Narita International Airport (NRT) is approximately 80 km from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo's busiest railway hub. The Narita Express (N'EX) runs directly to Shinjuku in about 85 minutes, while the budget-friendly Keisei and Limousine Bus options take 90-120 minutes.

About Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station handles over 3.5 million passengers daily, making it the busiest railway station in the world by passenger throughput. The station complex is a city within a city, with dozens of exits, multiple department stores built directly into the structure, and underground passages stretching in every direction.

The Shinjuku district divides dramatically into two halves. West Shinjuku (Nishi-Shinjuku) is Tokyo's skyscraper district, dominated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building whose free 45th-floor observatories offer panoramic views of the city and Mount Fuji on clear days. East Shinjuku is the entertainment and nightlife zone, centered around the neon-drenched Kabukicho area — Japan's largest entertainment quarter — and the atmospheric Golden Gai, a tiny network of over 200 miniature bars squeezed into six narrow alleys.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a 58-hectare oasis just southeast of the station, combines Japanese, English, and French formal gardens and is one of Tokyo's finest cherry blossom spots. The area is also the departure point for express trains to Mount Fuji and the Hakone hot spring resort area, making it a strategic base for both city exploration and day trips.

Nearby Landmarks

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Kabukicho Golden Gai Shinjuku Gyoen Meiji Shrine

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost ¥25,000-35,000
Time 75-100 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs to the JR Narita Express platform in the airport basement level
2. Purchase a ticket to Shinjuku at the JR counter (¥3,250 one-way)
3. Board the Narita Express (N'EX) — runs every 30-60 min, all reserved seating
4. Ride directly to Shinjuku Station (approximately 85 minutes)
5. Arrive at JR Shinjuku platforms — follow signs to your desired exit (South, East, or West)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi ¥25,000-35,000 75-100 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last Narita Express to Shinjuku departs around 9:45 PM, arriving near 11:15 PM. The Airport Limousine Bus runs until about 11:00 PM from Narita to Shinjuku (Busta Shinjuku). After that, the LCC Bus (low-cost carrier bus) runs some very late services. Taxis from Narita cost ¥30,000+.

Luggage Tips

The Narita Express has secure luggage storage with locks. The Limousine Bus stores all luggage in the compartment below. Shinjuku Station has coin lockers but large sizes sell out early — try the lockers at Busta Shinjuku (south exit) or the JR East Travel Service Center for luggage forwarding services.

Accessibility

The Narita Express has wheelchair spaces in designated cars. Shinjuku Station has elevators but navigating between lines requires careful route planning due to the station's complexity. JR East staff provide assistance if requested in advance. The area around the south exit (Busta Shinjuku) is the most accessible.