#94 Access Express from the Narita Airport
The best option to get from Narita Airport to your hotel in the city center without difficulty.
This week's post is late because I was in Nepal for about a week on a charity-related mission that I am involved in every year. I apologize for the delay from a regular Sunday.
I arrived back at Narita Airport in the afternoon of the 24th, and the airport was surprisingly crowded with foreign travelers before 4:30 pm. The immigration counters were overflowing with foreign travelers, and I was keenly aware that the steady flow of foreign travelers was returning. I needed to find a route to return to my home in western Tokyo from Narita Airport. The easiest route would be to take the Narita Express and transfer to the Chuo Line in Tokyo. Or I could take the Keisei Skyliner and transfer to Nippori. However, there were long lines at both ticket counters, and I was sure I would have to wait a long time. I picked up the Access Express, which connects directly to the Toei Asakusa subway line via the Hokuso Koudan Line. This choice made for a smooth trip, as there was no need to wait in line at a ticket machine with an IC card ticket. This week, I will report on the advantages and disadvantages of the Access Express, which provides access from Narita Airport to hotels in central Tokyo without transfers. Taking the Access Express should be a valid option if you arrive at Narita Airport in the afternoon and head to a hotel downtown Tokyo by evening without changing trains.
What is Access Express?
It connects central Tokyo and Narita Airport, separating from the Keisei Main Line at Keisei Takasago and leading almost straight to Narita Airport without even passing through Narita City. It saves time by running at high speed. Unlike the Skyliner, the Access Express uses regular commuter-type cars and does not require a separate express fare. However, it has separate exits and entrances from the Keisei Main Line's limited express trains, and the fares differ.
What is the advantage?
If you have an IC card like Suica, you don't need to stand in line at the ticket counter to buy a ticket. For travelers from overseas, it is strongly recommended that you install the "Mobile Suica" application. This application allows you to use your smartphone as an IC card and charge it with a credit card in advance. The app can be used not only for public transportation, such as trains, buses, and cabs, but also at convenience stores.
Riding an unfamiliar public transportation system while carrying a large suitcase is tiring. This line connects directly to the Toei Asakusa Line, providing easy overnight stay access to Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Higashi-Ginza, and Shimbashi. All of the above stations offer elevators.
The train fare is slightly higher than the Keisei Main Line's limited express but cheaper than the JR rapid train because there is no additional express fare.
When using the station for transit between Haneda and Narita airports, it connects both airports in about 90 minutes, making it possible to get to both airports on time without worrying about traffic congestion.
What is disadvantage?
The frequency of trains is low, ranging from one to two per hour. The number of direct trains from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport is even smaller, so be careful when traveling between the two airports without changing trains.
If you take a train from Narita Airport Terminal 1, you can almost always sit on the first train, but if you take a train from Terminal 2, you may not be able to sit on the first train. Especially in the evening, the trains are crowded due to the concentration of arriving flights.
Because commuter trains are used, there is no room for large luggage such as suitcases. Even if you sit down, you only have to keep in front of your seat.
Finally
People often say that Narita Airport is less user-friendly because it is far from central Tokyo, and its three terminals are far apart. However, compared to Haneda Airport, which is always crowded with people, Narita Airport still has a lot of space to spare. The multiple train lines, JR, Keisei Main Line, and Access Express, make it difficult to understand. If you have Mobile Suica, it will allow you to leave customs through baggage claim and immediately board a train without purchasing a ticket. Getting to the Nihonbashi, Ginza, and Shinbashi areas is easy without worrying about transfers. Especially when arriving at Narita Airport's Terminal 1 on a Star Alliance airline, you can almost always be seated on the first flight. It is a good idea to prepare Mobile Suica just before visiting Japan and board a train, depending on the time.
On the evening of the 24th, the arrival lobby of Narita Airport's Terminal 1 was filled with people, probably anticipating the blooming cherry blossoms. The ticket booths for express trains and buses were overflowing. The Access Express should be a powerful option during such a busy season.
Useful review. Thank you. My choice is always Haneda as I live on Keikyu line , but Narita sometimes is unavoidable. Will use.