How to get from Narita Airport to Nagano
Touching down at Narita International Airport (NRT) and heading for Nagano (Zenko-ji, snow monkeys, or ski resorts)? Here’s the cleanest, no-stress way to get from the terminal to Nagano Station—by fast trains, bus + shinkansen combos, seasonal highway buses, private transfers, or rental car.
At A Glance (Narita Airport to Nagano)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚄 JR Narita Express (NRT→Tokyo) + Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo→Nagano) | ~60m + ~80–95m (total ~2.5–3h incl. transfer) | Most travelers, easy transfers at Tokyo Station |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~¥11,000–13,000 one-way adult (reserved seats). Compare wider tickets on Trip.com rail listings or bundle hotels via Booking.com. | ||
| ⚡ Keisei Skyliner (NRT→Ueno) + Hokuriku Shinkansen (Ueno→Nagano) | ~45m + ~90–100m (total ~2.5–3h incl. transfer) | Speed into Ueno; smaller station transfer |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~¥10,500–12,500 one-way. Check bundle deals on Klook. | ||
| 🚌 Airport Bus (NRT→Tokyo Station/Train Hub) + Hokuriku Shinkansen | ~70–100m by road + ~80–95m shinkansen | Budget vs. N’EX; heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Bus from ~¥1,300–3,200 + shinkansen. Use 12Go or Trip.com to compare options. | ||
| 🛣️ Seasonal Direct Highway Bus (NRT→Nagano/Hakuba area) | ~4.5–6h (service-dependent) | Ski season travelers with big gear |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~¥5,000–10,000 depending on operator/date. Look for seasonal listings on Klook or GetYourGuide. | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Rental Car | ~3.5–4.5h driving (traffic & weather) | Families, late arrivals, point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: Private car typically ¥60,000+; rentals from ~¥7,000–12,000/day via Booking.com car rental. Compare driver services on GetTransfer. | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: N’EX + Hokuriku Shinkansen via Tokyo Station keeps everything on JR with easy signs and lifts.
- Runner-up for speed: Skyliner + Hokuriku Shinkansen is very fast to Ueno and an easy same-building transfer to JR shinkansen gates.
- Cheapest with luggage space: Airport bus + shinkansen often wins on price, especially off-peak.
- With ski bags, no transfers: When operating, the seasonal direct highway buses to Nagano/Hakuba are door-to-door.
- Late-night arrivals & groups: Private transfer or hotel-arranged vans remove transfers and last trains risk.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Rail passes & seats: For peak season, reserve Hokuriku Shinkansen seats. Compare tickets on Trip.com Trains or tour bundles on Klook.
- Stay near stations: If you’re breaking the trip, browse Tokyo Station hotels or Nagano stays.
- Luggage help: Use station coin lockers or forward big bags; if you must roam before check-in, stash items at partners found via Radical Storage.
- Activities en route: Day trips and Nagano experiences are easy to slot in—see GetYourGuide Nagano or Klook Nagano.
- Missed last train? Consider a night near Ueno/Tokyo Station via Booking.com, a night bus (seasonal/limited), or a private transfer.
🚄 Option #1 — JR Narita Express + Hokuriku Shinkansen (Most Popular)
Simple transfers Frequent departures JR through-ticketing
- Overview: Take JR Narita Express (N’EX) from Terminal 1/2·3 to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki/Hakutaka/Asama) to Nagano.
- Time & fare: ~60 minutes N’EX + ~80–95 minutes shinkansen; expect ~2.5–3 hours total, ~¥11,000–13,000 with reserved seats.
- How to book: Buy N’EX and shinkansen seats at JR East Ticket Offices or online; you can also compare on Trip.com. For bundles/passes see tour platforms like Klook.
- Pros: Easiest signage, lifts/escalators, reliable schedules. Cons: Slightly pricier than bus + shinkansen.
- Official links: Check timetables/fares at JR East Narita Express and JR East (Hokuriku Shinkansen).
Step-by-step: N’EX + Shinkansen
- From arrivals, follow signs to JR Lines (Narita Express) at your terminal.
- Ride N’EX to Tokyo Station; platforms 1–4 are for Hokuriku Shinkansen—follow the Shinkansen icons.
- Board your Hokuriku Shinkansen service (Kagayaki/Hakutaka/Asama) to Nagano.
Getting to the main embarking points (Narita JR Station → Tokyo Station)
- JR counters and gates are inside each terminal; leave extra time for ticketing.
- At Tokyo Station, allow ~10–15 minutes to move from N’EX platform to shinkansen gates.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⚡ Option #2 — Keisei Skyliner + Hokuriku Shinkansen (Fast via Ueno)
Fastest to Ueno Easy transfer Good for north-side Tokyo
- Overview: Take Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Keisei Ueno (~45 min), walk underground to JR Ueno shinkansen gates (~5–10 min), then ride to Nagano.
- Time & fare: ~45 min Skyliner + ~90–100 min shinkansen; ~2.5–3 hours total; fares similar to the N’EX route.
- How to book: Reserve Skyliner seats online (deals often on Klook), then buy shinkansen seats or compare on Trip.com Trains.
