Flying into Tokyo: The Narita vs. Haneda Debate
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When it comes to flying into Tokyo, I typically lean towards Haneda Airport due to its proximity to the city. However, there are occasions when flights into Narita Airport come at a significantly lower price, making the extra effort to travel from Narita worthwhile.
The Narita Express: Your Gateway to Tokyo
If you find yourself in this situation, you’re likely aware of the Narita Express (N’EX)—a convenient and speedy train service connecting Narita Airport to major train stations in Tokyo. As you explore your options for the Narita Express, you may wonder about the difference between the two types of train cars: the Ordinary car and the Green car. This post will detail my experience with the Green car, helping you determine if the upgrade is worth it.
Green Car vs. Ordinary Car: What’s the Difference?
The Green car is essentially the first-class option on the Narita Express, offering a more luxurious experience at a slightly higher cost. The distinctions between the two cars are primarily in the amenities provided. The Green car features:
- Elegant leather seats
- Carpeted interiors
- Wider seat pitch—1,160 mm in the Green car compared to 1,020 mm in the Ordinary car
This additional legroom can make a noticeable difference, especially on longer journeys.
Cost of N’EX: Green Car vs. Ordinary Car
The fare for the Narita Express varies based on your destination from the airport. In my case, I traveled from Musashi-Kosugi station in Kawasaki to Narita Airport Terminal 1. Generally, the Green car costs around 770 yen more than the Ordinary car for a one-way journey. Below is a price comparison for a one-way trip from Kawasaki to Narita:
| Type | Ordinary Car | Green Car |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (>= 12 years old) | 3,420 yen | 4,190 yen |
| Children (6 to 11 years old) | 1,710 yen | 2,740 yen |
| Children (0 to 5 years old) | Free* | Free* |
* Children aged 5 and under travel free in both cars, provided they sit on an adult’s lap.
Purchasing Your N’EX Ticket
There are several convenient options for purchasing your Narita Express ticket:
1. Via Klook
I opted to buy my tickets through Klook, which was straightforward and user-friendly. Simply select your Narita Airport terminal and the nearest station to your accommodation, then choose your preferred timing. I recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Klook offers instant confirmation for Narita Express tickets. After completing the payment, I experienced a brief wait for ticket confirmation, but moments later, I refreshed my booking page and found my seats already assigned. I booked four tickets, and we were all seated within the same two rows, making it easy to travel together.
2. Direct from JR East
If you are traveling with multiple children, it’s worth comparing prices with JR East. While the adult ticket prices are similar between Klook and JR East, the latter allows you to book children’s tickets directly. Despite traveling with a child, I chose Klook for its ease of use compared to the JR East website, which requires member registration.
3. N’EX Round Trip Pass
If budget is a concern, consider purchasing a round trip pass for the Ordinary car, which can cost as little as 5,000 yen per adult and 2,500 yen per child. Note that this pass is not available for the Green car and is valid for 14 days. The pass activates upon first use, so ensure your travel plans align with its validity period.
Luggage Storage on the N’EX
Traveling as a family often means managing a considerable amount of luggage—three regular-sized suitcases, one carry-on, a small box, and a stroller in our case. Fortunately, the N’EX has dedicated luggage storage areas for large suitcases. You even have the option to lock your luggage for added security, although on my train, most passengers opted not to use the locks.
As for the stroller, there is ample space at the front and back rows of the train, making it easy to store it safely. Additionally, overhead compartments are available for smaller bags, allowing you to keep your travel essentials close at hand.
Facilities Onboard the N’EX
You’ll be pleased to know that there are restrooms available on the Narita Express. The restrooms are surprisingly spacious and equipped with modern amenities that you would expect from a Japanese facility. On the train I took, restrooms were located in car 1, 6, 7 (ordinary cars), and 12 (green car).
Is the Green Car Worth the Upgrade?
Our total fare for the Green car was 16,760 yen for three adults and one child, while the Ordinary car would have cost us just 11,970 yen due to the lower ticket prices. So, is the 4,790 yen difference justified?
Given that the journey lasts only 1 to 1.5 hours, I believe that most passengers would find the Ordinary car adequate. Personally, I appreciated the exclusive ambiance of the Green car and the convenience of having the restroom nearby. The price difference didn’t seem excessive, so I wouldn’t hesitate to choose it again. However, if you’re looking to save money, opting for the Ordinary car is a perfectly acceptable choice.