We're taking our first trip to Tokyo at the end of May and are flying in from the US. From what I've read, the best transportation from Narita airport to Shinjuku is via the JR Narita Express (N'EX). I've also read that you must make reservations for this train. My question is, how do you make reservations when airlline travel is notorious for not being on time? There could also be problems with luggage or customs. If you're late for your reserved train, can your tickets be used on the next N'EX train? If we don't get reservations, what are the chances we can just walk up and buy tickets for the next N'EX train?
2007-03-22 16:33:09 · 5 answers · asked by ox4a64 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
What the others have said is basically correct. No need for advance reservations. Once you land and clear customs, go to the JR booth. It is near the trains, downstairs at Narita airport. You can buy a ticket and make a reservations then.
If you plan to ride JR trains more than just to and from the airport, you might want to consider a JR rail pass too. It is a single fee, one or two week "ticket" for foreigners. Actually it looks more like a thin passport. You buy it here in the U.S. Check with your travel agency or use the link below. You get a voucher and exchange it once you're in Japan for the actual pass. It is good on virtually all forms of transportation owned by JR, and there are many. One other advantage is that the JR pass will allow you to ride the Shinkansen (buller train) at no additional cost.
If you go this route, you exchange the voucher, get the actual pass, and make your reservations all at the same counter. On express (non-local) trains yuo will also need a ticket. This is just proof of your reserved seat. An attendant on the train will come buy and punch it. You do not get a ticket for local trains. If using the JR pass, go to the attendant near the entrance and exit turnstiles The turnstiles are for folks who buy single-use tickets. The attendant will check your pass and allow you through.
You will likely need to change trains inside Tokyo station. Allow lots of time to do this. I got lost my first time. Fortunately I met two Japanese girls on the train from the airport to Tokyo. They wanted to practice English and we struck up a nice conversation. They saw me looking lost inside Tokyo station. One grabbed my pass and the other, along with their mother grabbed me. Within a few moments I was at the right train. The doors literally closed within 2 seconds of me boarding thr train.
The trains are extremely timely. They leave and arrive when they are supposed to so plan acordingly.
If at all possible, avoid trains at rush hour, especially with luggage. The term packed does not due justice to the number of people crammed into trains at peak times.
About the usefulness of your ticket if you miss your train, your ticket is valid only for that specific train if it's an express. This is because you reserve a specific time and a specific seat or seats on the train. But you can exchange it. Do that right away if you miss your train, so there is no question.
Two more things. Take a camera and lots of film (or memory cards). And have fun!
2007-03-23 12:00:11 · answer #1 · answered by Rich 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bascially you can purchase your ticket after you have cleared customs and immigration. There are everal trians per hour and the service runs all well into the evening. There will be no issue for you to purchase your reserve seating tickets. In fact most people going from the airport into Tokyo, just walk up to the window and buy a ticket for the next train. I do that all the time when I retutn back to Tokyo after business trips. No worries at all.
2007-03-22 20:10:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All seats of NEX are reserved. But in this case, reservation means that you can reserve it at a ticket counter of a station even 10 minutes before you take a NEX train.
So just take a flight and buy a NEX ticket after you arrived at Narita airport.
2007-03-22 21:39:00 · answer #3 · answered by thecheapest902 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there are many trains that go from the airport the one u are talking about is the most expensive. i look the normal fast train at 1000 yen about 5 pounds 8 dollars to 10 dollars that gets u in to the city fast. and its about 1/4 of the price. regards terry
2007-03-22 23:57:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should purchase the tickets on the comparable day. that isn't any concern. in case you prefer to be risk-free you should purchase them some days early or maybe the day till now. purely be certain you tell the counter individual the date and time for the practice you prefer.
2016-10-19 09:42:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