When you’re heading from Shibuya Station to Narita Airport, do you often wonder, “Which transportation method is best?” “Can I make it early in the morning or late at night?” or “How much do the fares differ?” With so many options, it’s easy to get confused.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the main transportation options from Shibuya Station to Narita Airport: bus, train, and taxi. We’ll cover their pros and cons, fares, travel times, and crucial information for early morning and late-night travel, helping you find the perfect route for your journey. Whether it’s the amount of luggage, time of day, budget, or the number of travel companions, this complete guide will help you find the best option tailored to your situation.
- Airport Limousine Bus: The King of Convenient, Direct Travel
- Trains (JR Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, etc.): Reliable and Fast
- Taxi: The Most Flexible Door-to-Door Option (Expensive, but Convenient for Early Morning/Late Night)
- Comparison Table of Each Transportation Method: Which is Best for Your Travel Style?
- Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Shibuya-Narita Airport Route to Match Your Travel Style
Airport Limousine Bus: The King of Convenient, Direct Travel
The biggest advantage of the Airport Limousine Bus is its direct service from Shibuya to Narita Airport. There are no transfers, making it easy to travel even with large luggage.
Bus Stops and Access
There are mainly two bus stops around Shibuya Station:
- Shibuya Mark City: Directly connected to Shibuya Station. Exit JR Shibuya Station’s Tamagawa Gate and follow the signs towards Dogenzaka. It’s popular for its easy, rain-free access, especially on wet days.
- Shibuya Fukuras: A 1-2 minute walk from Shibuya Station West Exit (Moyai Statue side). The bus stop is on the 1st floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya (Shibuya Fukuras). This stop is also close to the station and convenient.
Both bus stops are near Shibuya Station and are easy to find, but it’s always a good idea to check with a map app beforehand.
Bus Fares and Travel Time
- Fare (one-way): Approximately ¥3,200 to ¥3,600 for adults (may vary depending on the bus stop and season). Children’s fares are half price. Round-trip discounts and multi-ride tickets may also be available.
- Travel Time: Usually around 75 to 100 minutes. However, it’s crucial to allow plenty of time as traffic conditions (especially congestion) can significantly delay your journey.
Bus Operating Hours: Extensive Early Morning and Late Night Services
Airport Limousine Buses operate from early morning until late at night, aligning with Narita Airport flight schedules. Early morning buses start from the late 4 AM hour, and late-night buses run until 10 PM, or even 11 PM in some locations, making them extremely convenient for early morning LCC flights or late-night arrivals.
Pros and Cons of Buses
Pros:
- Direct, No Transfers: The biggest appeal of the Airport Limousine Bus is direct travel from Shibuya to Narita Airport without any transfers. There’s no stress of lugging heavy bags up and down stairs or navigating crowded transfer points during rush hour. You can arrive at your destination comfortably seated, significantly reducing travel burden.
- Ample Luggage Space: Buses have dedicated underfloor compartments for large luggage like suitcases. This ensures your belongings, even oversized items or numerous souvenirs, don’t inconvenience you during the journey.
- Guaranteed Seating: Many limousine buses offer advance reservations, ensuring you have a seat even during peak times, allowing you to relax until you reach the airport. The peace of mind that comes with not worrying about getting a spot is a huge plus.
- Comfortable Interior: Unlike regular city buses, limousine buses often feature reclining seats and ample legroom, designed to minimize fatigue during long journeys. Some buses may also offer Wi-Fi and charging facilities, allowing you to make productive use of your travel time.
Cons:
- Risk of Traffic Jams: Buses are susceptible to road conditions. Especially during morning/evening rush hours or long holidays, there’s a significant risk of getting caught in traffic, causing substantial delays. Planning with ample time before your flight is essential.
- Limited Services at Certain Hours: Operating frequencies might be limited during specific times, such as early mornings or late nights. Even during the day, they don’t run as frequently as trains, so you might experience waiting times if you miss a bus or need to wait for the next departure.
