Owais Crawford
The Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese bullet train, is a high-speed train known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. With speeds of up to 320 km/h, it offers a unique travel experience. While there is currently no direct train service from the Shinkansen to Narita International Airport, it is possible to make transfers to reach the airport. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, including transfers, and offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to flying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 320 km/h |
| Punctuality | Most trains depart on time to the second |
| Comfort | Spacious, forward-facing seats with generous foot space |
| Safety | No fatal accidents |
| Efficiency | Cost-effective with various rail passes |
| Seat reservation | Available in four levels, with reserved and unreserved seats |
| Narita Shinkansen | Proposed high-speed line to connect Narita International Airport with Tokyo Station, abandoned in 1987 |
| Haneda International Airport | Accessible via Shinkansen with transfer at Shinagawa Station |
| Travel time | Approximately 2 hours 13 minutes from Shinkansen to Tokyo Narita Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Getting from Haneda Airport to Shinkansen stations
Haneda Airport is the closest airport to Tokyo, but there is currently no direct train line to Tokyo Station. However, there are plans to build a new station between Haneda Airport's Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 buildings, which will provide a direct line to Tokyo Station in the city centre. This new route will cut travel time in half to just 18 minutes.
In the meantime, there are several ways to get from Haneda Airport to Shinkansen stations. Firstly, you can take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1-2 Station or Terminal 3 Station to Shinagawa Station. This journey takes approximately 13 to 15 minutes. Some trains go directly to Shinagawa Station, while others require a transfer at Kamata Station (on the same platform). Once you arrive at Shinagawa Station, you need to make your way to the Konan Exit, where the Shinkansen platforms are located. It's just a few minutes' walk.
Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station. This leg of the journey takes around 18 to 25 minutes, depending on whether you catch a rapid or local train. From Hamamatsucho Station, you can take the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Tokyo Station. This segment typically takes 5 minutes. Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations, including the Tohoku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen.
If you're heading to Shinjuku Station, you can take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station, and then take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. Another option is to take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda to Shinagawa Station, and then take the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station.
For Shibuya Station, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, and then take the Yamanote Line to Shibuya. Alternatively, you can take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda to Shinagawa Station, and then use the Yamanote Line to reach Shibuya.
If you're looking for a more comfortable experience, you can consider purchasing a "business class" or "first class" seat on the Shinkansen. These seats offer more space, comfort, and amenities. However, they are more expensive and may require advance reservations.
Finally, if you're not in a hurry, you can also opt for a limousine bus or shared shuttle to Tokyo Station, which offers a more affordable option, although it may take longer.
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The comfort and speed of the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, or Japanese bullet train, is renowned for its speed, punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. With speeds of up to 320 km/h, it is one of the fastest ways to travel long distances in Japan.
The Shinkansen network connects most major cities on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The Tokaido Shinkansen, the oldest and most popular line, links Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. This line has been operational since 1964 and has carried over 6.4 billion passengers. The Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, and Hokkaido Shinkansen are other key lines.
The Shinkansen offers a range of seating options, from ordinary seats, which are generally comfortable and spacious, to Green Cars, which offer more space and comfort, comparable to business class on airplanes. The most luxurious option is the Gran Class, available on select lines, which provides even more spacious seating and additional amenities, similar to first class on airplanes. All Shinkansen lines, except the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen, run on tracks exclusively built for and used by Shinkansen trains.
The Shinkansen's speed and convenience have made it a preferred choice for journeys under 750 km, surpassing air travel in this range. It has also contributed to economic growth in regions it serves, such as Kagoshima Prefecture, and has led to the development of "in-station retailing businesses," transforming stations into destinations for shopping, dining, and other activities.
In terms of safety, the Shinkansen has an impressive record, with no fatal accidents in its history. Its punctuality is also noteworthy, with most trains departing on time to the second. The Shinkansen utilizes advanced technology, such as a tilting mechanism for smooth turns and an airtight, aerodynamic body, to ensure a quiet and comfortable ride.
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The different classes of Shinkansen seating
You can use the Shinkansen to get to Haneda International Airport. To do so, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, which takes around 18-25 minutes. Then, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line at Hamamatsucho Station, which will take you to Tokyo Station in about 5 minutes. From there, you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations.
Shinkansen trains offer different classes of seating to cater to varying passenger needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the different classes:
Ordinary Seats
Ordinary seats are the standard option and are comparable to economy class on airplanes. They are generally comfortable, with reasonable legroom and a tray table in front of each seat. They usually come in rows of 3+2 seats, separated by an aisle with 3 seats on one side and 2 on the other. Ordinary cars offer both reserved and non-reserved seating, allowing passengers the flexibility to choose a specific seat or sit wherever they like.
