Train, taxi or bus: Which is the best way to go to Shibuya from Narita Airport?
Shibuya is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tokyo among both locals and travelers. The center of Japanese youth fashion is also a fantastic place to stay, as it has a large number of hotels, shopping complex, restaurants and entertainment options while is very well connected.
As Tokyo is a huge city, with numerous public transportation options including different train and subway lines, there is not only one way to get from Narita Airport to Shibuya but several. From direct trains or buses to cheaper options, including private transportation, in this article I would like to introduce you to the different ways to get from Narita Airport to Shibuya and vice versa!
If your hotel or accommodation is not in Shibuya, but in another part of the city, you can check out this article with general information about how to get from Narita Airport to different parts of Tokyo city!
Then check this article: How to Travel Between Narita Airport and Tokyo
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Getting from Narita to Shibuya quick comparison
Before going into the details of each service, let’s have a quick comparison to give you an idea. Basically there are three ways to get from Narita Airport: train, taxi and bus. Within these categories, there are different options and prices.
The following chart shows three of the most important points that people usually look for when deciding that are how much it cost, how many time it takes, and how many people (for example sometimes sharing a taxi can be better than going on express train, etc).
- Approx fare: This is the lowest cost possible for this service. In some services prices might change depending on where your destination is or the time of day you’re using this service.
- Time: This is the lowest time possible for this service. Time might change in some services depending on where your destination is or the conditions (heavy rain, traffic jam, etc).
Skyliner | N’EX | Airport Taxi | Regular Taxi | Limousine Bus | |
Approx fare | 2,300 yen | 3,320 yen | from 22,700 yen | from 27,000 yen | 3,100 yen |
Passengers | 1 pax | 1 pax | Up to 6 | Up to 4 | 1 pax |
Time | 65 minutes | 75 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour | 90 minutes |
Booking | Book here | Book here | Book here | Grab a taxi there | Book here |
Direct Way: Airport Limousine Bus & JR Narita Express
If you value convenience over price or time, the best way to get from Narita Airport to Shibuya is either by Narita Express or Airport Limousine bus.
Know as N’EX, the Narita Express is one of the fastest options to travel between Narita Airport and Shibuya, but not the cheapest one. It cost 3,320 yen but it goes from Narita Airport to Shibuya station directly in 75 minutes approx, so isn’t the fastest option either. However, the train have a specific space in each carriage where you can leave your suitcases and free Wifi, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.
It’s a popular option for those who have purchased the Japan Rail Pass, as the Narita Express train is included in the pass. And for those who doesn’t have the JR Pass or they aren’t planning to use it on the first day, if you buy a round-trip ticket there is a 33% promotion so it costs 4,070 yen for adults or 2,030 yen for children.
Please note that not all the Narita Express stops in Shibuya, so make sure about that before getting into the train.
Click HERE to book Narita Express Tickets online
Airport Limousine Bus
Airport Limousine Bus is one of the most popular choice among many tourists as it takes you from Narita airport to the door of your hotel. It costs 3,100 yen for adults or 1,550 yen for children, but saves you from having to carry the luggage around the city while changing trains, etc.
The downside is that although it stops at most major hotels in Tokyo, it doesn’t stop at all, so it will depend on where you are staying and that you may be delayed if there is traffic jam.
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Where to buy and where to take the Train /Bus in Narita Airport?
The JR ticket counters for the NEX’T is located on B1 of Narita Airport, as well as access to the tracks. On the other hand, the ticket counters for bus tickets are located on the first floor, close to the arrival gate. You can find more information in this article: How to Travel Between Narita Airport and Tokyo
Fastest Way: Keisei Skyliner
Usually the Keisei Skyliner is the fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It costs 2,570 yen for adults and 1,150 yen for children from 6 to 11 years old. As the Narita Express, the Skyliner have a space for the luggage and free Wifi available. However, it only stops at Nippori or Ueno Sation, so you have to transfer to the JR Yamanote line from Nippori to Shibuya Station, or the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line at Ueno Station is another option (I recommend use the Yamanote since have a more easy connection with the Skyliner).
So in this case, from Narita Airport to Shibuya Station it takes at least 65 minutes which is almost the same that with the N’EX but with a train change. If you prefer save some money but yet not take too much time, then the Skyliner it would be a good option. Otherwise, I recommend you take the N’EX.
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Most Comfortable Option: Private Transfer
Taxi or private transfer are one of the most used transportation way to get from the airport to the hotel or residence. It’s the most comfortable and easy option, specially if you are in a country that you don’t know much about and you don’t speak the local language.
It’s generally a good option when you are a large group of people, or if you aren’t worried about the budget, since it’s a bit pricey. In Japan taxi services are more expensive than in other countries, even for relatively short trips. As Narita airport is at least one hour away from the center of Tokyo, the rate of regular taxis is around 25,000-30,000 yen, or even more if there is traffic or an accident and it takes more time to arrive. In addition, to this price you need to add the cost of tolls (which is quite high when it comes to entering/exiting Narita).
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Cheapest Option: Keisei Main Line
Basically, the Keisei Main Line is the same as the Skyliner, but with a regular (not high-speed) train with many stops along the way. It’s the most economical and the one used by locals to, for example, go to work at the airport. But it also takes much longer and has no special space for suitcases, so you will have to send them from the airport or carry them with you at all times watching that they don’t move and don’t disturb other passengers.
If you want to take this option, take the Keisei Line from Narita Airport to Oshiage Station and change to the Hanzomon Line direction Shibuya. With this itinerary the cost would be around 1,250 yen and it will take about 90 minutes.
Do you want to get around Tokyo in the cheapest way possible? Check out this article with all the information about the Tokyo Subway Unlimited Pass! ▶︎Tokyo Subway UNLIMITED Pass: How to Get and How Much You Can Save
Overall
So, the big question of most of you know probably is, which is the best way to move between Narita Airport and Shibuya? Well, as I said at the beginning, it will depend on your priorities. Here is a small comparative chart with pros and cons.
Express Train | Private Transfer | Bus | Local Train | |
Budget Friendly | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
Time | ★★★ | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ |
Comfortable | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ |
Convenient | ★★☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★☆☆ |
Private Groups | ☆☆☆ | ★★★ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ |
Although I’m normally a big fan of the Skyliner and it’s my most used option, in the case of Shibuya the N’EX is undoubtedly the best choice in my opinion. Or the limousine bus if you don’t want to walk to the hotel with your bags. For those searching for a private transportation or for large groups without worrying about the budget, then Airport Taxi is the one. But if you prefer to prioritize economy over speed, then the local train.
Is your hotel in a different area? Check out these articles about how to move between Narita Airport and the following locations:
If you are if you are wondering how to get around Tokyo once you get there, this article may help you ▶︎The Ultimate Guide for Transportation in Tokyo
▽Transportation Guide for Other Popular Destinations▽
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For more information about the best places to visit and things to do in Shibuya, or other trips about transportation in Tokyo, these articles may interest you too!
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.