Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) Flights & Information

Narita International Airport (NRT) is roughly 40 miles east of central Tokyo and is generally considered the secondary international airport for Japan’s capital city today. City-center Haneda Airport (HND), with its newer international terminal, is now the preferred option for many if they can get it, but I still really like Narita for several reasons.

The airport express train connections from Narita make it arguably more convenient if you’re heading for quite a bit of the city, or even further afield by Shinkansen bullet train with connections at Tokyo Station. If you choose Narita International Airport yourself, this complete guide will enhance your journey with expert tips and insider info.

Narita Airport terminal logistics

Narita has 3 terminals. Terminal 1 is home the Star Alliance and SkyTeam alliances, including hometown carrier All Nippon Airways, while Terminal 2 is used by oneworld alliance airlines, including local powerhouse Japan Airlines. Terminal 3 is a low-cost terminal semi-attached to Terminal 2 and is used by some, but not all, low-cost carriers at Narita, including Jetstar and Spring Japan. Additional airlines are split between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Given the distance to Tokyo and the early morning/late evening flight schedule for some airlines, you may want to stay overnight at an airport hotel. There are only 2 hotels within the airport itself – the Narita Airport Rest House near (but not inside) Terminal 1 and the Nine Hours capsule hotel across from Terminal 2.

There are numerous hotels just outside the airport, though, many of which I’ve tried and all of which were better in both simple quality and value for money compared with those inside the airport. Most have free shuttles, but these don’t run particularly frequently. Check the schedules and consider pricing out a taxi if the wait will be long – it may be worth the convenience of checking in sooner after a long journey.

Arriving at NRT

If you’re arriving at Narita from within Japan, your path to baggage claim is clearly marked, although it might be a bit of a walk (or even a bus ride) depending on your arrival gate. It’s pretty straightforward regardless.

If you arrive from other countries, you’ll need to go through Japanese immigration before collecting your bags and proceeding to customs screening. Overall, the wait can be quite long at peak times, so I usually make sure I have water and something to read or listen to in order to pass the time.

Before arrival, complete your tourist visa application if needed (71 countries are exempt for short term visits, including the US). Then use the Visit Japan Web site (not an app) to complete your immigration and customs forms. You’ll end up with 2 QR codes: one to show for customs and immigration, and one to show during your stay in Japan for tax-free shopping.

I usually print out the immigration QR in case my phone runs out of charge or crashes unexpectedly on arrival. Alternatively, you can fill out paper forms on arrival, but this takes longer and is less convenient for everyone involved.

You’ll be electronically fingerprinted and photographed at immigration, and the officer may ask a few questions about why you’re visiting Japan. Then head down to baggage claim, get your luggage and join one of the customs lines – note that there are usually faster lines for Visit Japan Web users, but these aren’t always super obvious so check around (and ask if you don’t see one).

If you’re connecting at Narita between 2 international flights or from a domestic flight to an international flight, your luggage may be automatically transferred. Confirm with your airline when you check in for your first flight. If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight, you’ll have to clear immigration, collect your luggage and clear customs in Tokyo, then re-check your bags at the domestic check-in counters for your onward journey.

Getting to and from Narita by public transportation

Narita International Airport has great public transportation thanks to 2 sets of rail lines: the JR lines (including the Narita Express, sometimes branded as NEX) and the Keisei lines (including the Keisei Skyliner). The combined stations for these are under Terminals 1 and 2, and the line you want really depends on where you’re going in Tokyo itself – the prices are pretty similar.

If you’re heading to areas around Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya or Shinjuku (or south to Yokohama), you’re likely best off taking the Narita Express. There are 2 departures most hours of the day, but not all Narita Express trains run to all stations. Check with the JR East Travel Service Center in each terminal railway station for confirmation.

If you’re heading to the northern end of central Tokyo, particularly Nippori and Ueno, then the Keisei Skyliner is likely to be your better option. There are 3 trains to and from Narita most hours. Local trains also serve Narita Airport, but unless you’re traveling very early in the morning or very late at night when the Narita Express and Skyliner trains aren’t running, you’re better off taking one of those.

One note on luggage if you’re thinking about connecting to another train once you get to Tokyo: It’s much more common in Japan to ship large items of luggage ahead of you inexpensively rather than drag them onto the smaller trains.

Companies offering this “takuhaibin” or “takkyubin” service (including Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express) have counters at Narita where you can hand over your luggage and it will arrive at your destination the next day. This is much better than trying to fit it with you on local or commuter trains.

Another option to get into Tokyo is the Airport Limousine Bus service, which has a large number of routes driving you directly between the airport and a wide variety of hotels in Tokyo itself. They only run every couple hours during the day and take longer than the trains but can be really convenient if your hotel happens to be one of the destinations (or is very nearby).

Taxis, rideshares and rental cats at NRT

Taking a taxi or rideshare from Narita into Tokyo is hugely expensive – more than 10 times the train – so I’ve never done it and don’t recommend it. If you’re in a large group or carrying a truly inordinate amount of luggage it might be worthwhile, but even then I would recommend using a takkyubin luggage shipping service to take care of the bags and then ride the rails.

Narita offers rental cars from many Japanese car rental companies and this can be a good option if you’re planning to visit eastern Japan – the airport is already so far east of Tokyo that you won’t be snarled by its traffic on the way.

Departing from NRT

Check-in and security lines at Narita tend to move pretty quickly – it’s an efficient airport. While international liquid restrictions are the same as almost anywhere for international flights from Japan, there are no limits for domestic flights. Feel free to bring a full water bottle or anything else through security for these.

Terminals 1 and 2 have top-floor observation decks with a wide variety of restaurants before security, which is a lovely way to start your trip. Terminal 1 has relatively few dining options after security, but Terminal 2 offers the Japan Food Hall above the central shopping area just after you enter the international gate area – I love the unagi eel spot.

Terminal 3 has a really excellent food court before security – my favorite is the Nagasaki champon noodles – but almost nothing after security. Eat up before entering if you’ll be hungry and not visiting any lounges.

Lounges and free Wi-Fi at Narita

Narita has a wide range of lounges, with the best operated by local airlines JAL (Terminal 2) and ANA (Terminal 1). In Terminal 1, there’s also the Korean Air Lounge, United Club and the independent Narita Premier Lounge. Terminal 2 also offers lounges from Cathay Pacific, China Airlines and Emirates, as well as the independent Aspire lounge. There are no lounges in low-cost Terminal 3.

Priority Pass cardmembers can use the IASS lounges in Terminals 1 and 2, and also get a 5-hour pass to the Nine Hours capsule hotel across from Terminal 2. At least one restaurant in each terminal (including Terminal 3) participates in the Priority Pass discount/complimentary dining program.

Wi-Fi across the airport terminals is free and fast but note that it doesn’t stretch everywhere outside. Look for the “FreeWiFi-NARITA” network. I usually arrange an inexpensive data eSIM for my mobile phone before arriving in Japan as well – cellular coverage is excellent at Narita.