Booking train from Narita
 

Hello everyone... This will be our first trip to Japan and we are looking at landing at Narita Airport for a stay in Tokyo. We've not been on a high-speed train before so we are looking at taking the JR Narita Express (N'EX) train.

I understand you need reservations. We are flying standby so we could end up arriving the next day from our plans. How far in advance must you reserve seats on this train...... We are reading the forum as well to get some good travel points...

In advance, thank you and any travel hints are also welcomed...

Lance

You need to purchase a ticket, but I don't think you even can in advance. It runs a couple times an hour, so I would suggest just going to the N'EX station and purchasing the next available ticket. I don't think it ever sells out.

About N'EX | Narita Express | JR-EAST

Thank you.. good news... we will be flying from eastern Canada so we'll be a little tired. Nice to see we can get on so easily... appreciate your help.

There are frequent trains from NRT to Tokyo, so don't worry too much about it. The airport layout is also not complex.. it should be quite simple for you to get yourself to tokyo.....

Godwine and Steel.. appreciated.. Interesting clip on the subway but, not having taken a high speed train - well, have to take it from the airport. But, I understand with the Nex train, you can get a deal that includes the transit card - we'll do that as we know we will be taking the subways while there.

Interesting. I have never seen the Suica card before. How long have they been around? Does anyone know how to recharge them after you buy one?

Suica wiki: Suica - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

How to re-charge: Suica | Fares & Passes | JR-EAST

The SUICA development story: JR-EAST:Research and Development - R&D Story

I want to make sure you are not confusing N'ex with the bullet train, or Shinkansen.

Just a question, where are you staying in Tokyo?

I just asked because, I want to suggest using the Limousine Bus instead. From the arrival area in Narita going to the platform is a few minutes walk and then there are the stairs too, with heavy luggage with you it is not fun.

The bus is basically just outside the arrival area and getting the ticket is much easier too. Someone will also stow your luggage in the bus for you.

there is also another train from narita, called the keisei line, have not used it personally but I heard good things about it and much cheaper than NEX.

anyways, lots of train and buses from narita to Tokyo, you won't have any problem :)

wow .. good information.

:vsign:
additional info:: ( just in case ) :D
Cards, can be charge with amounts from 1000yen - 10,000 yen in any machine in the station. Take note though, some old ticket machine does not have the card-charging functionality.

I suggest the Bus as well. That is only IF you are not completely exhausted from your flight. I know flying from the states is already about 13 hours (for the flight alone - don't count getting to the airport and check-ins and all that), and the last thing I want to do when I get to Tokyo is tack on MORE travel time. But, it is indeed a bit easier, more relaxing, and you actually get to see some of Tokyo on your way in/out (albeit, a bunch of it is highway and such).

I may be confused. I got the impression the Nex train was a high speed train and I guess I relate this to the bullet train.

Maybe this train is more like our GO commuter train then. We like the thought of taking the train anyways and also getting the Suica pass with our fare. Our trip is short so minimal luggage.

For Samokan, we haven't finalized where we are staying but looking in the area just north of the Imperial Palace and Gardens _ \Chiodya (?).

\and thanks to \steel for the info on the cards....

Nex is not a high speed train, though it is quite nice. It is an express train than makes few stops, so in that respect it is faster than a commuter train, but it is not the bullet train, unfortunately. If money is no object, and it goes where you need it to go, then by all means use it. I would just say keep in mind that the limo buses might be cheaper and more convenient.

Much appreciated... I guess once we decide where we will be staying, we'll have to look at the transportation options again - as you say, one of the options will probably be the most convenient... Nice thing about a bus.. you probably get to see more of the area you are going through... again, thanks for the pointers..

The limo buses are like those tour buses, are quite nice and spacious. The drive from Narita to Tokyo is not the most gorgeous, but yes, you can see more than from the N'ex.

i cant be bothered to read all posts, but if no one mentioned it, get the keisei bus or airport limousine. way cheaper and much more comfy. Unless you are going to some wicked place in Okinawan jungle.

edit: oh blast lol, just saw M&M's post above.