Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
Konnichiwa, fellow travelers! Those of you who are planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan for the very first time and worried about how best to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo after arriving in Japan – this post is for you.
As you might have heard from many travelers, if not planned well, getting from the airport to your hotel can be quite costly and a real hassle, especially if it is your first time traveling to Tokyo, or if you’re on a late flight, lugging around heavy suitcases, or traveling with kids. Does any of this sound like you?
Fear not, because the Airport Limousine Bus service from Narita airport to central Tokyo areas is here to help you start your trip on the right foot. While saving your back and wallet at the same time.
So, let’s dive right in!
- How Far Is It from Narita International Airport to Central Tokyo?
- What Are the Different Ways to Get from Narita International Airport to Tokyo? And which One Should I Choose?
- What is the Airport Limousine Bus?
- Why Choose Airport Limousine Bus to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
- Where Could I Find a List of Airport Limousine Bus Stops?
- How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
- What Time Are the Earliest Bus and the Last Bus of the Day?
- What Are the Amenities Provided on the Bus?
- Where Do I Buy an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
- Which Payment Methods Are Accepted When Buying an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
- Where Do I Find the Best Deal or Discounted Ticket?
- Where Do I Find My Bus Stop?
- On the Day of Travel, How Do I Use the Bus to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
- Where Do I find More Info about Airport Limousine Bus services?
- What about the Other Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Bus Services?
- What If My hotel Is Not one of the Hotels Listed on the Bus Stop List, or not Located Close to the Nearest Stop?
- Conclusion
How Far Is It from Narita International Airport to Central Tokyo?
Let’s first talk about the travel distance between Narita International Airport to Tokyo.
Narita airport, first and foremost, is not located in Tokyo. In fact, the airport is outside of Tokyo, about 80 Km east of Tokyo. This translates into approximately 60-90 minutes of driving, depending on the time of day and traffic.
That’s pretty far!
What Are the Different Ways to Get from Narita International Airport to Tokyo? And which One Should I Choose?
As mentioned above, Narita International Airport is quite far away from Tokyo’s major hubs, and your available transport modes will come down to either renting a car, traveling by taxi, by train, or by bus. We will briefly discuss all of these options below. Which mode of transport to choose is up to your personal preference.
However, this post will focus on the simplicity and convenience factors, which is the most important ones for first-time visitors to Japan, who are overwhelmed or unfamiliar with Japan, or with heavy luggages, or with kids in tow. Or for folks who just want to get to their hotel the easiest way and rest up for the real adventure the following day.
Renting a Car
To rent a car in Japan requires an International Driver Permit, notarized and Japanese-translated proof of your current driver license, and some paperworks (depending on the country of your origin).
Also, it is tough to navigate the complex and bustling Japanese streets and road signs. Couple that with the intense traffic, and hard-to-find parking spots.
And after long flights and immigration process, it is exhausting to start your first day in Japan by getting familiar with foreign country roads.
Overall, this just doesn’t sound like fun. So, unless you plan to travel to many remote areas across Japan where public transports are not available, renting a car is a bad choice.
By Taxi
Taxi is notoriously expensive in Japan, going for about 20,000 – 25,000 yen for a one-way trip from Narita to Tokyo, and takes 60 to 90 minutes to reach Tokyo, depending on the time of day and traffic.
In addition, if your flight arrives at night, there is an additional surcharge of up to 20 percent on the standard fare.
So unless you have a group of 5 people or more or have too much money and don’t know what to do with it, taking a taxi is very costly.
By Train
If you stay around Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, or Shinagawa station, the Narita Express or Skyliner Express bullet train is a great choice to get from Narita to Tokyo. Costing around 3,250 yen for one-way trip from Narita airport to Tokyo, and takes around 1 hour to reach Tokyo.
However, if you have much baggage, traveling with small kids, and/or traveling during rush hour, lugging them around crowded train stations might be quite stressful.
