Planning to land at Narita International Airport and head into Tokyo? Many travel guides suggest the Skyliner for its speed and convenience. But what exactly is the Skyliner? How do you buy tickets, and can you use a Suica card? Let’s dive into these questions and more!

What is the Skyliner?

The Skyliner is a rapid airport train connecting Narita International Airport to Ueno, characterized by its speed and comfortable seating. It makes no stops between the airport and the heart of Tokyo, providing a smooth ride to Nippori Station (convenient for JR line transfers) and Ueno. With up to three trains per hour, it’s a reliable choice for travelers.

— from the Skyliner Official Website

The Skyliner is an express train that swiftly connects Narita Airport with Tokyo’s city center. It travels non-stop from Narita Airport to Nippori Station in just 36 minutes and reaches Ueno in 41 minutes at speeds up to 160 km/h. All seats are reserved, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot. With three trains per hour, it’s a convenient option for most schedules.

How to Buy Skyliner Tickets

Skyliner tickets include a base fare and a limited express surcharge. The total cost for a ticket is 2,580 yen (1,280 yen for the base fare and 1,300 yen for the express surcharge) when paying by cash or credit card.

Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters or vending machines at Narita Airport, Nippori, and Ueno stations. Online reservations are also available for non-Japanese travelers, allowing purchases up to 30 days in advance. Remember, online tickets must be exchanged at the station before boarding.

Buying Tickets at Narita Airport

Terminal 1

After clearing customs, head to the B1F to find ticket counters and vending machines. Be sure to head to the correct platform on B2F. Check your ticket for the specific platform number.

Terminal 2 & 3

For Terminal 3 arrivals, you’ll need to walk or take a shuttle bus to Terminal 2 to access train services. Tickets can be purchased on B1F, and boarding is on B2F at platform 1.

Online Ticket Purchase

Skyliner e-ticket Purchase Website

Purchasing Skyliner tickets online can save you money with early-bird discounts. Instead of paying 2,580 yen, you can get tickets for 2,310 yen. It’s a great option if you’ve planned your trip in advance.

Skyliner Timetable

Below is the Skyliner timetable from the Keisei Railway official website, showing departure times from Narita Airport and Tokyo. Note that the Skyliner shares platforms with other trains, like the Access Express, so be sure to board the correct train.

• Weekdays: Generally Monday to Friday
• Weekends & Holidays: Saturday, Sunday, and Japanese public holidays

From Narita International Airport to Tokyo

From Tokyo to Narita International Airport

Can You Use Suica to Ride the Skyliner?

Yes, you can use a Suica card for the Skyliner. The fare is slightly cheaper at 2,557 yen (1,257 yen for the base fare and 1,300 yen for the express surcharge). However, Suica can only be used for the base fare; you must still purchase a limited express ticket separately. When entering, swipe your Suica card and insert the express ticket into the gate simultaneously.

FAQ

What if Suica cards are sold out? How can I ride?

You can still buy regular Skyliner tickets. Alternatively, you can purchase a Welcome Suica card, a special red Suica card for foreign visitors. For more details, check out our article on the Welcome Suica card.

Other Japanese IC cards like ICOCA are also accepted.

Can I buy a Skyliner ticket if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes! The Skyliner & Keisei Information Centers at Narita Airport (open 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM) offer assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Ticket counters also provide English support. Additionally, ticket machines at Narita’s terminals offer a Chinese language option.

For online reservations, tickets can be picked up at the same locations. Even if you only speak English, the staff is experienced with foreign visitors, so you should have no trouble.

Can I use a credit card? Are there vending machines?

You can use a credit card to buy Skyliner tickets. There are vending machines at Narita Airport’s terminals that support English and Chinese, making it easy to purchase tickets. However, for packages that include Skyliner tickets, you may need to visit a ticket counter.

Can I pick up my return ticket early if I booked online?

Yes, you can pick up your return ticket at Narita Airport, Ueno, or Nippori stations. For those who don’t speak Japanese, ticket pick-up is also available at the Skyliner & Keisei Information Center.

For other options, check out the Skyliner online ticket site.