Japan - NRT to Shibuya

I've traveled from HND to Shibuya but never NRT to Shibuya. I need a little guidance. Can i take the Keisei Oshiage Line to Oshiage and transfer on to the Hanzomon Line for a direct to Shibuya? I reckon this will cost me close to 2000 yen...just guessing though.

try http://www.hyperdia.com/

Cheapest route:
Narita Airport to Nippori with Keisei line, transfer to JR Yamanote line to Shibuya.
It cost 1,190Yen and 1hour and 50minutes
If you have big luggage, avoid morning “Rush hour” on JR Yamanote line

Fastest route:
Narita Airport to Nippori with Sky liner on Keisei line, transfer to JR Yamanote line to Shibuya.
It cost 2,590Yen and 1hour and 10minutes
If you have big luggage, avoid morning “Rush hour” on JR Yamanote line

Easiest Route:
Narita Airport to Shibuya with JR Narita Express, there is no transfer.
It cost 3,110Yen and 1houre 20minutes

Check the hyperdia website for the timetables but you may as well just get the JR Narita Express direct to Shibuya. You can buy a combined NRT Express Suica combination ticket and as it comes with 1,500yen preloaded onto the Suica card the journey effectively costs the 2,000yen you're aiming for:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

Narita Express is easiest and takes you directly to Shibuya. However it is probably the slowest train in Japan or at least among the slowest ones...

appreciate it folks

Narita Express is easiest and takes you directly to Shibuya. However it is probably the slowest train in Japan or at least among the slowest ones...

NEX isn't particularly slow, it just takes a less direct route. Skyliner cuts more or less straight eastward from Tokyo while NEX has to go south to Chiba and then back north to the airport. You can get a sense of the difference from this map:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skyliner_Keisei_Line.svg

That said, as noted in one of the posts above, the travel time difference to central Tokyo is pretty slim unless you are going to Nippori or Ueno.

Check the hyperdia website for the timetables but you may as well just get the JR Narita Express direct to Shibuya. You can buy a combined NRT Express Suica combination ticket and as it comes with 1,500yen preloaded onto the Suica card the journey effectively costs the 2,000yen you're aiming for:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

Don't forget to refund deposit(500Yen) and unused reloaded amount before leaving Japan.

Also remember that the "fastest" route calculated online won't necessarily get you to your destination the earliest - Hyperdia and its ilk only calculate total time from first station to final station, ignoring waiting time. So if the next Skyliner with free seats is an hour from now but there's an NEX train leaving in five minutes, you're obviously better off with the NEX.

Also remember that the "fastest" route calculated online won't necessarily get you to your destination the earliest - Hyperdia and its ilk only calculate total time from first station to final station, ignoring waiting time.
Not so -- they most definitely do include waiting time, and do quite a good job of telling you which option will actually get you there the fastest.

just so I have this right, the NRT Exp runs directly from the airport to Shibuya with no transfers..correct? In that case wouldn't it make sense to get the Suica & N'EX Round-Trip card for 5,500 Yen?

just so I have this right, the NRT Exp runs directly from the airport to Shibuya with no transfers..correct? In that case wouldn't it make sense to get the Suica & N'EX Round-Trip card for 5,500 Yen?

Yes, and yes. I've done it several times myself, and it's by far the easiest. Also, in addition to not having to transfer, you get the benefit of a train that was designed for airport travelers for the entire journey, including such amenities as large luggage storage at the ends of each compartment.

Yes, and yes.

+1. And the seats.

Keisei trains.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3067/2426496813_1cf33bf2f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rukep/2426496813/)
Keisei (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rukep/2426496813/) by Ruke★ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rukep/), on Flickr

Yamanote Line.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5011/5491049119_fe503861e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabuchan/5491049119/)
[160yen - A day on the Yamanote line] - Osaki - 08:22 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabuchan/5491049119/) by fabuchan (http://www.flickr.com/people/fabuchan/), on Flickr

N'EX
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4123/4792128227_73061742eb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameswong/4792128227/)
The New Narita Express (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameswong/4792128227/) by wongjp (http://www.flickr.com/people/jameswong/), on Flickr

Not so -- they most definitely do include waiting time, and do quite a good job of telling you which option will actually get you there the fastest.