Green Cars
Green Cars offer an upgraded experience, similar to business class on airplanes. They feature larger and more spacious seats arranged in rows of 2+2, providing more legroom and space for luggage. These carriages tend to be quieter and less crowded, making them a popular choice for business travellers. Green Cars are fully reserved, ensuring passengers have a guaranteed seat.
Gran Class
Gran Class is the most premium option, akin to first class on airplanes. Available on select Shinkansen lines, Gran Class offers the most spacious and comfortable seats, arranged in a 2+1 configuration. It includes additional amenities such as complimentary meals, drinks, and newspapers served by a dedicated attendant. Gran Class is notably more expensive and provides an enhanced level of service and comfort.
Shinkansen trains typically offer a combination of these seating classes, giving passengers the choice to select the option that best suits their preferences and budget.
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The Narita Shinkansen and its history
The Narita Shinkansen was a planned high-speed Shinkansen ("bullet train") line intended to connect Narita International Airport with Tokyo Station. With a design speed of at least 200 km/h, the Narita Shinkansen was designed to cover the 65-kilometer distance in 35 minutes, including a stop at Chiba New Town. The project was abandoned in 1987 due to significant opposition from local residents protesting against the expropriation of their land. Construction began in 1974, but it was halted in 1983, and the basic plan granting construction rights was ultimately cancelled by a special law in 1987. This made the Narita Shinkansen the only Shinkansen line to suffer this fate.
Planning for the Narita Shinkansen began in 1966, and permission to build was granted in 1972, with completion initially scheduled for 1976, coinciding with the airport's opening. The line was to originate at underground platforms located roughly equidistant from Tokyo Station and Yūrakuchō Station in central Tokyo. From there, it would run underground to Etchūjima in Kōtō Ward, then above ground, following the Tōzai Line route across the Ara River to Funabashi. In Funabashi, the line would again run underground, emerging in Shiroi, then following a smooth curve through Chiba New Town and central Narita, before terminating beneath the passenger terminal at Narita Airport.
Although the Narita Shinkansen was never realized, its legacy persists. The area of Tokyo Station originally designated for the Shinkansen platforms and the tunnel to Etchujima are now utilized by the JR Keiyō Line. Additionally, the Keisei Narita Airport Line, which serves as a direct airport service, was constructed with a standard gauge similar to the Shinkansen, leaving open the possibility of future conversion.
The Shinkansen network in Japan is renowned for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. With speeds reaching 320 km/h, the Shinkansen offers a cost-effective means of travel through various rail passes. The network consists of multiple lines, with the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka) being the oldest and most popular. Most Shinkansen lines operate on exclusive tracks, and trains provide seating in two or three classes, including ordinary seats, Green Cars, and the premium Gran Class.
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How to get from Shinkansen to Tokyo Narita Airport
The Narita Shinkansen was a planned high-speed Shinkansen ("bullet train") line that was proposed to connect Narita International Airport with Tokyo Station. The project was abandoned in 1987, although parts of the planned route are used by the Keisei Narita Airport Line (Narita Sky Access). However, there are still several ways to get from Shinkansen to Tokyo Narita Airport:
Shinkansen to Tokyo Station
You can take the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, which is the main hub for Shinkansen services in the city. From there, you can transfer to the Narita Express or the Skyliner to get to the airport.
Haneda International Airport
If you are coming from Haneda International Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station. From there, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and head to Tokyo Station. At Tokyo Station, you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations.
Local train lines
Several local train lines operate between Narita Airport and Tokyo, including the JR Sobu Line (Rapid Service). These trains are more economical but are also slower and more crowded. They may also require multiple transfers, and there is no dedicated storage area for luggage.
Driving
The driving distance between Shinkansen and Tokyo Narita Airport is approximately 112 miles, and it takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes to drive.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no direct train from the Shinkansen to Narita International Airport. However, there are services departing from Kannami and arriving at Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station via Atami and Tokyo Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes.
From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station. This leg of the journey lasts around 18-25 minutes. Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line at Hamamatsucho Station, and you'll be on your way to Tokyo Station. Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations.
The Shinkansen is known for its punctuality, comfort, safety, and efficiency. The trains run at speeds of up to 320 km/h and offer spacious, always forward-facing seats. They are also relatively silent, making them a comfortable and efficient way to travel.
The cheapest way to get from Shinkansen to Tokyo Narita Airport is by car, which costs $19-$29 and takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes. The train is a faster option, taking about 2 hours and 13 minutes, but it costs more, ranging from $29 to $85.
Narita Express trains from Narita Airport arrive at Shinagawa Station's Track 15. Upstairs from Track 15, you'll see a sign for "Shinkansen and JR line tickets" near a ticket counter and vending machines. You can purchase tickets there if needed. The ticket gates are located to the left of the ticket counter. Once inside the gates, an electronic timetable displays the next Shinkansen departures.
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