New fast train from Narita to Tokyo?
 

Is there a new fast train from Narita airport to Tokyo?
I seem to recall reading something about that...

Thanks!

The new Skyliner takes 36 minutes to go from Narita Airport to Nippori. It started service last month on July 17th and runs on Hokusou line. The old Skyliner that runs on Keisei main line is renamed to Cityliner.

JR East's Narita Express's cars are all upgraded to the newer E259 series. The E259 entered service last year but the total phaseout of the old E253 series was completed just before the new Skyliner introduction.

Yes there is for Keisei Railways speeding things up from Tokyo to Nippori by 15 or so minutes from the old route to speed the route from NRT to Nippori in (36 minutes).

For Japan Railways (JR) new trains are in service, but the speed of JR trains stays pretty much the same.

Depends on where in Tokyo you want to end up in. The "New" Skyliner connects to Tokyo via Nippori where a transfer can be made the the Yamanote Line. For me, I travel a bit further so if I can shave 15 minutes or so off the trip, that's great.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sk...eisei_Line.svg (the grey line is the JR routes)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...ew-trains.html

I took it 3 times on my recent trip - once on cityliner to save 500 yen :D

2400 yen is a little expensive, but still much cheaper and faster than NEX...even with the connection on the Yamanote. NEX is a joke.

In my case nothing can beat NEX to Tokyo and a change to the Chuo Tokkai to my local station with a guaranteed seat inbound and the early morning through NEX from my local station to Narita on the way back. :)

+1 that NEX is pretty useful if you have the Tourist discount

It's inexpensive for foreigner and expand my destination / layover choice a lot, it cost me the same if I layover in Shinjuku or Yokohama, which I end up the later for my last transit stay, it is great for me to try something new :)

For people having onward connection to outward Tokyo, it is more convenient. It may save you some minute within the Yamanote loop, but anything beyond the Skyliner won't save you much time.

Plus if you travel with kids, I have more than 2 family tell me they stick with the NEX all the way to Shinjuku / Ikebukuro whenever possible.

Which train station connects to Kyoto?
I'm looking to get to Kyoto from Narita.

Which fast train is best for me?

Thanks!

Take the N'Ex to Tokyo Station, then take the Shinkansen.

(I see you haven't read that guidebook yet, huh?)

Take the NEX to SHINAGAWA then change to the Shinkansen, faster and easier.

As for the Skyliner, again it just depends, you get a fast connection to the Keihin Tohoku Line if you live in Saitama or need to swing around to Ikebukuro on the Yamanote via Nippori Station. Again just depends on where you need to go and your individual situation.

Thanks!

I've had similar questions (going to Tokyo/Kyoto later this and next week) and have found many of the threads in the Forum FAQ to be of help, such as:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...kyo-kyoto.html

A hui hou...

I would take it to Tokyo and get on the shinkansen there. You get better seat selection. Sometimes, there arent any seats left when it gets to Shinagawa...

Most posts in that thread are about 5 years old. A few things may have changed since.

Only if the OP is using free seating. If the OP is using reserved seat which is free with JR Pass, shinagawa makes perfect sense.

most people don't read the fine prints. also.. it's vry hard to reserve a seat same day. i've tried and don't bother anymore. ( i think there are specific seats only - not the whole train is open for those reservations) if the op is travelling alone, he might get a seat at Shinagawa.. if he is travelling with another person, they will most likely be separated.