Sorry, but that's not correct. The total time listed on Hyperdia and Jorudan includes waiting time between trains, but it doesn't include waiting time for the first train.

(And also, as I said, if the next train leaving doesn't have any free seats, Hyperdia certainly isn't going to tell you that.)

+1. And the seats.

r

O Sora, what you have there is a picture of the Keisei commuter train (the ¥1000 yen option), not the Keisei Skyliner.

Here is a picture of the interior of the Keisei Skyliner.

http://www.blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PekePONtalk-Keisei_AE_series_seat.jpg

Sorry, but that's not correct. The total time listed on Hyperdia and Jorudan includes waiting time between trains, but it doesn't include waiting time for the first train.

(And also, as I said, if the next train leaving doesn't have any free seats, Hyperdia certainly isn't going to tell you that.)

It does tell you the actual departure time and the actual arrival time though so you can easily which option is fastest (in travel time) and which option gets you there earliest

I prefer Google Maps over Hyperdia etc. because you can input your starting and ending locations (not just stations) and it will give you a list of options taking walking time into account. This is especially useful when going somewhere like Shinjuku where you have multiple lines and stations within walking distance. Google also shows how the limousine bus stacks up against rail options.

Have you considered the Limousine Bus? I used to think catching the bus was lame. My folks always used the bus but I thought it was faster to catch the train (NEX). I started using the Limousine buses a few back, found them to be very comfortable, economical and not that much different time wise. They even have a toilet albeit, very small.

Here's a link for bus services to Shibuya:

http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/bus_services/narita/shibuya.html

Catch the Limousine bus, it's a lot more convenient, comfortable, ecomonical and get you right into Shibuya.

Catch the Limousine bus, it's a lot more convenient, comfortable, ecomonical and get you right into Shibuya.

i didnt at HND but from NRT it may be worth investigating. thx!

Catch the Limousine bus, it's a lot more convenient, comfortable, ecomonical and get you right into Shibuya.

If you have a lot of luggage, and are staying at a hotel where the bus stops, then its generally a good idea to take the bus. However, in my book, express train >>>>> bus in terms of comfort. The bus might also run into traffic jams during rush hour.

If you have a lot of luggage, and are staying at a hotel where the bus stops, then its generally a good idea to take the bus. However, in my book, express train >>>>> bus in terms of comfort. The bus might also run into traffic jams during rush hour.

I arrive may 2nd smack dab in golden week so I'll prob be taking the train.. On top of that at 4:20pm

O Sora, what you have there is a picture of the Keisei commuter train (the ¥1000 yen option), not the Keisei Skyliner.

Here is a picture of the interior of the Keisei Skyliner.

http://www.blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PekePONtalk-Keisei_AE_series_seat.jpg

Thanks, ksandness. It looks simpler than that of Nex.

Sorry, but that's not correct. The total time listed on Hyperdia and Jorudan includes waiting time between trains, but it doesn't include waiting time for the first train.
Switch to Yahoo Transit then, which ranks by 到着時刻順 by default. For this example query, note how the Skyliner leaving at 10:39 beats the N'EX leaving at 10:15:

http://transit.loco.yahoo.co.jp/search/result?from=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E7%A9%BA%E6%B8%AF%2 8%E9%89%84%E9%81%93%29&to=%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B&via=&shin=1&ex=1&al=1&hb=1&lb=1&sr=1&ym=201204&d=11&hh=10&m1=0&m2=2&type=1&ws=2&s=0&ost=0&ei=utf-8&x=41&y=19&kw=%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B

(And also, as I said, if the next train leaving doesn't have any free seats, Hyperdia certainly isn't going to tell you that.)
Which is why there are big electronic billboards at NRT that show seat availability.

