Narita Express (N’Ex) Review

The Narita Express, or commonly known as “N’ex”, is a fast and direct way train servicing Tokyo and Narita Airport, and is one of the most popular routes for getting to and from Narita Airport. In this article we break down what we liked, and didn’t like about the Narita Express.

The Basics

Operated by Japan Rail, this service starts at Shinjuku Station, and stops at Shibuya, Tokyo, and both of Narita Airport Terminals. The Narita Express reaches about 120km/h at it’s fastest. While not as fast compared to the Narita Skyliner, the journey is still relatively quick, taking about an hour and half from Shinjuku Station to the Airport, or about 55 minutes from Tokyo Station. 

From Shinjuku Station, the Narita Express stops at Shibuya, Shinagawa, Tokyo, and both Narita Airport terminal stations.. 

The Narita Express also has a Ofuna Terminal, which then stops at Totsuka, Yokohama, Musashi-kosugi, Shinagawa, Tokyo, before arriving at both airport terminal stations.

The Pros

One of the biggest things the Narita Skyliner has going for it, is that it is operated by Japan Rail. This means that the JR Pass can be used to pay for the trip. This makes this route popular among JR Pass holders who have already activated their JR Pass. 

Seats are reserved on board and reserving seats can easily be done (with either cash of JR Pass) via the ticket booths before you head to the platforms. However, you don’t need a reservation as you can just get on with the JR Pass. Take an open seat when you get on, but be aware that you may be asked to change seats if a reserved seat holder gets on at a later stop. For this reason, we do recommend that you do reserve your seats – especially when travelling with luggage. 

Inside, seats are modern, spacious, and have a great recline. Toilets, and WIFI are available, as well as a dedicated oversized luggage compared – should your luggage be unable to fit in the overhead storage. 

The Narita Express has the added benefit that there are 2 main train lines, one servicing just the main Tokyo Area, while the other line heads out towards Yokohama and Ofuna stations, which extends the areas available for direct and easy access to the Airport.

The Cons

Summary

In general, the Narita Express was a very pleasant and enjoyable experience. The train and carriages were much more modern-feeling than the Narita Skyliner, but they didn’t travel as fast as the Skyliner. 

With fast WIFI that was seldom interrupted, and the smooth ride made for an overall very comfortable experience.  

The Narita Express is certainly one of the more popular trains to and from the airport, and it’s not hard to see why – especially for those looking to make the best use of the JR Pass.