How to get from Narita airport to Nara

2024 9/09

March 12, 2024 September 9, 2024

This page introduces the means to get from Narita airport to Nara, as well as the time and price it takes to get there.

We will also introduce the necessary procedures after arriving at Narita airport and convenient services at Narita airport.

TOC

Is there a direct means of transportation from Narita airport to Nara?

There is no direct route from Narita Airport to Nara. Both air and bus routes require a transfer. Below are the directions and transfer routes from Narita Airport to Nara, so please take a look at them for reference.

List of transportation methods from Narita airport to Nara

Means	Fee	Time required
Plane	27,140 yen〜	Approx. 4 hours
Bullet Train	15,300 yen〜	Approx. 5 hours
Bus	6,000 yen〜	Approx.8 hours 20 minutes

What is the most recommended method of transportation?

While each mode of transportation has its advantages, I most recommend the Shinkansen route.

Why Shinkansen are recommended

Since there is no direct route from Narita Airport to Nara, all routes require transfers and take a long time, but the route using the Shinkansen is relatively simple.

When using the Shinkansen, we recommend using Shinagawa Station rather than riding from Tokyo Station. This is because Tokyo Station is one of the largest stations in Japan, and even Japanese people can get lost.

Shinagawa Station is also a large station, but it is simpler than Tokyo Station, so it is easier to get lost.

Information about Train and Bullet Train or Bus

Train and Bullet Train

Price	Time required
15,300 yen〜	Approx. 5 hours

First time	Final time
05：20	20：04

Stool Frequency
Approx.10 times per Hour

Flow of Movement

STEP

Get on Narita Airport Station

Head from Narita Airport Station to Shinagawa Station.(Keisei Narita Airport Line Access Express)

STEP

Get on Shinagawa Station

Head from Shinagawa Station to Kyoto Station.(nozomi)

STEP

Get on Kyoto Station

Head from Kyoto Station to Nara Station.(Miyakoji Expressway)

STEP

Arrived at Nara Station

Arrived at Nara.

Type of Vehicle Used
「Keisei Narita Airport Line Access Express」「nozomi」,「Miyakoji Expressway」

Bus

Price	Time required
6,000 yen〜	Approx.8 hours 20 minutes

First time	Final time
16：15	21：55

Stool Frequency
More than 20 times a day

Flow of Movement

STEP

Get on Narita Airport

Head from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station.

STEP

Get on Tokyo Station

Head from Tokyo Airport to Nara Station.

STEP

Arrived at Nara Station

Arrived at Nara.

Type of Vehicle Used
Night bus

Plane

Price	Time required
27,140 yen〜	Approx. 4 hours

First time	Final time
08：00	20：40

Stool Frequency
Approx. 10 times per Hour

Flow of Movement

STEP

Get on Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 3

Head from Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 3 to Kansai Airport.

STEP

Get on Kansai Airport

Head from Kansai Airport to Tennoji Station.(Kansai Airport Rapid Transit)

STEP

Get on Tennoji Station

Head from Tennoji Station to Nara Station.(JR Kansai Main Line)

STEP

Arrived at Nara Station

Arrived at Nara.

Type of Vehicle Used
「Jetstar or Peach」,「Kansai Airport Rapid Transit」,「JR Kansai Main Line」

Fares for airplanes, bullet trains, and buses vary depending on the time of year, so please check in advance. Prices tend to rise during consecutive holidays such as the year-end and New Year holidays and during Golden Week.

Does JR rail go to Nara?

It is possible to go to Nara from Narita Airport using the JR Pass. You can take the JR line from Narita Airport to Tokyo or Shinagawa, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, and then take the JR line again to Nara.

The Japan Rail Pass allows you to visit most places, and it is often more economical to use it if the period of use is right. Also, some plans allow you to use the Green Car, so if you want to travel more comfortably, you may want to use it.

One thing to be aware of with the Japan Rail Pass is that it is not available on some Shinkansen trains. The Japan Rail Pass is not available on the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” bullet trains, so you should use the “Kodama” and “Hikari” bullet trains.

Can you use a Suica card to get to Nara?

It is not impossible to get to Nara by Suica, but it takes a tremendous amount of time. This is because you cannot use the Shinkansen with Suica.

It is possible to take a regular train only, but it will take more than 10 hours, and you will not be able to sit in a seat and there are many transfers. We do not recommend this unless you have a very good reason.

JR East has a service that allows you to use the Shinkansen with Suica, but as far as Nara is concerned, it is not covered by this service, so the Shinkansen cannot be used with Suica. If you are going to Tohoku area, you can use this service, so check it out.

Comparison of airport flights from Narita airport to Nara

JAL

Advantages of using

In-flight services are perfect
Seats are relatively comfortable

LCC

Advantages of using

low price
Lots of campaigns and sales

Means	Fee	Frequency
JAL(Arrival at Itami Airport)	Approx.15,200 yen	Approx.2 flights a day
ANA(Arrival at Itami Airport)	Approx.15,200 yen	Approx.2 flights a day
Jetstar(Arrival at Kansai Airport)	Approx.7,730 yen	Approx.4 flights a day
Peach(Arrival at Kansai Airport)	Approx.8,250 yen	Approx.2 flights a day

It is somewhat cheaper to use low-cost airlines. However, depending on the time of year, the fare may be the same as JAL or ANA. You can also go to Nara from either Kansai Airport or Itami Airport.

Narita airport to Nara by car

It is not impossible to drive from Narita Airport to Nara, and it is convenient because you can go wherever you want, but it takes nearly 7 hours one way without a break.

The cost is about the same as other modes of transportation. Driving for long hours on unfamiliar Japanese roads is dangerous and not recommended.

