|
The Narita Express (成田エクスプレス) is a Limited Express (tokkyu--特急) serving Narita Airport from various Tokyo Metropolitan Area stations. Services are approximately half-hourly in the mornings and evenings, and hourly through the middle of the day. Most services originate (and terminate) from either Omiya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Yokohama, or Ofuna. Since 2002, there has also been one return service between Takao on the Chuo Line to Narita Airport.
All trains pass through Tokyo Station, where services are coupled or uncoupled. Usually, a train from Ofuna or Yokohama (on the Tokaido Line) will be coupled with a train from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro or Omiya to form one train set for the remainder of the journey to Narita Airport. On the return journey, the reverse is true.
The majority of Narita Express services do not stop between Tokyo and Airport Terminal 2 station. In the morning and evening rush hours, however, the Narita Express serves as a commuter express, stopping at Chiba, Yotsukaido and Narita stations. The average time between Tokyo and Narita Airport is between 55 minutes and an hour.
All seats are reserved, with both Standard and Green (1st class) accommodation available.
Until March 2004, another Limited Express service complemented the Narita Express. This train, the Wing Express, had one return working a day between Omiya/Ikebukuro/Shinjuku and Narita Airport. This service ended in March, and was replaced by an additional Narita Express service.
In December 2004, Narita Express service began to and from the hot springs resort of Odawara on a seasonal basis. Every day during holiday and high-travel periods, one train is extended past Ofuna, stopping at Fujisawa, Chigasaki and Hiratsuka before arriving at Odawara. The time between Odawara and Narita Airport is approximately 2 1/2 hours.
The main competition for the Narita Express is Keisei Electric Railway's Skyliner.
| 
