A Few Hours May Not Be Enough! How to Check-in at Narita Airport and Get There Without Missing Your Flight

We’ve all heard the saying: "Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight." But trust me, that may not always be enough time at Narita Airport, especially during peak seasons! If you don’t want to be rushing to check in, sweating buckets, and dragging your luggage like a mad person, this article is for you! We’ve got some tips to help you get to Narita safely and stress-free, so you can relax and enjoy your flight without any drama.

Many people think that getting to the airport 2-3 hours before the flight is plenty of time. But Narita isn’t your average airport, and there are many factors that can eat up your time without you realizing it. Here’s why:

Narita airport can get super crowded in the afternoon to evening, especially if you're flying on a popular route like Southeast Asia! If you’re traveling during peak times, don’t be surprised if you’re stuck in long lines. 

But don't worry! Narita has introduced some great services like Self Bag Drop and Face Express that make check-in much easier. Just use the kiosk to check in and drop off your bags through an automated system. Sounds easy, right? But many people still get confused with the process, and that's what sometimes causes long queues.

•   Scan your passport at the kiosk.
•   Confirm the passenger name and flight details on the screen.
•   Choose how many bags you want to check in and confirm.
•   Receive your boarding pass and bag tags.

•   Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
•   Take your bags to the Self Bag Drop counter (For Japan Airlines: Counter K in Terminal 2, Narita Airport).
•   Scan your passport, take a quick photo for Face Express, and confirm how many bags you're checking in.
•   Place your bags on the conveyor one by one. When you’re done, you’ll get a confirmation receipt.

The self-check-in machines open at 7 AM, so if you know how to use them, you’ll breeze through check-in in no time!

Sometimes the wait at immigration can take over an hour at Narita, especially during busy periods like long weekends or cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. If you're traveling during these times, make sure to leave enough time for immigration!

You might get randomly selected for a luggage inspection, which means you’ll have to open your bag and show everything you bought on your trip. Not only is this time-consuming, but you’ll also need to repack your bag afterward—definitely a hassle!

If you're coming from Tokyo, it can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Narita, depending on the transport method you choose. However, delays from trains, wrong station transfers, or traffic could make you even later than expected! Plus, if you need to return your Pocket WiFi or do a Tax Refund, add another 30-60 minutes to your travel time to avoid last-minute stress.

The Keisei Skyliner is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get from Ueno to Narita Airport's Terminal 2 & 3 in just 41 minutes! You can reserve a seat in advance and there are power outlets on the train to charge your phone or laptop. You can also store your luggage easily.

The fare depends on the station you board from, and you can use either PASMO or SUICA. Plus, if you tap your card at the ticket gate, you'll enjoy a discounted price.

Ideal for: People staying in Ueno, Akihabara, Shinjuku, or Ikebukuro. It’s fast and convenient!
  

Narita Express (N'EX) is another super convenient option, running directly from stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Ofuna to Narita Airport. With reserved seating, luggage storage, and WiFi onboard, this train makes your journey comfortable.

The ticket fare varies depending on the station you board from, and you can use these travel cards for your journey. 

•   Use a Suica or Pasmo card for the basic fare, and purchase a separate ticket for the Narita Express (N'EX) special rapid train. 
•   If you have a JR Pass, you can ride the Narita Express (N'EX) for free, including reserving a seat in advance.

Ideal for: Those with a lot of luggage who want a smooth and comfortable ride to the airport.
  

The Keisei Access Express is a regular train that runs from Asakusa, Ueno, or Tokyo to Narita Airport, taking about 65-70 minutes. Fares start at 910 yen from Shin Kamagaya Station and go up to 1,520 yen from Shinagawa Station.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers who have enough time before their flight. The Access Express is more affordable than the Skyliner and faster than regular trains that stop at every station. However, keep in mind that there are no reserved seats, and you'll need to manage your luggage on your own during the journey.

Taking a taxi or renting a car is the most convenient option, especially if you have big luggage or are traveling in a group. A taxi ride to Narita starts at around ¥25,000 depending on traffic.

Ideal for: People with large bags or groups sharing a taxi. It's quick and easy but on the pricier side.

🚗💨 Also, Gother offers various car rentals for exploring Japan! Pick up and return at the same location. Convenient and affordable! Book your rental car in advance at Gother!

Airport Limousine Bus

There are staff members to handle your luggage and store it in the bus's lower compartment, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it yourself. Once you book your ticket, the system will automatically reserve your seat, ensuring you arrive at the airport or final destination without any hassle. Every bus is equipped with a restroom and free WiFi for your comfort.

TYO-NRT Airport Bus

Available at several major pick-up points, including Tokyo, Ginza, and Shinonome Aeon-mae. The service operates from early morning until late at night. There are no seat reservations, so if the bus is full, you’ll need to wait for the next one. Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage (maximum size 158 cm).

Please note that some buses may not have restrooms, so it’s a good idea to use the restroom before boarding.
  

•   Double-check your flight details – Make sure you know which terminal your flight is leaving from (T1, T2, or T3).
•   Send your luggage ahead – Use the Airport Baggage Service to send your bags directly from your hotel to Narita.
•   Prepare your documents – Have your passport, flight ticket, Tax Refund documents, and other paperwork ready.

•   Book your train tickets in advance – For the Narita Express or Skyliner, book your tickets before you leave for Japan. You can scan the QR code you get to pick up your real ticket at the train counter.
•   Check the weather and leave extra time – Bad weather like heavy rain or snow could delay your travel time.
•   Stay at a nearby hotel – If you’re flying out early in the morning, consider booking a hotel near Narita airport the night before.