What you need to drive in Japan

To drive in Japan, you will need either a Japanese driver’s license, an international driver’s license, or a driver’s license from a country or region that has a licensing system recognized as being of a level equivalent to that of foreign countries for driving automobiles and other vehicles.

Japanese driver’s license

To obtain a driver’s license in Japan, you are required to submit a certificate of residence showing your permanent address. Foreign residents can also obtain a driver’s license by presenting a certificate of residence.

International Driver’s License

It is issued at the police station of each country and can be driven in Japan within its one-year validity period. Since it cannot be issued in Japan, be sure to obtain one in your own country beforehand.

Driver’s license of your own country

The countries of Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Monaco can be driven in Japan without an international driver’s license, as long as it is accompanied by a license from their country and an official translation.

Procedure after arriving at Narita airport

International flight

Quarantine
Immigration
Baggage claim
Plant and animal quarantine
Customs inspection
Proceed to the arrival lobby

Domestic flight

Retrieve baggage
Proceed to the arrival lobby

Convenient services available after arriving at Narita airport

Pocket WiFi Rental Service

With our pocket WiFi rental service, you can connect to the internet as soon as you arrive. You can do various things at a comfortable speed, such as doing research and arranging transportation.

Terminal	Number of Stores
First Terminal	12 stores
Second Terminal	6 stores
Third Terminal	1 stores

Recommend Stores
Terminal 1 1F International Arrivals Lobby South Wing “JAL ABC” Counter

Foreign Currency Exchange Service

There are many currency exchange offices at Narita Airport. When exchanging foreign currency, which is essential for overseas travel, we recommend Chiba Bank’s currency exchange service.

Terminal	Number of pieces
First Terminal	11 pieces
Second Terminal	10 pieces
Third Terminal	2 pieces

Recommend Stores
4th floor, North Wing, Terminal 1, before security inspection Chiba Bank

Baggage Delivery Service

A baggage delivery service is a service that delivers your luggage for a trip or business trip from your home to the airport on your outbound journey, or from the airport to your home on your return journey.

Terminal	Number of pieces
First Terminal	8 pieces
Second Terminal	4 pieces
Third Terminal	1 pieces

Recommend Stores
Yamato Transport Takkyubin T3 Main building / 1F / Before security inspection

Shower Facilities Service

You can take a shower for about 1,000 yen on average. In some cases, accommodation facilities may be available. There are several facilities at Narita Airport where you can take a shower.

Terminal	Number of pieces
First Terminal	2 pieces
Second Terminal	1 pieces
Third Terminal	0 pieces

Recommend Stores
T1 Central Building / 2F / Before security check

Recommended pocket WiFi rental at Narita airport

NINJA WiFi

Distributors：Vision Inc. Payment Method：Credit Card
Reservation Deadline：1 Day Before the Pick-up Date By 3:00 p.m. Japan Time

NINJA WiFi has the highest number of receiving locations. Of course, you can also pick it up at Narita Airport.In order to pick it up at Narita Airport, please complete your application by 3pm the day before.

Check the NINJA WiFi Counter MAP at Narita airport

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1 1F International Arrivals Lobby South Wing “JAL ABC” Counter

Business Hours
6:30 a.m. ~ 9:30 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“JAL ABC” Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1, 1F Central Building International Arrivals Lobby “J WiFi & Mobile” Return Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“J WiFi & Mobile” Return Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 2, 1F International Arrivals Lobby “J WiFi & Mobile x GLOBAL WiFi” Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“J WiFi & Mobile x GLOBAL WiFi” Counter MAP

Go to NINJA WiFi

JAPAN WIRELESS

Distributors：Inbound Platform Corp. Payment Method：Credit Card
Reservation Deadline：【Post Office】1 Day Before, 【JAL ABC Counter】2 Day Before

All plans of Japan Wireless are unlimited, so you can use it without worrying about the amount of data. It has also received good reviews from over 800,000 customers.

Check the JAPAN WIRELESS Counter MAP at Narita airport

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1 1F International Arrivals Lobby South Wing “JAL ABC” Counter

Business Hours
6:30 a.m. ~ 9:30 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“JAL ABC” Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1, 1F Central Building International Arrivals Lobby “J WiFi & Mobile” Return Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“J WiFi & Mobile” Return Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 2, 1F International Arrivals Lobby “J WiFi & Mobile x GLOBAL WiFi” Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

“J WiFi & Mobile x GLOBAL WiFi” Counter MAP

Go to JAPAN WIRELESS

WiFi BOX

Distributors：Telecom Square, Inc. Payment Method：Credit Card
Reservation Deadline：OK just before pick up WiFi

WiFi BOX can be rented on the day without prior reservation if you have a device. There is no staff at the pick-up counter, so pick-up and return is easy and contactless.

Check the WiFi BOX Counter MAP at Narita airport

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1 4F Mobile Center South Departure Satellite

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 21:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

Mobile Center South Departure Satellite MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 1, 1F Arrival Lobby Telecom Square Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 21:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

Arrival Lobby Telecom Square Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 2, 3F Departure Lobby 2 Telecom Square Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 21:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

Telecom Square Counter MAP

Name of Airport
Narita International Airport Terminal 2, 3F Departure Lobby 2 Telecom Square Counter

Business Hours
7:00 a.m. ~ 21:00 p.m.

Pick-up	Return	On the day

Telecom Square Counter MAP

Go to WiFi BOX

Summary

The most recommended means of transportation from Narita airport to Nara.

Train and Bullet Train

Advantages of using

Transfers are required, but relatively simple to get around.
The balance between price and time required is just right.
Since the train passes through Kyoto on the way to transit, it is possible to go sightseeing in Kyoto.

Recommended services at Narita airport