Not mentioning after 14+ hours on the airplane, navigating Tokyo’s trains and transfers for the first time ever does not sound appealing at all.
By Bus
Traveling to Tokyo by bus takes about 90-120 minutes, depending on your destination. It is not as quick as train, however it makes up for that by being very easy and convenient to use.
There are 2 types of bus you could use at Narita airport to get to Tokyo : the Airport Limousine Bus costs 3,200 yen, with many different routes to different areas of Tokyo, or a Low Cost Carrier (LCC) bus costs 1,300 yen, with much more limited routes, and only go to the direction of Tokyo station and back.
I will discuss LCC at the end of this post. For now, let’s look at the Airport Limousine Bus, the topic of this post, and help you see whether it is the right transport choice for you.
What is the Airport Limousine Bus?
The Airport Limousine Bus (I will call it ALB for short) is an easy and convenient way to get to and from Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport, and many of Tokyo’s major hubs.
It’s a big, comfortable white-and-orange-colored bus, with lots of room for your bags and a bunch of cool features like free Wi-Fi and charging ports.
You can buy bus tickets ahead of time or at the airport itself, and the buses usually run many times on a daily schedule, going and stopping at various locations in Tokyo. Adult fare costs 3,200 yen, and Child fare costs 1,600 yen.
Have many questions about the Airport Limousine Bus at Narita or Haneda airport as a transport mode going from the airport to Tokyo? And if it’s a good fit for your travel needs? Have all your questions answered here in my “Taking the Airport Limousine Bus to/from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo – All your Questions Answered” article.
Why Choose Airport Limousine Bus to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
Reason # 1 : Easy and convenient access at Narita
First of all, there is extremely easy and direct access to the ALB bus stop from the airport’s Arrivals area, located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Narita International Airport.
So after you get through Immigration and collect your luggages, you get to the Arrivals area, and bam, the Airport Limousine Bus Ticket counter and the bus stop is right there. Can’t get any easier and convenient than that!
Reason # 2 : Availability
There are plenty of buses available all throughout the day. Depending on the time of day, buses run every 30 minutes or every hour.
So, if you did not buy a ticket in advance, or if your plane arrives late and you have missed your scheduled bus, and needs a bus, there is always more bus to choose from. No stress at all.
Reason # 3 : Widespread locations in Tokyo for pick-ups and drop-offs
There are so many ALB bus stops in Tokyo, including train station, bus terminals, and even straight to the front door of many central Tokyo hotels.
You could even maximize your convenience by booking a stay at one of the many major hotels in Tokyo, which are listed as a bus stop on ALB website, and easily get to and from the airport that way.
Reason # 4 : Hassle-free transport
The obvious stress-free aspect of not having to lug your heavy suitcases, carry-ons, and small kids across crowded and busy train stations, while trying to get familiar to Japan’s public transport systems on that first exhausting and jet-lagged day. This is the reason for me!
With ALB, all you do is hand the bus ticket to the staff at your bus stop, and they will store your luggages for you, and take them out for you at your destination. Super convenient and hassle-free!
Reason # 5 : Rest and Relaxation
Here’s the real kicker : Instead of navigating busy train stations with heavy suitcases, you can let the bus do the work and use the time to relax, catch up on some much-needed rest after a long flight and crowded immigration lines, and adjust to the new time zone (in other words, beat your jet lag!).
This is especially great for first-time visitors or families with kids who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the bustling city right after landing in Japan. Save some strength and energy, so that you feel more refreshed for later that day or for the next day.
Start your adventure off on the right foot and with a good night sleep with the Airport Limousine Bus!
Reason # 6 : Economical choice for after-hour travel
If your plane arrives in Japan at after-hours, when all trains are already closed or not yet working, and taxi is insanely expensive, the ALB is the easy and possibly the only choice for you.
Where Could I Find a List of Airport Limousine Bus Stops?
