly offers high-quality Japanese cuisine.

Day Pass Options

• Some lounges sell day passes (typically ¥3,000-5,000)
• Pre-booking via LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass app recommended

At the Airport:

• Narita Airport Rest House (near T2): Basic rooms, convenient for early flights
• 9h nine hours (T2): Japanese capsule hotel concept, hourly rates available
• Narita Tobu Hotel Airport: Connected to T2 by covered walkway

Near the Airport:

• Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport: Full-service hotel, free shuttle
• ANA Crowne Plaza Narita: Business hotel with shuttle
• Narita Gateway Hotel: Budget-friendly, shuttle service
• Toyoko Inn Narita Airport: Japanese business hotel chain, affordable

Transit Hotel Options:

• 9h nine hours offers compact sleeping pods from ¥1,500/hour (T2)
• Rest areas with reclining chairs available in terminals (free)

For overnight layovers, the hotels near the airport are convenient but the area around Narita is not scenic. If your layover is long enough, consider staying in Tokyo and returning to the airport.

Tokyo is one of the world's great cities, offering incredible variety:

Getting to Tokyo:

• Take Narita Express or Skyliner (see Public Transit section)
• Journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on destination

Must-See Areas:

• Shibuya: Famous crossing, youth culture, shopping (90 min from NRT)
• Shinjuku: Entertainment, shopping, nightlife, Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck (free)
• Asakusa: Historic temple (Senso-ji), traditional Tokyo (70 min via Access Express)
• Ginza: Upscale shopping, dining (75 min via N'EX)
• Akihabara: Electronics, anime, gaming culture

Day Trip Options:

• Mount Fuji/Hakone: 2-3 hours from Tokyo, hot springs and views
• Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage shrines, 2 hours north
• Kamakura: Great Buddha, beaches, 1 hour south of Tokyo

Getting Around Tokyo:

• Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless payment on all trains, subways, and buses
• Available at JR ticket machines (¥500 deposit + desired value)
• Cards also work at convenience stores and vending machines

Practical Tips:

• Japanese is the primary language; English signage is good in transit and tourist areas
• Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude
• Convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are excellent for quick meals, ATMs, and essentials
• Japan uses Type A and B electrical plugs (same as North America); voltage is 100V
• Trains run on precise schedules; the last train is typically around midnight
• JR Pass can offer savings if planning extensive travel beyond Tokyo