Japan Budget travel affordable Keisei Main Line train SkyAccess Express Train travel from Narita airport to Tokyo

Japan Budget Travel : Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo for Cheap Using Keisei Train Instead of Narita Express

Traveling to Japan on a budget? Want a Narita Airport-to-hotel transfer experience that won’t break the bank? Look no further! I will let you in on an affordable and efficient way to travel from the airport to Tokyo – the Keisei Train.

Forget the expensive Narita Express; hop on the Keisei Line train, and your wallet will thank you for it.

Understanding How to Get to Tokyo from Narita International Airport

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that Narita International Airport, Tokyo’s main international gateway, is not in Tokyo. It’s situated in Chiba, the next prefecture over, which is about 80 Km (or 50 miles) east of central Tokyo.

This means that reaching the heart of Tokyo can take a while, with many different transport options to choose from, thus can be a bit complex for visitors to Japan.

Available Transportation Options

There are several ways to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo. Below are different modes of transport to choose from :

  • By express trains : the fastest and most popular options, such as the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner trains
  • By commuter trains : the Keisei SkyAccess Express and Main Line trains – much cheaper than express trains, best if you have a tight budget
  • By buses : like the awesome and convenient Airport Limousine Bus, or other low-cost buses
  • By taxi/Uber or private transfers

Depending on the time of day of your arrival at Narita Airport, you might have all of these options available to choose from, as most public transports run from 8 AM to 11:30 PM everyday.

Tips :

If you arrive at very early or late hours (from midnight to 6 AM), taxi or private transfer would be your only option, and they are often quite expensive around that time. In that case, it might be better to get a hotel around Narita airport, and travel to Tokyo in the morning, after all public transportation modes resume operation.

Keisei Train Line, and Who Should Use It

Forget about the fancy and expensive Narita Express train. Instead, let me introduce you to Keisei train, a hidden gem for savvy and budget-conscious travelers like yourself.

When it comes to budget travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo, the Keisei Line train is a game-changer, and will save you some serious yen.

Platform sign of Keisei Main Line and Sky Access Express train at Narita International Airport going to Nippori, Ueno and Oshiage and eastern Tokyo area

For those planning to stay around the east side of Tokyo, the Keisei train is your perfect choice, even more efficient to get you to your final destination than the expensive Narita Express train (which only stops at major hubs in central Tokyo like Tokyo and Shinjuku).

Not only is it an economical alternative, but it’s also super easy to navigate. Just purchase your ticket at the Arrivals area of the airport (using yen, an IC card, or a credit card), follow the overhead signs to Keisei train, hop on the train, and let the adventure begin.

No need to stress about complicated transit cards or confusing transfers. (Open Google Maps and monitor the trip progress if it makes you feel more at ease)

Using Keisei Trains to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo

There are primarily two main train operators serving Narita International Airport : Japan Rail East (also called JR East) and Keisei Electric Railway.

While JR East operates the Narita Express train, Keisei provides the Keisei Skyliner train and the Keisei Main Line train.

Option # 1 : Keisei Skyliner – The Fast and Convenient Option

Keisei Skyliner is the fastest train option, reaching downtown Tokyo in as little as 49 minutes.

It’s a dedicated airport express train that promises a smooth and efficient journey into eastern Tokyo, making it ideal for those planning to stay on the east side of Tokyo, while seeking a speedy and convenient travel mode.

The final stop of the Skyliner is Ueno Station, a major hub in Tokyo. From Ueno, passengers can transfer to other lines to reach other parts of the city.

However, the speed and convenience of the Skyliner come at a cost. A one-way ticket costs 2,570 yen, but it’s possible to get discounted tickets online for ¥2,300.

Even though Keisei Skyliner ticket is on the higher end, it is still cheaper than the Narita Express, which runs from 3,070 to 3,250 yen one-way (for ordinary car ticket), depending on your final destination in Tokyo.

Option # 2 : Keisei Main Line and SkyAccess Express – The Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re looking to save money without compromising too much on speed, consider the Keisei Main Line or the Keisei SkyAccess (just to be clear, this is the non-Skyliner train option)

Japan Budget travel affordable Keisei Main Line train SkyAccess Express Train travel from Narita airport to Tokyo
  • The SkyAccess Express train gets you to Tokyo in about 60-70 minutes for 1,270 – 1,470 yen, depending on where you’re getting off.
  • The Main Line train offers the cheapest ride from Narita to Tokyo at 1,050 – 1,430 yen, but it takes about 80-90 minutes to Ueno. The Main Line train takes longer, due to being a commuter train and make multiple stops at different stations before reaching Tokyo.

Comparing Keisei Main Line (non-SkyLiner) Train vs. Narita Express Train

As we are talking about budget travel, which the Keisei Main Line (non SkyLiner) is the perfect option for, we will compare it to the Narita Express.

There is no point comparing the Keisei SkyLiner to the Narita Express, as both options are quite similar, and the ticket prices are not significantly cheaper from one another.

1 . Ticket Cost :

  • Depending on where your final destination in Tokyo is, the Narita Express costs 3,070 to 3,250 yen for a one-way adult ticket (for an Ordinary Car seat).
  • The Keisei Main Line train costs 1,050 to 1,430 yen for a one-way adult ticket, about one-third the price of the Narita Express ticket.

When it comes to cost, the Keisei Main Line train is the winner as it’s the cheapest way to travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo.

2 . Train Speed

  • The Narita Express is known for its high speed, reaching up to 130 km/h. It takes around 60-75 minutes to get to central Tokyo hubs.
  • The Keisei Main Line (non-Skyliner) train is first and foremost a commuter train, thus not as fast as the Narita Express, and makes multiple stops on its way to Tokyo. However, it still provides a relatively efficient and timely journey. Total time to arrive in Tokyo is around 80-90 minutes.