Check out the comprehensive list of bus stops on the Airport Limousine Bus official website link provided here.
This list includes all bus stops in the 23 wards of Tokyo, those outside the 23 wards of Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Gumma Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, and Ibaraki Prefecture.
There are numerous Tokyo train stations, bus terminals, hotels, Disneyland, and other destinations in the list, making it super convenient to get to your accommodations or strategic transport hubs.
How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
There are different ticket prices for adults and children. Adults are defined as those who are age 12 or older, while children are those between ages 6 to 12 and eligible for the Child fare, which is half of the Adult fare.
The latest prices for all bus routes (except for Tokyo City Air Terminal) as of March 2023 are :
If you’re looking to travel to or from the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), you’re in luck because the prices are cheaper for that route! See the rates below. Nice, isn’t it?
There is also a small discount if you choose to book online as well. It is usually about 100-200 yen cheaper than buying in person.
What Time Are the Earliest Bus and the Last Bus of the Day?
The bus timetable is subject to frequent updates due to various factors such as routes, demand, and COVID-related restrictions. Timings may also vary depending on the day and the specific bus stop.
If you plan to get from Narita to a train station, the earliest available bus could arrive as early as 7 AM. On the other hand, if your destination is a hotel, you can expect the earliest bus for that route to arrive around 9:30 AM or 10 AM.
At the end of your Japan vacation, if you need to get to the airport early, it is best to go to a train station to catch a bus, where there are more route availability and earlier rides. The earliest bus to the airport could be as early as 5 AM when traveling from a train station or bus terminal.
Meanwhile, if you catch a bus at your hotel bus stop, there would be less availability to choose from and more limited hours, due to less demand.
What Are the Amenities Provided on the Bus?
The bus ride is very smooth and comfortable. There’s a restroom in the back of the bus, WiFi onboard, and free charging power outlet next to your seat.
You can comfortably bring two pieces of large luggage (30 Kg max/bag) plus a carry-on with you, and the staff will gladly help you store them ahead of your ride.
There is also overhead racks which is best for your small backpacks.
Where Do I Buy an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
Buying a ticket is super easy and can be done in one of many different ways :
- Online, for a small discount, at the Airport Limousine Bus ticket reservation link here.
- At any ALB bus stops (train station, bus terminal, or hotels) listed in the full list of ALB bus stops on their official website.
- From the automatic ticketing machines at Narita airport or train station, which have English language option. You’ll recognize the machines by the large “Airport Limousine Bus” label and orange color of the area. The machines are user-friendly and take only about 5 minutes to book.
- Or head to the airport’s Bus Ticket counter if you are at the airport and don’t want to take your chance buying from a machine. A perk : If you purchase your ticket at the Bus Ticket counter on the day of travel, and plan to return to the airport at the end of your vacation, you could opt for the ALB 14-day Return Voucher (Narita – Tokyo round trip) for a total of only 4,500 yen (instead of 6,400 yen), which is an absolute steal!
- Buy online at www.Klook.com.
- Have a friend or your hotel book it for you through phone ( the number is listed on the ALB website). a ticket number will be issued for the purchase.
Which Payment Methods Are Accepted When Buying an Airport Limousine Bus Ticket?
Payment can easily be made using either cash, credit card, or IC card. See the full list of acceptable payment methods below for reference. Flexible, right?
Where Do I Find the Best Deal or Discounted Ticket?
For those traveling to and from Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), tickets are the cheapest for that route. The ticket for in-person purchase is 2,800 yen, while it is 2,700 yen for online purchases at their official ticket reservation website here.
If purchasing tickets at the ticket counter, you could ask the ticket attendant to look for any discounted tickets or available special offers, such as discounts for disabled persons, youths under 25, and seniors aged 65 or above, or depending on different routes and regions. This could also be found on their official ticket reservation website here.
Also look around online at Klook.com, a popular travel shopping site for Japanese transit passes and cards, as they often have great promotions and discounted tickets there.