Trains (JR Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, etc.): Reliable and Fast
Trains offer the advantage of high punctuality and no worries about traffic congestion. The JR Narita Express provides direct access from Shibuya Station to Narita Airport, while using the Keisei Line can help you save on costs.
Main Train Routes and Transfers
From Shibuya Station to Narita Airport, there are primarily two routes:
- JR Narita Express (Direct)
- Take the Narita Express from Shibuya Station for direct service to Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2, and 3.
- Fare: Approximately ¥3,250 for a reserved ordinary car seat.
- Travel Time: Around 75 to 90 minutes.
- Operating Hours: Runs from early morning to late night, but typically has fewer services than limousine buses.
- For detailed information on Narita Express platforms at Shibuya Station, please refer to this article: [Your link to Narita Express platform article]
- Keisei Line Route (Requires Transfer)
- From JR Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line) → Transfer to the Keisei Line at Nippori Station or Ueno Station.
- Keisei Skyliner (approx. 36 minutes from Nippori Station): Fare approximately ¥2,720 to ¥2,800 (including limited express fee).
- Keisei Access Express or Keisei Limited Express (approx. 60-80 minutes from Ueno/Nippori Station): Fare approximately ¥1,200 to ¥1,300 (plus separate JR fare).
- Total Travel Time: Approximately 80 to 120 minutes (including transfer time).
- Cheapest Travel: If you’re looking to minimize costs for your trip to Narita Airport, please also refer to our article on how to get from Shibuya Station to Narita Airport for the lowest price of ¥1,510: [Your link to cheapest way article]
Train Operating Hours: Check First and Last Trains
Trains generally operate frequently from early morning until late at night. However, the first train to Narita Airport departs around 5 AM, and the last train around 11 PM. Be sure to confirm the schedule to match your flight time. Special attention is needed for late-night flights to avoid missing the last train.
Pros and Cons of Trains
Pros:
- High Punctuality: Trains are not affected by road conditions, so there’s no concern about traffic jams. They typically operate precisely on schedule, making them highly reliable when you’re on a tight schedule or need to plan your journey accurately.
- High Frequency: During the day (excluding early mornings and late nights), trains run at high frequency, often every few minutes (especially the Keisei Line). This means even if you miss a train, the next one comes quickly, ensuring a smooth journey with minimal waiting time.
- Cheaper Options Available: Using services like the Keisei Access Express can significantly reduce costs compared to other transportation methods, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Cons:
- Transfers May Be Required: Except for the Narita Express, transfers are essential at stations like Shinagawa, Nippori, or Ueno. This can be burdensome if you have large luggage or are traveling with small children.
- Rush Hour Congestion: During morning and evening rush hours, trains can become extremely crowded. Large luggage like suitcases can inconvenience other passengers and make it difficult to move.
- Limited Luggage Space: Unlike buses or taxis, regular trains generally don’t have dedicated luggage space. You’ll need to carry your luggage with you, requiring consideration for others, especially during crowded times (Narita Express does have luggage space).
Taxi: The Most Flexible Door-to-Door Option (Expensive, but Convenient for Early Morning/Late Night)
When you have a lot of luggage or no other transportation options are available in the early morning or late at night, a taxi can be a lifesaver. Given the distance from Shibuya to Narita Airport, the fare will be high, but it offers the most stress-free door-to-door travel experience.
Taxi Stands and Fares
There are multiple taxi stands around Shibuya Station:
- Hachiko Exit Taxi Stand: The main exit of Shibuya Station. There are always many taxis waiting here.
- Miyamasuzaka Exit Taxi Stand: Convenient for those coming from the East Exit area.
Taxi Fares and Travel Time
Standard Fare (Estimate):
- Fare: Approximately ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 (excluding highway tolls). A late-night/early-morning surcharge (10:00 PM to 5:00 AM the next day) of 20% applies. Due to the long distance to Narita Airport, fares are significantly higher compared to traveling to Haneda Airport.
- Travel Time: Approximately 60 to 120 minutes. Varies greatly depending on road conditions.