Switch to Yahoo Transit then, which ranks by 到着時刻順 by default.

AFAIK, that's the default setting for Hyperdia too. The list of routes prioritizes the route with the earliest arrival time. Yahoo Transit allows searches from addresses that aren't stations, which is a big advantage.

If you have a lot of luggage, and are staying at a hotel where the bus stops, then its generally a good idea to take the bus. However, in my book, express train >>>>> bus in terms of comfort. The bus might also run into traffic jams during rush hour.

Not to mention more limited schedules from NRT to the hotel, at least as is shown on the provided link. I'm holding reservations at one of the hotels the service stops at, Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, but the benefit of being driven right to the door is somewhat negated because of this hotel's proximity to Shinjuku Station. I'm also plan on travelling fairly light so can easily manage the few blocks walk.

Also if I read it right it's 6,000 yen RT on the Airport Limousine whereas Suica + N'EX has an offer of a 2,000 yen Suica card and regular RT seat for 5,500 total which to me seems the better value. The time difference of approx. 10 minutes is not really a factor to me as I'm in no real rush so the Suica + N'EX seems the better choice.

My NH arrival into NRT is at 15:30 and so will likely put me into the city center at rush hour but for first time visitor to Tokyo with a hotel close to Shinjuku the Narita Express seems the safest bet, though if I've missed anything would appreciate the input. :)

I live near Shibuya station. From my experience, if you are arriving in late afternoon the train is marginally better into town because the bus will hit some traffic on the Rainbow bridge. The Suica-NEX deal reduces the real NEX fare to only 1500 yen. The last time I took the bus the driver exited the expressway and took the non-toll crossing (didn't know there was one!). And then drove surface roads and got back on at Shibakoen. It didn't take much longer. Another time the bus avoided the Rainbow bridge completely and went via C1 (past/ under Imperial Palace). This route was pretty slow.

However, to the airport, the bus is better. There is also an annoying gap in the schedule for NEX (trains only go from Shinagawa) if you are going for one of the late morning Euro departures.

If you are going or coming from the north side of Shibuya station then the trek through the station is a pain. The NEX stops on the south side near the New South Exit. You have to factor in 5 extra minutes to get to the platform from the Hachiko exit and that assumes an aggressive pace, knocking over a few people on the way. And this involves carrying bags up stairs.

A better option is to exit at New South and grab a cab. Sometimes there are a few waiting. Otherwise you can catch one on Meiji dori. Getting to New South from the north side by cab is a pain because you can't make a right turn onto Meiji dori, so you have to make a U-turn onto 246.

For the bus the final stop on the way to NRT is at the Excel which is easily accessed from Mark City via elevator from the ground floor. And the trip is about 70 minutes (ignore the timetable) door to door. And then you don't have a long walk from the platform up to check-in. That's another 5-10 minutes depending on pace. The bus leaves you right by check-in.

So in summary, take the NEX from NRT and take the bus back.

p.s. The Skyliner is another option. I just haven't done it because I don't want to spend 30 min on the Yamanote line in rush hour. It might be OK for a late afternoon departure to the US.

p.s. The Skyliner is another option. I just haven't done it because I don't want to spend 30 min on the Yamanote line in rush hour. It might be OK for a late afternoon departure to the US.
How about taking Ginza line from Shibuya?

So in summary, take the NEX from NRT and take the bus back.

Thanks for the thoughts :) I know I posted in the NRT to Shibuya thread but am staying near Shinjuku so would pretty much the same rules apply?

Thanks for the thoughts :) I know I posted in the NRT to Shibuya thread but am staying near Shinjuku so would pretty much the same rules apply?

I always take the train in both directions on that route, although the N'Ex platform at Shinjuku is now also about as inconvenient as the one at Shibuya. It's just a way more comfortable ride, and the N'Ex/Suica deal can't be beat.