Where Do I Find My Bus Stop?
The ALB Bus Ticket counter is conveniently located in both Terminal 1 and 2 of Narita International Airport, in the Arrivals area. And the bus stop is located right outside the ticket counter doors.
There, you can easily find your bus number, as there are multiple bus stands outside, displaying large bus numbers and destinations. Look for the one that show the same info as that on your bus ticket.
If you’re not departing from Narita airport but need to get there, make sure to be at any of the many bus stops mentioned above 15 minutes before departure time, on the day of travel. Buy your ticket, and queue up for your bus ride at the bus stop.
On the Day of Travel, How Do I Use the Bus to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
See the step-by-step guide below on how to board the Airport Limousine bus to get to your destination :
Step 1 : Make sure to be at your designated bus stop with your ticket 15 minutes before the departure time of your ride.
- If purchasing online, through hotel, or from the airport Bus Ticket counter : Bring your ticket or confirmation paper straight to the bus stop
- If booked by phone : Bring your ticket number to the bus stop
Step 2 : Give your ticket to the staff or bus driver (if no staff present) at the bus stop. The bus staff will collect your luggage, tag it, and put it aside, and give you a luggage receipt.
Step 3 : Queue up in according order, and wait for your bus to arrive.
Step 4 : Bus often arrives around 10 minutes before departure time. At this time, board the bus by showing the driver your bus ticket, and confirm your destination. The staff will store your luggage in the large baggage compartment in the bus.
Step 5 : Take any seat available on the bus, and store your carry-on bag on the overhead rack or under your seat. Put on seat belt, and wait for take-off.
Step 6 : No eating, smoking, or talking loudly when riding the bus.
Step 7 : Monitor the large TV screen in front of the bus, next to the driver. It will show all instructions and next stops. There are also announcement of the next stops in Japanese, English, and Chinese languages.
Step 8 : Get off the bus when the screen shows your destination. Show the driver/staff your luggage tag to receive your luggage.
That’s it! You have now successfully master how to use the Airport Limousine Bus for your Japan travel.
Where Do I find More Info about Airport Limousine Bus services?
The ALB provides an easy-to-understand guide covering topics related to bus travel, including booking, payment, safety, baggage, pet policies, and more on their official website (click this link to the official guide).
Additionally, you can find other information on their reservation website here as well.
What about the Other Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Bus Services?
There are many low-cost bus choices, and they have very few bus stops in Tokyo compared to the Airport Limousine Bus. The main LCC buses are below :
- Keisei Bus
- Access Narita (previously called Tokyo Shuttle, now called “Airport Bus TYO-NRT”
Ticket costs 1,300 yen per person, with only 1 piece of luggage allowed per person, and travel time is 60 to 80 minutes to Tokyo station only. And there is no booking in advance.; simply show up at the bus stop, and pay for a seat on the bus.
What If My hotel Is Not one of the Hotels Listed on the Bus Stop List, or not Located Close to the Nearest Stop?
There are many many ALB bus stops all over the city. Try finding the one closest to your hotel, and get off at that stop, then walk a few minutes over to your hotel.
Or if you have too much luggage and or having small kids with you, consider getting off at the closest train station to your hotel, and take a taxi to drop you off at your hotel. For short-distance travel (a few minutes drive), taxi is a relatively economical choice, and costs somewhere between 900 yen to 2,000 yen only. Problem solved!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, if you’re looking for a convenient and stress-free way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo area, while having lots of luggage and or kids in tow, the Airport Limousine Bus is the way to go.
Don’t let jet lag and exhaustion ruin your first day in Tokyo – Get your bus ticket, sit back, relax, and start your adventure off on the right foot with the Airport Limousine Bus!
Don’t forget to check out my other helpful blog posts on Tokyo Japan travel, where you can discover even more practical, simple, and time-saving insider tips to make your trip easy breezy and unforgettable!
If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Tokyo!
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