How to get from Narita Airport to Kyoto?

Japan is a country where tradition and technology coexist, and where the scenery changes with each season. Are you thinking of visiting Japan?

If you visit Japan, there are many people who definitely want to go to Kyoto. This time, we will introduce four main ways to access Kyoto from Narita Airport.

Is there a direct train from Narita Airport to Kyoto?

In conclusion, unfortunately there is no direct train from Narita Airport to Kyoto. You will have to change trains many times.It’s not a bad idea to travel slowly by train, but traveling with large luggage in an unfamiliar place can be really difficult.

Therefore, we will introduce several ways to get from Narita Airport to Kyoto, so please choose the method that best suits your plans.

Introduction to transportation from Narita Airport to Kyoto

From Narita Airport, you can take both planes and buses.You can also take the Shinkansen if you go to Tokyo Station.

Please refer to the table below for information on fees and travel times.

Airplane (Osaka Itami Airport)

It also takes about an hour by limousine bus from Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto Station. The price is 1,340 yen. If you purchase tickets at the counter, you can also use your credit card.

The disadvantage of Osaka Itami Airport is that there are no LCC flights, and there is only one flight each from JAL and ANA. Since both flights are night flights, there may be some waiting time depending on the time of arrival at Narita Airport.

Airplane (Kansai International Airport)

If you don’t use options, you can save money, so it’s especially recommended for people who don’t have a lot of luggage and aren’t particular about seats.

Use the limited express Haruka from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station. There are two trains running per hour. The fare is 3,110 yen for unreserved seats, and the journey takes 80 minutes.

Bullet train

From Narita Airport to Kyoto Station, take the route Narita Airport – Tokyo Station (or Shinagawa Station) – Kyoto Station.

If the weather is good, you may be able to see Mt. If you want to see Mt. Fuji, reserve seat E for the window side. The train will pass Shin-Fuji Station about 45 minutes after departing Tokyo Station, so be careful not to miss it.

Narita Airport to Tokyo Station

If you want to take the Shinkansen, first head from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. If you use the Narita Express, which runs 2 times per hour, or the limousine bus, which runs 3-4 times per hour, you won’t have to change trains. Both require a little over an hour.

However, in reality, transferring to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station is a little complicated. If you want to take the Narita Express, it would be easier to pass through Tokyo Station and transfer to the Shinkansen at Shinagawa Station.

Japan Rail Pass

If you plan on using the Narita Express, consider using the Japan Rail Pass. This is an unlimited ticket for tourists from overseas that allows you to use all JR Group lines and Shinkansen trains during the period. Of course, you can pick it up at Narita Airport.

However, please note that if you wish to use some Shinkansen trains, including the Shinkansen “Nozomi”, you will need to purchase a special ticket separately.

Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station

Transferring at Tokyo Station is not easy even for Japanese people. The Narita Express arrives at the platform on the 5th basement floor of Tokyo Station, so take the elevator to the 1st basement floor and head for the Shinkansen ticket gate above ground.

Traveling within Tokyo Station, which is vast, will cause a considerable amount of time loss.

Therefore, we recommend taking the Narita Express to Shinagawa Station. At Shinagawa Station, you can transfer to the Shinkansen on the same floor. Once you get on the Shinkansen, all you have to do is get off at Kyoto Station.

Bus

Since you can move while you sleep, you can save money and use your time effectively, but it is only for people with physical strength.

By the way, until March 2020, there was a night bus running directly from Narita Airport to Kyoto Station. There is a possibility that it will be reinstated in the future due to changes in the situation, so it is a good idea to check once before leaving the country.

Rental car

Quote source：https://www.tabirai.net/car/chiba/company/nippon/branch/?PID=4194

However, it is necessary to drive approximately 530km from Narita Airport to Kyoto, and toll road fees will be charged separately. Also consider the cost of parking during the rental period.

Procedure after arriving at Narita Airport

The deadline for boarding procedures is 50 to 60 minutes before departure time, but considering the waiting time for immigration and getting to the boarding gate, it is better to allow plenty of time. It is safer to arrive at Narita Airport beforehand.

When many people take international flights, such as Obon, New Year’s holidays, and Golden Week, boarding procedures, security checks, and immigration can be expected to be crowded, so you’ll want to arrive at least 3 hours early.

At the security check, you will present your boarding pass and undergo a baggage and body check. Be careful of things that are prohibited from being brought in, such as plastic bottles of drinks and lotions.

Convenient services available after arriving at Narita Airport

Narita Airport offers a variety of convenient services that will be appreciated by those who are about to travel overseas or those who have just arrived from overseas. Here we will introduce the main types of services available at Narita Airport and their details.

Recommended pocket WiFi rental at Narita airport

Tour Introduction in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the prefectures in Japan with the largest number of tourist attractions. The distance to each tourist attraction can be great, making it difficult for first-time visitors to Japan to get around efficiently.

One option for first-time visitors is to join a tour. Some tour guides speak good English, and you may be able to hear information that only they know. Please refer to the following tour articles.

Summary

Below we introduce the pocket WiFi rental service at Narita airport in more detail.