It depends on the convenience of the platform to your hotel. Shinjuku adds even more time to NEX. The bus journey should be about the same as to Shibuya.

Regarding the bus and comfort, it has been 2/3 empty from/to Shibuya so there is plenty of space to spread out.

From Shinjuku I would seriously consider the Keisei. Also the Keisei doesn't have the gaps in the schedule where to take the NEX you would have to connect in Shinagawa (or Tokyo).

Re Shibuya, Ginza line vs. Yamanote line then I would take Yamanote to catch the Keisei. It's faster overall. I suppose one advantage is that you can guarantee a seat. However, if you live north of Shibuya station then you normally take Hanzomon to Omotesando and change to Ginza cross platform. This avoids the more congested part of Shibuya.

Another option, which I just recalled, is to take the Hanzomon Line to Suitengumae and catch the limo bus from T-CAT (departures every 10 or 15 min if I recall correctly).

Another option, which I just recalled, is to take the Hanzomon Line to Suitengumae and catch the limo bus from T-CAT (departures every 10 or 15 min if I recall correctly).

Coincidentally I'm looking at a hotel near Hanzomon station for the last half of my Tokyo stay (splitting up my 10 nights stay between it and the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku) so if I do confirm it that option would work well.

Thanks for all the input. ^

Another option, which I just recalled, is to take the Hanzomon Line to Suitengumae and catch the limo bus from T-CAT (departures every 10 or 15 min if I recall correctly).

Good info. I doubt it's faster overall but it's a great back-up if you miss your NEX or bus out of Shibuya, for example. And a good option if the NEX or Shibuya bus schedule is not a good match with your departure. With this option you can pretty much not worry about schedules. Just head on down to the metro.....

If you do the math from my house door-to-door using TCAT it's 100 min (includes walking, max wait time at TCAT). With NEX the time on train alone is 80 min. The biggest downside is the Hanzomon, although I have taken it at 08:00 and it was quite empty. Probably was a local train coming into Shibuya. At 08:30 you don't want to take it. And there is a bus from the Excel at 08:20.

Right now the limo bus website is showing TCAT to NRT: 53 min Shibuya: 85 min (!), Shinjuku 96 min, Akasaka 60 min.

Not sure about the validity of this data, reconciling Akasaka with Shibuya/Shinjuku.

From Shinjuku I would seriously consider the Keisei.
+1 for Keisei Skyliner to Nippori, then Yamanote line to Shinjuku. I'd advise the OP to choose between N'EX and Skyliner based on whichever leaves the airport first.

With an ETA of 3:30pm, the OP might get to the airport station in time to catch a 4:15 N'EX or a 4:39 Skyliner. They will both get him to Shinjuku within a minute of each other (5:44 for N'EX / 5:45 for Skyliner + Yamanote). However, N'EX is preferable as you don't need to change to Yamanote and the N'EX + Suica combo offer makes the round trip roughly 1,000 yen cheaper.

How about taking Ginza line from Shibuya?

I did it once when I opted for a budget option. You'll get guaranteed place to sit in Shibuya as it is terminus - just don't go to the first train if there's a lots of people waiting on the platform. However, there is a few hundred meter walk from Ueno station to Keisei Ueno station. And even if you can sit down, it is neither convenient nor polite to travel with large luggage in the crowded metro.

And even if you can sit down, it is neither convenient nor polite to travel with large luggage in the crowded metro.

If I can snag a seat at the end of a row, I can put a rollaboard on the shelf above the seat, and fit a 74cm X 48cm X 27cm four wheel suitcase into the space between the end of the row and the door.

I haven't seen any signs to discourage this (on a subway system with no end of etiquette instructions). I have seen signs telling people with large backpacks to take them off and put them on the floor rather than hitting folks in the face.

Coincidentally I'm looking at a hotel near Hanzomon station for the last half of my Tokyo stay (splitting up my 10 nights stay between it and the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku) so if I do confirm it that option would work well.