Fixed-Rate Taxis:
- Tokyo taxi companies offer fixed fares for travel to and from Narita Airport. The fare is determined by the specific区間 (e.g., Shibuya Ward to Narita Airport), providing peace of mind that the fare won’t change even if you get stuck in traffic.
- Fare (Estimate): Approximately ¥20,000 to ¥25,000 plus highway tolls (around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000). The late-night/early-morning surcharge (10:00 PM to 5:00 AM the next day) also applies.
- How to Use: Reservations are usually required in advance. It’s especially recommended to book the day before if you’re heading to the airport for an early morning flight.
Operating Hours: 24/7 Availability
Taxis are available 24 hours a day. They are extremely reliable for flights before the first train, after the last train, or when urgent travel is needed.
Pros and Cons of Taxis
Pros:
- Door-to-Door Convenience: You can travel directly from your home, hotel, or a specified location to Narita Airport, eliminating the need for transfers. This is the most hassle-free and comfortable option, even with heavy luggage or when traveling with small children.
- Less Worry About Luggage: Large suitcases or multiple bags can be loaded into the trunk, providing peace of mind. It minimizes the effort required to carry your luggage yourself.
- Private Space: The car interior is a completely private space, allowing you to relax without worrying about other passengers. It’s ideal for business travel or when you want to spend time undisturbed with family.
- Strong Support for Early Morning/Late Night: Available 24 hours a day, even when trains and buses aren’t running or have limited services (before the first train, after the last train). This is the most reliable way to get to (and from) the airport when using early morning LCC flights or late-night arrivals.
- Potentially Cost-Effective for Groups: If traveling with multiple people (3-4), splitting the fixed fare and highway tolls can sometimes make the per-person cost comparable to or even cheaper than buses or trains.
Cons:
- Very High Fares: Generally, taxis are the most expensive option compared to other transportation methods. Especially when traveling alone, the cost can be a significant burden.
- Impact of Traffic Congestion: Depending on road conditions, you might get caught in traffic, potentially extending the travel time significantly. While fixed fares alleviate worries about the cost, you still need to allow ample time.
- Booking Required (for fixed-rate): To utilize fixed-rate services, you typically need to book in advance with a taxi company. Early booking is recommended, especially during high-demand hours.
Comparison Table of Each Transportation Method: Which is Best for Your Travel Style?
| Transportation | Fare (Estimate) | Travel Time (Estimate) | Transfers | Luggage Handling | Punctuality | Early Morning/Late Night | Recommended For |
| Bus | ¥3,200 – ¥3,600 | 75 – 100 minutes | None | ◎ (Stowable) | △ (Traffic dependent) | ◎ (Available) | Heavy luggage, desire for comfort, early morning/late night flights |
| Train | ¥1,200 – ¥3,300 | 75 – 120 minutes | 0-1 time | △~〇 (Varies by type) | ◎ (On schedule) | 〇 (Check first/last) | Budget-conscious, time-sensitive, light luggage (standard cars) |
| Taxi | ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 (fixed rates available) | 60 – 120 minutes | None | ◎ (Door-to-door) | △ (Traffic dependent) | ◎ (24 hours) | Groups, heavy luggage, early morning/late night flights, desire for comfort |
Note: Fares and travel times are estimates and may vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and taxi company plan. Train fares are the total cost from JR Shibuya Station to Narita Airport.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Shibuya-Narita Airport Route to Match Your Travel Style
Traveling from Shibuya Station to Narita Airport offers a variety of choices.
- For comfortable, direct travel but concerned about traffic: Choose the Airport Limousine Bus.
- For saving money and reliable travel, but with less luggage: Opt for the Train (Keisei Line).
- For prioritizing speed and comfortable travel: Go with the Train (Narita Express).
- For hassle-free door-to-door service, especially for groups or early morning/late night: Consider a Taxi (utilizing fixed fares!).
The best transportation method depends on what you prioritize: luggage amount, flight time, budget, and travel comfort. Use this guide to find the optimal way to travel that fits your style, and enjoy a comfortable journey to the airport!
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