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Narita Airport is the main gateway to Tokyo and eastern Japan. The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest train from the airport to reach downtown Tokyo. This article highlights the train's features compared to N'EX Narita Express, its operating routes, how to purchase tickets, and more!
1. Introduction to the Keisei Electric Railway Skyliner
2. Comparison between the Skyliner and N'EX Narita Express
3. Skyliner Routes and Stop Stations
4. How to Purchase and Pick Up Skyliner Tickets
5. Features Inside the Skyliner
6. Secret Location for Photographing the Skyliner: Narita Yukawa Station
The Keisei Electric Railway's Skyliner is a high-speed train connecting Narita International Airport to Ueno in Tokyo. It features a streamlined shape, complemented by a simple color scheme of deep blue and white.
The ride takes about 41 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station in Tokyo to Narita Airport, making it the fastest transportation route to the airport.
The Skyliner utilizes the advanced Keisei AE series trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour in certain sections. It is also the fastest train in Japan, aside from the Shinkansen. You should take the Skyliner if you want to experience the thrill of a "quasi-Shinkansen."
The Skyliner is commonly compared with the N'EX Narita Express, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a comprehensive chart detailing these differences.
Comparison | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Skyliner | ・Can quickly reach Ueno and Nippori, easy to transfer to the subway, and go to places like Asakusa and Haneda Airport at Aoto Station. ・More frequent services and generally cheaper. | ・Since the final stop is Ueno, you must transfer to go to other locations, which may not necessarily be faster overall. |
N'EX Narita Express | ・Can reach major stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shinjuku without any transfers, and even has direct access to Yokohama Station. ・More convenient when transferring to the Shinkansen. ・JR PASS can be used. | ・Longer travel time. ・Higher fare for a single trip. ・Less frequent services. |
Picture courtesy of Keisei Electric Railway Official Website
The Skyliner departs from Keisei Ueno Station or Narita Airport Station and only stops at Nippori Station. However, certain trains also stop at Aoto Station and Shin-Kamagaya Station. If you need to transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line, be sure to take a train that stops at Aoto Station.
Here is the latest schedule as of 2025.
At Keisei Ueno Station, Nippori, Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, and Narita Airport Terminals 2 and 3 Station, there are both staffed ticket counters and automated ticket machines for purchasing tickets.
However, online platforms like Klook also offer tickets for sale. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid missing your desired train due to queues at the ticket counters.
Keisei also sells ticket packages with various options, such as bundled tickets with a 24-hour Tokyo Metro pass. There is a wide variety of ticket types available, making it highly recommended to purchase in advance.
The Skyliner is the first train many visitors to Japan see upon their arrival. It is naturally regarded by the railway company as one of "Japan's front doors." The onboard facilities of the Skyliner should not be overlooked. One essential feature now is the power outlet, allowing passengers to recharge devices during the short 41-minute journey. While it's not enough time to fully charge a phone, every bit helps! Additionally, Wi-Fi is available onboard, making it quite an impressive vehicle in terms of amenities.
Since this is a dedicated train service between the airport and the city, the carriage is naturally designed with luggage storage areas.
If the luggage storage doesn't have enough space, there's no need to worry. The seat spacing in the Skyliner is quite roomy, so placing a suitcase in front of your feet is also an option.
Perhaps you have experienced the thrill of riding the Skyliner at full speed from inside the train. But have you ever seen the Skyliner speeding from the outside?
Although its maximum speed can reach 160 kilometers per hour, this is limited to specific sections. So, where is this specific section? It is located near Narita Yukawa Station, where the track layout resembles that of a Shinkansen station. This allows the trains to pass through the middle track at high speed.
This configuration has made Narita Yukawa Station a popular spot for photographing the Skyliner. However, this station only has the Access Express stopping there, with only one to two trains an hour. Since there is nothing nearby, be sure to keep an eye on the time if you plan to go there for photos.
Although there are many transportation options to Narita Airport, we highly recommend taking the Skyliner. Whether considering the travel time to the airport or the comfort of the ride, it offers great value across various comparisons.
Shorten your travel time to the Narita Airport and enjoy more time exploring Tokyo!
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