current NRT wait times?
Nov 25, 2023, 6:56 pm
#91
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 184
If you are also flying out of NRT you can consider the round-trip Narita Express ticket for foreigners which is somewhat cheaper than 2x singles. Friendly reminder to change from Narita Express -> Shinkansen at Shinagawa and not Tokyo station for a more pleasant connection experience.
Nov 26, 2023, 1:21 am
#92
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 463
For trips longer than 14 days definitely consider alternatives (i.e., limousine buses or Keisei services) which can be cheaper and/or more convenient than NEx. And if Tokyo is only an interchange and not your first stop, then sometimes a domestic flight from NRT to your first destination in Japan can also be a good option.
Nov 26, 2023, 6:32 am
#93
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Springfield, MA
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 434
Do you think I am better off flying to Osaka instead? There are flights at 5:30 and 6:20. The flight at 5:30 is on ANA itself, and right now is $87. Of course I then need to go on to Kyoto. Or stick to the original plan and take the train? If so, do I need to buy my Marita Express ticket now or can I wait for that too? If I buy it now, is three hours a good window? I will have the code for QR set, and only 1piece of luggage. Thanks for all your help. It would have been easier, I see, had I been staying in Tokyo overnight. But I leave home January 11. This is part of an ANA RTW ticket with a 2 week cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong in the middle.
Nov 26, 2023, 7:32 am
#94
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,403
Do you think I am better off flying to Osaka instead? There are flights at 5:30 and 6:20. The flight at 5:30 is on ANA itself, and right now is $87. Of course I then need to go on to Kyoto. Or stick to the original plan and take the train? If so, do I need to buy my Marita Express ticket now or can I wait for that too? If I buy it now, is three hours a good window? I will have the code for QR set, and only 1piece of luggage. Thanks for all your help. It would have been easier, I see, had I been staying in Tokyo overnight. But I leave home January 11. This is part of an ANA RTW ticket with a 2 week cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong in the middle.
Nov 26, 2023, 7:40 am
#95
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,655
The train might get you to Kyoto a little sooner, but flying is cheaper. I think it comes down to what you are more comfortable with. Since you appear to have reservations about traveling without reservations, I suggest you fly.
17:30 flight with ANA is your best option - You have enough time for the connection. After immigration and customs, make your way to the domestic area of the terminal to check bags and go through security (T1 South). Don't go through security too early. There is little to do in the domestic gate area.
17:30 flight with ANA is your best option - You have enough time for the connection. After immigration and customs, make your way to the domestic area of the terminal to check bags and go through security (T1 South). Don't go through security too early. There is little to do in the domestic gate area.
Nov 26, 2023, 11:17 am
#97
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 463
Do you think I am better off flying to Osaka instead? There are flights at 5:30 and 6:20. The flight at 5:30 is on ANA itself, and right now is $87. Of course I then need to go on to Kyoto. Or stick to the original plan and take the train? If so, do I need to buy my Marita Express ticket now or can I wait for that too? If I buy it now, is three hours a good window? I will have the code for QR set, and only 1piece of luggage. Thanks for all your help. It would have been easier, I see, had I been staying in Tokyo overnight. But I leave home January 11. This is part of an ANA RTW ticket with a 2 week cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong in the middle.
Depending on how important saving money is to you, the 6:20pm JAL flight can often be had for closer to $50-$60 if bought as a "Japan Explorer Pass" fare but of course it involves more hassle at NRT itself to change terminals.
Nov 26, 2023, 4:14 pm
#98
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Springfield, MA
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 434
It seems like flying the 6:20 JAL flight to ITM and then taking the bus is way to go. That flight is around $70, and I am fine with that. Then I can just buy the bullet train back as I don't have to worry about clearing customs. Thanks for all the advice!
Nov 26, 2023, 4:29 pm
#99
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,655
https://www.ana.co.jp/en/ph/plan-boo...special-fares/
Flying JAL will require a change of terminal at NRT, which is not a big deal, but worth noting.
Nov 26, 2023, 6:13 pm
#100
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 463
Last edited by Agneisse; Nov 26, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Dec 6, 2023, 7:50 am
#101
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LBA
Programs: KLM FB Gold, LH M&M
Posts: 454
Arrived at NRT on 24 Nov.
Long queue for manual Customs processing.
Walked right 50 metres to the area for scanning Customs QR codes. No queue at all, several people waiting to assist me. I used a manual print out and was landside in 10 seconds.
Using a QR code is the best way to go!
NOTE: Just to clarify, this was a JAL flight so landed at T2. Many other international flights land at T1.
Long queue for manual Customs processing.
Walked right 50 metres to the area for scanning Customs QR codes. No queue at all, several people waiting to assist me. I used a manual print out and was landside in 10 seconds.
Using a QR code is the best way to go!
NOTE: Just to clarify, this was a JAL flight so landed at T2. Many other international flights land at T1.
Last edited by mikem004; Dec 8, 2023 at 9:00 am
Dec 27, 2023, 8:01 am
#103
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Leon, MX
Programs: AA Plat, UA Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 282
We are arriving 06:40 from Mexico into NRT T1. I hear a lot about the afternoon bank of flights and the long lines. How is it in the AM? Looking at FlightAware there are about 14 flights arriving between 6-7 AM. We have to hightail it to HND and have about 4 hours, the only concern I have is immigration as we will just have carryons.
Dec 27, 2023, 8:09 am
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,301
We are arriving 06:40 from Mexico into NRT T1. I hear a lot about the afternoon bank of flights and the long lines. How is it in the AM? Looking at FlightAware there are about 14 flights arriving between 6-7 AM. We have to hightail it to HND and have about 4 hours, the only concern I have is immigration as we will just have carryons.