3 . Train Transfers

  • The Narita Express offers direct service to major transportation hubs in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and Tokyo train stations. If your destination is these stations, you are good to go. If not, you will still need to transfer train to get to your destination.
  • The Keisei Main Line train is perfect for those staying in eastern Tokyo, like Ueno or Asakusa area. It may require transfers to other lines depending on your final destination within Tokyo.

4 . Ease of Use

Both the Narita Express and the Keisei Main Line train are easy to navigate, with both clear signs in Narita Airport’s Arrivals area, English announcements and overhead signs inside the train itself.

However, the Narita Express may be more convenient for travelers with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), as the JR Pass offers free access to JR trains and Narita Express trains.

5 . Train Coverage

  • The Narita Express provides extensive coverage in the Tokyo region.
  • If you’re a traveler heading to eastern Tokyo, such as Asakusa area, the Keisei Main Line train is an excellent choice over the Narita Express. It provides extensive coverage in the eastern region of Tokyo, ensuring convenient access to popular destinations in this area.

6 . Seat Reservation

  • The Narita Express is an all-reserved train. You must first reserve a seat on the train in order to board it (regardless of whether you have a JR Pass or buy a paper ticket).
  • Meanwhile, the Keisei train is a commuter train, and does not require a seat reservation in order to board the train. You can simple buy a ticket at the Keisei ticket booth, or tap your IC card at the ticket terminal to pay for the ride, and get on the train easily.

7 . Luggage Space

  • There is ample luggage space inside the Narita Express. There are assigned large luggage storage spaces throughout the train, which you can reserve FOR FREE when purchasing your ticket. There are also overhead luggage racks to store your small and medium-sized luggage as well.
  • Unlike the Narita Express, the Keisei train, being a commuter train, only has some limited overhead luggage space for your small and medium-sized luggage.
Keisei Main Line SkyAccess Express train commuter train budget travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo non-reserved seating
  • If you have lots of luggage when boarding the Keisei train, make sure to mindfully hold on to them when sitting down, and don’t let them collide or get in the way of other passengers.

8 . Amenities on Board

  • The Narita Express offers large and comfortable seats, luggage storage, power outlets, tray table, coat hooks, and free Wi-Fi.
  • The Keisei Main Line train also provides comfortable but standard seating, but there are no other amenities provided.

For those discerning travelers who place a high value on comfort and convenience, perhaps after a long and tiring flight, the Narita Express might emerge as the most appealing option.

For those travelers who are more budget-conscious, who are looking to save where they can without compromising too much on the quality of their journey, the Keisei Main Line provide an affordable yet reliable alternative, offering a balance between cost and comfort, making it ideal for those who are mindful of their travel expenses.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Buy Your Keisei Train Ticket and Get on the Train

Step 1 : Buy Your Keisei Ticket

No need to fret about complicated procedures. Purchasing your Keisei ticket is a breeze!

  • After going through Immigrations and Customs at Narita International Airport, you will find yourself at the Arrivals area of the airport.
  • Follow the “Trains and Public Transportations” sign at the Arrivals area to get to the train ticket counter or automatic ticket machines at Narita Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2・3.
  • There, you will see a large ticket counter with the name “Skyliner and Keisei Information Center”. Get in line to purchase your ticket and get help from a Keisei staff.
Keisei and Skyliner Information Center ticket counter office at Narita Airport
Tips :

If you already have an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica, Pasmo Passport, etc.) with yen in it, you don’t need to buy tickets. Go straight to the Keisei train area, tap your IC card on the ticket terminal, and the fare will automatically get deducted from it. Neat and time-saving, right?

Step 2 : Specify Your Train Option with Staff

If you are planning on using the Keisei Main Line or SkyAccess Express ticket (cheaper), make sure to tell the staff that you want the “non-SkyLiner” train.

Step 3 : Choose a Payment Methods : Cash, IC Card, or Credit Card

  • Keisei understands the importance of convenience. That’s why they accept either cash or credit cards for ticket purchases.
  • As stated earlier, if you already have an IC card like a Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica, Pasmo Passport, etc., you don’t need to buy a paper ticket. Go straight to the Keisei train area, tap your IC card on the ticket terminal, and the fare will automatically get deducted from it. Neat and time-saving, right?

Step 4 : Getting to the Platform

  • Once you’ve obtained your ticket and confirm your train platform number, it’s time to head to the platform.
  • Follow the Keisei train signs, platform number sign, and the flow of fellow travelers.
Japan Budget travel affordable Keisei Main Line train SkyAccess Express Train travel from Narita airport to Tokyo
  • Once you get to your platform, just use the overhead announcement board to confirm your train details from your ticket (train number and train time).
  • Wait for your train to arrive

Step 5 : Board Your Train

  • Now that you’re aboard the Keisei Line train, pick any empty seat and situate yourself. It’s time to relax and enjoy the ride.
  • Need extra space for your luggage? Use the overhead area for your convenience, or keep your luggage next to you, and make sure it does not interfere with other passengers around you.
  • Open Google Maps to monitor the stops if you want. Pay attention to the overhead announcement board, which will show and announce the upcoming stops. Leave the train when your stop is up. And you are good to go! Congrats!

If budget travel is what you are looking for, and you don’t mind spending a little bit more time on the train, the Keisei train is your absolute winner, with its very cheap fares and efficient routes. You can’t go wrong with it. So give it a try!

Don’t forget to subscribe/sign up for my newsletter to get more insider tips and tricks for your Japan adventure. Together, we’ll make your trip a memorable one without emptying your wallet. Happy travels!

If you have any questions 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.

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