- Pros: Very fast airport→Ueno; compact transfer. Cons: Two operators (Keisei + JR) means separate tickets.
- Official links: Keisei Skyliner and JR East (Hokuriku Shinkansen).
Step-by-step: Skyliner + Shinkansen
- Follow signs to Keisei Line at Narita; board Skyliner to Keisei Ueno.
- Use the concourse link to JR Ueno (signposted) and enter the shinkansen gates.
- Ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano.
Getting to the main embarking points (Keisei → JR Ueno)
- Skyliner platforms are well signed; keep your QR/e-ticket handy.
- At Keisei Ueno, follow underground passage signs to JR; lifts available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus + Hokuriku Shinkansen (Budget-Friendly)
Good value Luggage space Less walking
- Overview: Ride an airport limousine/express bus from Narita to Tokyo Station or Nippori/Ueno; connect to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano.
- Time & fare: ~70–100 minutes by road (traffic-dependent) + ~80–95 minutes shinkansen.
- How to book: Compare bus seats and rail combos on 12Go or Trip.com; shinkansen tickets can also be reserved on site.
- Pros: Often cheaper than N’EX; easy with big suitcases. Cons: Can be slower during rush hours.
- Official links: Check Narita Airport – Buses and JR East (Hokuriku Shinkansen).
Step-by-step: Bus + Shinkansen
- From arrivals, follow signs to Bus/Transport counters; buy a ticket to Tokyo Station or Ueno.
- Transfer to JR shinkansen gates and purchase/collect your Nagano-bound ticket.
- Board the next Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bus Stops → JR Hubs)
- Bus bays are outside each terminal with staff guidance.
- At Tokyo Station, follow signs for the Shinkansen (Yaesu/Nihonbashi gates).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛣️ Option #4 — Seasonal Direct Highway Bus (Ski Season)
No transfers Ski gear friendly Limited dates
- Overview: In winter, some operators run direct or one-seat highway buses from Narita to Nagano/Hakuba resort areas. Great with ski bags and kids.
- Time & fare: ~4.5–6 hours depending on snow and traffic; ~¥5,000–10,000.
- How to book: Watch for seasonal releases on Klook and GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Door-to-door, no station transfers. Cons: Fixed departure times; fewer daily runs; winter delays possible.
- Official links (check when season opens): Narita Airport – Buses and regional bus firms (e.g., ALPICO for Nagano area highways).
Step-by-step: Seasonal Bus
- Confirm operating dates and pick-up bay for your specific bus.
- Be at the bay 15–20 minutes early; stow skis/boards under the coach.
- Ride to Nagano/Hakuba stops; transfer to local buses/taxis as needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Bays)
- Look for your operator’s name/route on the departures board and signage at the terminal curb.
- Ask information counters if you’re unsure—English support is available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Rental Car (Door-to-Door)
Door-to-door Great for groups Winter road caution
- Overview: A chauffeured van from NRT direct to your Nagano hotel or a self-drive car via expressways (Metropolitan/Joban/Tohoku → Kan-Etsu/Joetsu → Nagano routes depending on traffic).
- Time & fare: 3.5–4.5 hours by car in good conditions; private transfers from ~¥60,000+ depending on vehicle/season. Rentals from ~¥7,000–12,000/day.
- How to book: Price out drivers on GetTransfer (or similar concierge services). For self-drive, search Booking.com car rental. If arriving into central Tokyo first, Welcome Pickups Tokyo is an example of meet-and-greet transfer providers.
- Pros: No transfers; hotel drop-off; ideal with kids/gear. Cons: Costly; winter tires/chains may be required; tolls apply.
- Official safety/resources: Check weather & road status on NEXCO East in winter.
Step-by-step: Private/Car
- Share flight details with your driver or arrange rental pick-up (airport or downtown Tokyo).
- Set destination to Nagano Station or your hotel; plan a service area stop halfway.
- In winter, verify snow tires and carry warm layers.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup Bays / Rental Desks)
- Meet-and-greet drivers usually wait at the arrivals hall; confirm the meeting point in-app.
- Rental counters are in-terminal or linked by shuttle—bring your IDP (International Driving Permit).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Narita Airport to Nagano)
How long does the trip take?
Most rail-based journeys take about 2.5–3 hours with one transfer (airport train → Hokuriku Shinkansen). By car it’s ~3.5–4.5 hours, subject to traffic/weather.
Which is better—Tokyo Station or Ueno?
Tokyo Station is the simplest interchange after the Narita Express; Ueno is faster from Narita via Skyliner and has a compact transfer to the same Hokuriku Shinkansen line.
Do I need seat reservations?
Skyliner and Narita Express are reserved; Hokuriku Shinkansen has both reserved and non-reserved (train-dependent). Reserve in peak seasons or if traveling with luggage/kids.
What if I arrive late?
If you miss the last shinkansen, consider a hotel near Tokyo/Ueno via Booking.com, a night bus (seasonal/limited), or a private transfer.
Where can I keep my bags?
Use station coin lockers, luggage counters, or off-station partners discoverable via Radical Storage.