Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (or vice versa) can be challenging for many first-time Japan visitors. Tokyo is a huge city that is home to several train and bus lines that can be overwhelming the first couple of times you encounter them. Fortunately, there is the Tokyo Shuttle service that can make things less stressful for you as you travel between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo.
What is Tokyo Shuttle?
Tokyo Shuttle is a recently launched bus service that provides a direct connection between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. It is offered by the Keisei Bus Company.
What are the advantages of using Tokyo Shuttle?
Tokyo Shuttle takes away the hassles of working out which of the several train options from the airport to the city centre to take or figuring out how to buy tickets from the ticket machines. It costs 1,000 yen (regular one-way fare) and takes about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.
Every passenger gets their own seat, so there is no need to worry about having to squeeze your way down the narrow aisle looking for a vacant seat or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow exhausted tourists throughout the entire journey that takes around an hour to an hour and a half.
Because it is a direct service, you do not have to get off the bus and drag your heavy luggage to transfer to another vehicle somewhere along the way. You can just sit or nap comfortably and uninterrupted on the cushioned seats or take advantage of the free wireless internet until you arrive to Narita Airport or Tokyo Station.
The buses allow each passenger one piece of large baggage or suitcase to store in the trunk and carry-on bags small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. However, the vehicles do not have toilets, so make sure to visit a restroom before boarding.
Also, in comparison to other direct transportation options between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station, Tokyo Shuttle is a cheaper alternative. A one-way ride on the Narita Express takes only 53 minutes but costs three times more at 3,020 yen. By JR Sobu/Narita Line Rapid, a one-way trip takes an hour and a half and costs 1,320 yen.
Every day, Tokyo Shuttle offers multiple departures, from around 6 am to 9 pm (if coming from Narita Airport) and from around 1:30 am to 7 pm (if coming from Tokyo Station). Click here for the complete timetable.
How much does a ticket cost?
The regular one-way ticket costs 1,000 yen (adults) or 500 yen (children), if bought on the day of departure. But, if departing from Tokyo Station via an early morning or late night bus, the one-way fare costs 2,000 yen (adults) and 1,000 yen (children).
If you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy a discounted rate of 900 yen (adults).
How do you reserve or book a ticket in advance?
Ticket reservations can be done through the following channels:
- Online: Keisei Bus’ reservation system and Rakuten Travel
- Convenience store terminals: Family Mart, Lawson, Circle K, 7-Eleven
- Keisei Expressway Bus Reservation Center Telephone Number: 047-432-1891 (Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm, Sun and holidays 9 am to 6 pm)
Where do you buy a ticket on the day of departure?
Once you land at Narita Airport, proceed to a Keisei Bus Ticket Counter at Terminal 1, 2, or 3 to buy your Tokyo Shuttle tickets.
If you are departing from Tokyo Station, you can drop by the Keisei Expressway Bus lounge to purchase a ticket or pay the fare upon boarding.
What is the Tokyo Shuttle Free Ride Exclusive Coupon or Ticket Set?
For people who travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station frequently, the Tokyo Shuttle Free Ride Exclusive Coupon or Ticket Set is a discounted offer that should not be missed.
For the price of 42,800 yen, it consists of 50 single tickets with no expiration dates (meaning they can be used indefinitely), valid for travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and vice versa. If you do the math, you will find that each ride only costs 865 yen, which saves you 144 yen per ticket.
It is available for sale at the Keisei Bus ticket counters at the 3 Narita Airport terminals and the Keisei Expressway Bus lounge at Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit. Visit the Keisei Bus website to read more about this offer.
Where do you wait for the shuttle?
Narita Airport
There are boarding areas for the Tokyo Shuttle buses at Narita Airport’s Terminal 1, 2, and 3. Here are maps to help you locate them:
- Tokyo Shuttle boarding area at Narita Airport Terminal 3
- Tokyo Shuttle north and south boarding areas at Narita Airport Terminal 2
- Tokyo Shuttle boarding area at Narita Airport Terminal 1
Tokyo Station
At Tokyo Station, the boarding area is bus stop #3, located a few steps from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit. Here is a guide for your reference.
What is the Tokyo Shuttle and SUBWAY Pass?
The Tokyo Shuttle and SUBWAY Pass is a special ticket offer that allows tourists to use the Tokyo Shuttle and the Tokyo Subway network at lower rates. It comes in the following types:
If you plan to utilize the subways several times a day on your trip, it may make sense to purchase one of these passes to save you even a little bit of money. They are available at the Keisei Bus ticket counters at Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
