Best Ways to Get from Narita Airport to Ginza — Stress-Free Travel Guide
Tokyo Has Two Airports — Which One Should You Choose?
When planning a trip to Tokyo, one surprisingly important decision is which airport to use.
Tokyo has two major international airports:
- Haneda Airport (HND)
- Narita Airport (NRT)
They differ a lot in location and convenience.
If flight price and schedule are similar, Haneda is usually the better choice—because it’s much closer to central Tokyo.
✈️ Haneda Airport (HND) — The “Inside Tokyo” Advantage
Haneda’s biggest advantage is simple: it’s actually in Tokyo.
Benefits:
- Around 20–30 minutes to central Tokyo
- Many transport options (train, monorail, taxi, bus)
- Less fatigue after a long international flight
- Often lower transportation costs
After landing, getting to your hotel quickly can make the whole trip feel smoother from day one.
✈️ Narita Airport (NRT) — More Flights, But Much Farther
Narita is often called “Tokyo Narita,” but it’s located in Chiba Prefecture, outside Tokyo.
Benefits:
- More international routes
- Sometimes cheaper airfare
- Wider airline selection
The trade-off is distance.
Getting into Tokyo often takes about 60–90 minutes by train, and sometimes longer depending on where you’re going.
✔️ If You Arrive at Narita — Best Ways to Get to Ginza (4 Options)
Ginza is a central area, but “the best” route depends on:
- speed
- luggage size
- comfort level
- how many people you’re traveling with
Below are the 4 most stress-free options.
① Train — Fast & Reliable (Best Overall for Most Travelers)
Estimated time: about 60–80 minutes (depending on route)
There are two popular train patterns:
Pattern A (Fast + Simple): Keisei Skyliner + Subway
- Narita Airport → Keisei Skyliner → Nippori / Ueno
- Transfer to Tokyo Metro / Toei Subway
- Get off around Ginza / Higashi-Ginza / Ginza-itchome (choose the station closest to your hotel)
Pattern B (Comfort + JR): Narita Express (N’EX) + JR/Metro
- Narita Airport → Narita Express (N’EX) → Tokyo Station
- Tokyo Station → Taxi or subway to Ginza (Ginza is close to Tokyo Station)
✔️ How to Buy Tickets
- Ticket counters at Narita Airport
- Ticket machines
- IC cards (Suica / PASMO) for subway segments
- Some options can be booked online in advance (helpful if you want peace of mind)
✔️ Pros
- Most reliable timing (no traffic delays)
- Often the fastest overall
- Lots of departures
- Good for travelers who want to start sightseeing quickly
✔️ Cons
- Transfers can feel tiring with large suitcases
- Station walking and stairs can be a hassle during rush hours
- You still need to navigate to your exact hotel entrance
✔️ Best For
✅ Solo travelers or couples
✅ Light-to-medium luggage
✅ People who want predictable arrival time
✅ Anyone comfortable with trains/subways
Conclusion: If you prioritize speed and reliability, train routes are usually the best choice.
② Airport Limousine Bus — Easiest with Luggage
Estimated time: about 70–120 minutes (depends on traffic + destination)
Limousine buses run from Narita to major hotels/areas in Tokyo.
For Ginza, the best use case is when your hotel (or a nearby major hotel) is on a direct route.
✔️ How to Buy Tickets
- Narita Airport bus counters
- Online reservation
- Sometimes via hotel concierge/front desk (depends on hotel)
✔️ Pros
- Less luggage stress (suitcases go in the luggage compartment)
- Very simple after a long flight
- Comfortable seating
- Great if you dislike train transfers
✔️ Cons
- Traffic risk → arrival time can vary a lot
- Schedules vary by route and time of day
- May still require a short walk from the stop to your hotel
✔️ Best For
✅ Travelers with big suitcases
✅ Families / groups
✅ People who want the simplest logistics
✅ Anyone unfamiliar with Tokyo trains
Conclusion: If you value ease and luggage comfort, the bus is often the least stressful option.
③ Private Airport Transfer (Private Car) — Maximum Comfort
Estimated time: about 60–120 minutes (traffic-dependent)
A private transfer is door-to-door service by sedan/minivan/van based on your group size.
✔️ Booking Method (Tickets)
- Online booking via transfer platforms (e.g., Klook or travel sites)
- Credit card payment
- Advance reservation is standard
- Usually not available as a same-day “walk-up ticket” at the airport
✔️ Transfers
- Zero transfers
- Meet the driver at arrivals
- Get in
- Drop-off at your hotel entrance
✔️ Pros
- Easiest with lots of luggage (almost no carrying)
- True door-to-door
- Best comfort after a long flight
- Great for travelers who want a premium experience
✔️ Cons
- Most expensive (especially for 1 person)
- Traffic risk still exists
- Less flexible for last-minute plan changes
✔️ Best For
✅ Families
✅ Travelers with children or elderly companions
✅ People carrying multiple suitcases
✅ Groups of 4+ (cost per person can become reasonable)
✅ Anyone who wants the smoothest possible arrival
Conclusion: If comfort matters most, private transfer is the strongest choice.
④ NEAR ME (Shared Airport Shuttle) — Value + Comfort Balance
Estimated time: about 70–120 minutes (varies by shared pickups)
NEAR ME is a shared shuttle service that feels closer to a car ride than a bus—often with drop-off near your hotel.
✔️ Booking Method (Tickets)
- Online reservation via official site
- Advance payment
- Usually not available for same-day airport walk-up purchase
✔️ Transfers
- Usually no transfers
- Board at a designated pickup point
- Shared ride pickups may occur
- Drop-off near your hotel
✔️ Pros
- Easier than trains with luggage
- Often cheaper than private transfer
- Convenient for solo travelers
- Drop-off near your hotel reduces walking
✔️ Cons
- Not a private ride
- Timing can shift due to other passenger pickups
- For 4+ people, private transfer may be better value
✔️ Best For
✅ Solo travelers / couples
✅ Travelers with luggage who want a smoother ride than trains
✅ People who want comfort but don’t want private-car pricing
✅ Anyone flexible with pickup/drop-off timing
Conclusion: NEAR ME is a strong “middle option” for comfort + cost.
✔️ Quick Summary (Choose by Priority)
- Fast + reliable → Train
- Easiest with luggage → Limousine Bus
- Comfort MAX → Private Transfer
- Best balance → NEAR ME
✔️ The Easiest Way to Decide: Choose by Group Size
- 1 traveler → Train or NEAR ME
- 2 travelers → Train or NEAR ME
- 3–4 travelers → Bus or Private Transfer
- 4+ travelers → Private Transfer often becomes the best value
As your group gets bigger, a private car’s cost per person drops—sometimes making it surprisingly reasonable.
✔️ Travel Satisfaction Tip
Arrival day and departure day are more exhausting than most travelers expect.
If your final transportation is smooth and comfortable, your overall impression of the trip improves a lot.
When in doubt, choose the option that feels easiest.