Thanks for all the input. ^

You are coming for 10 days and a first visit if I recall correctly. Let me know if I can help out at all on the ground when you are here. :-)

You are coming for 10 days and a first visit if I recall correctly. Let me know if I can help out at all on the ground when you are here. :-)

The offer is appreciated, mjm. :) I'm coming in a little early before the Japan Do and staying at the end to do some sightseeing on my own.

The biggest downside is the Hanzomon, although I have taken it at 08:00 and it was quite empty. Probably was a local train coming into Shibuya. At 08:30 you don't want to take it.

I never find the Hanzomon Line to be particularly crowded. I'm sure that it is unbearable on weekdays before 9 AM, but during the midday and early evening hours it's very easy to get a seat. The trains are high-capacity and the platforms are large enough to accommodate humans. As far as Tokyo subway lines go, it is basically the most pleasant in my book.

The Ginza Line (which, if you look at a map, zigzags back and forth across the Hanzomon Line) is a different story. The trains are smaller, and though they run at a high frequency they get crowded very often, even in the middle of the day. And lots of doddering old ladies getting on and off in the section between Ueno and Ginza. I try to avoid it, but since it goes right to the basement of the building where I work...

I never find the Hanzomon Line to be particularly crowded. I'm sure that it is unbearable on weekdays before 9 AM, but during the midday and early evening hours it's very easy to get a seat. The trains are high-capacity and the platforms are large enough to accommodate humans. As far as Tokyo subway lines go, it is basically the most pleasant in my book.

The Ginza Line (which, if you look at a map, zigzags back and forth across the Hanzomon Line) is a different story. The trains are smaller, and though they run at a high frequency they get crowded very often, even in the middle of the day. And lots of doddering old ladies getting on and off in the section between Ueno and Ginza. I try to avoid it, but since it goes right to the basement of the building where I work...

Also the AC is crappy on the old Ginza trains but if you get one of the newer Hanzomon trains it's cool bliss. Hanzomon is very crowded outbound from Shibuya where I get off. (It turns into Chuorinkan here.) Large crowds enter at Omotesando and then Shibuya. It's sardine packed as it leaves Shibuya at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, you name it. I usually do not get a seat from Kudanshita in the evening.

And from Shibuya inbound it depends on whether it's a local or express before it turns into Hanzomon.

I need some help for NRT to Shibuya, I arrive NRT at 6:15am on CX524.
My 1st time taking such an early flight into NRT
Usually I take the Narita Express directly to Shibuya and walk over to the Shibuya Excel Hotel.

What would be the best option for such an early flight?

My friend is also arriving on the same flight but she would be staying at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu. How could she get there?

Thx in advance

I would take the bus to TCAT at 07:00. You can change to Hanzomon metro (20 min to Shibuya) there. The metro should be empty after Otemachi, and I think you might beat the rush since most workers are targeting an ~08:50 arrival.

I have taken Hanzomon metro to Otemachi from Shibuya at 08:15 and the train was quite empty.

I have no idea where the other hotel is but she can figure out metro (Google maps is your friend) or take a cab from TCAT.

The first NEX to Shibuya is not until 07:44 and it's extra slow because it is a commuter train at that hour.


I need some help for NRT to Shibuya, I arrive NRT at 6:15am on CX524.
My 1st time taking such an early flight into NRT
Usually I take the Narita Express directly to Shibuya and walk over to the Shibuya Excel Hotel.

What would be the best option for such an early flight?

My friend is also arriving on the same flight but she would be staying at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu. How could she get there?

Thx in advance

Capitol Tokyu is by Nagatacho on the same metro line, so you could ride into the city together.

thanks for the help guys.

I plan to use the arrival paid showers before leaving NRT.

land at 6:15,
get landside around 6:45.
Help my fd get on the 7am bus to Capitol Tokyu.
Head back inside the terminal and use the paid showers - 7:30 and either catch the limo bus or the 7:44 train to shibuya.

How bad would traffic be for the 7:50 bus leaving NRT?

thanks for the help guys.

I plan to use the arrival paid showers before leaving NRT.

land at 6:15,
get landside around 6:45.
Help my fd get on the 7am bus to Capitol Tokyu.
Head back inside the terminal and use the paid showers - 7:30 and either catch the limo bus or the 7:44 train to shibuya.

How bad would traffic be for the 7:50 bus leaving NRT?

Traffic is a little bad at that time. If there is an earlier bus, take that. If not, probably count on at least 90 to 120 minutes to the hotel depending on the number of stops.

Alternatively if it were I, I would

1) take NEX to Tokyo,
2) transfer to Marunouchi Line (in the direction of Shinjuku), go three stops (6 minutes) to Kokkai Gijidomae station,
3) get off, follow signs to go through the Chiyoda Line platform to exit 5,
4) after reaching the street walk 100 meters (maybe less) to your right to the entrance (other side of the street) of the Capitol Tokyu Hotel.

This will take you about 75 minutes. (Caveat - easily done with a rollerboard or backpack, but harder if you have a lot of luggage).

You can also walk 5 minutes from the Capitol Tokyu and catch the Ginza line direct to Shibuya.

thanks for the advice 5khours.
I just want to make sure my friend can make it to the hotel with the least amount of transits and gets there in without any hassle.
So probably the bus would be the easiest (but not quickest) way.

I should've made my question slightly clearer.
how bad would the traffic be from NRT to Shibuya for the 7:50 bus?
according to the limo bus website, it says pick up at NRT at 7:55 arrive shibuya at 9:40. Is this accurate?

thanks for the advice 5khours.
I just want to make sure my friend can make it to the hotel with the least amount of transits and gets there in without any hassle.
So probably the bus would be the easiest (but not quickest) way.

I should've made my question slightly clearer.
how bad would the traffic be from NRT to Shibuya for the 7:50 bus?
according to the limo bus website, it says pick up at NRT at 7:55 arrive shibuya at 9:40. Is this accurate?

Sounds about right for that time of day. You could also take the bus with your friend to the Capital Tokyu and then take a cab from there. Should take 15 to 20 minutes and cost maybe 1700 yen. The staff at the Tokyu will make sure the taxi knows where to go.

thanks for the advice 5khours.
I just want to make sure my friend can make it to the hotel with the least amount of transits and gets there in without any hassle.
So probably the bus would be the easiest (but not quickest) way.

I should've made my question slightly clearer.
how bad would the traffic be from NRT to Shibuya for the 7:50 bus?
according to the limo bus website, it says pick up at NRT at 7:55 arrive shibuya at 9:40. Is this accurate?

No, the estimated times by Limo bus are ridiculous. They do that cover their ..., I suppose. But I have never driven or taken the bus in the early am from NRT. (I reside near Shibuya station, BTW).

Actually, the bus drivers are very good at finding alternate routes in case the Rainbow bridge is backed up.

If you wait long enough then you can take a direct bus to Shibuya Excel. Why don't you just take a shower in the hotel!?!

The TCAT bus avoids some of the potential congestion and they are confident about citing realistic drive times. So you might want to do that anyway, but it's nice not to have to take the subway.

I doubt the Shibuya excel would let me check in and shower at 9/10am in the morning and i'll be out and about all day. Therefore I don't want smell up all of Tokyo and would want to shower before hand.

thx for the tips guys

I doubt the Shibuya excel would let me check in and shower at 9/10am in the morning and i'll be out and about all day. Therefore I don't want smell up all of Tokyo and would want to shower before hand.

thx for the tips guys

If you wanted to, you could jump on the bus with your friend and go to a manga cafe in Tokyo for a shower - like this one within walking distance of the Capitol Tokyu that will let you shower and hold your luggage:

http://www.mankitsu-do.jp/map/index.html