NRT 21 hrs layover, need help with train schedule
 

Will arrive NRT Terminal 2 on a Thu at 8:30p and leave from Terminal 2 on Fri at 5:25p. That's a 21 hours layover so plan to overnight in Tokyo, with lodging by the train station.

I would like to know the fastest train between NRT and Tokyo for those hours.

From N'EX schedule here:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shi..._nex_u/07.html
Looks like the only one that works is Narita Express 54 at 9:46p. But why are there two columns with the same time & name but different stops?

Coming back from Tokyo:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shi..._nex_d/04.html
Looks like Narita Express 31 at 2:03p Narita Express 33 at 2:33p will work.

From Skyliner schedule here:
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetud...x.html#narita2

I am a little confuse about "SU", "AU" and the numbers undeneath. For example, under weekdays on row 21, does it mean at 9:12p & 9:52p, there is a Skyliner that departs for Ueno? And an Access Express at 9:16p? What is the difference between Skyliner and Access Express? Looks like Access Express has couple transfer stations before Ueno so it's slower?

For return, the schedule here:
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetud...ndex.html#ueno
If those numbers are departure time, then how can I tell the arrival time to NRT?

Are there other train options?
Is there a preference between N'EX or Skyliner? or just pick the "next" one that's leaving?
Is to necessary to make advance seat reservation?
With round trip tickets, does it require a pre-select return time or is that flexible?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Looks like N'Ex 54 splits into two trains. The train bound for Ikebukuro departs Tokyo at 22:41, two minutes later than the other one.

The N'Ex is all-reserved seating, so yes on the pre-select question for those trains. You would actually get two one-way tickets (not one round-trip ticket). I would absolutely get both at the same time at the airport.

>>Are there other train options?
Try using www.hyperdia.com
There are bus options from the airport to hotels.

>>N'EX or Skyliner?
Depends on where you are staying the night. You are at the point where you know you have transport options that will work. Now, you can figure out where to stay. Then refine your transportation plan.

Thank you everyone for your help. Now I understand my options much better.

If I were to purchase a round trip ticket upon arrival, is the time/seat for the return trip exchangable? Therefore, if I want to head back to NRT earlier than planned, or (OMG) missed the train and have to take the next one, can I exchange the return portion or pay full for a new ticket?

The next N'Ex might be sold out.

In the (extremely) unlikely event of the NEx being sold out, you can still ride the train and stand as long as you have a ticket.

DonTopaz, just to clarify, you mean if I have a return ticket previously reserved on time A, and I ended up boarding at a different time B, I am legal to ride (standing if sold out) because I have the unused ticket with time A?

carcassone: Yes, as long as you have a valid NEx ticket, even if reserved for a different train, you can ride on any NEx train between the same two ticketed points. (Note that the NEx ticket includes the regular fare to Narita plus a surcharge for the Limited Express.)

Sorry to come in from left field on this one, but what is wrong with the bus (airport limousine)? When you arrive, you simply go to the ticket counter in the airport terminal, tell them where you want to go, buy your ticket, and wait outside at the proper spot, which are numbered clearly.

When your bus arrives, young guys come out of nowhere, grab and tag your suitcase for your stop, and then "bow" at you as the bus leaves. When you get to your stop, they miraculously already have your suitcase ready, and then they "bow" at you again.

It's nice not to have to lug your suitcase, and it's also nice not to have to think. With only a few hours in the city, you need a relaxing way in and out.

Just booked my lodging in Akihabara (actually half way between stations Akihabara and Asakusabashi, on the Kanda River).

So looks like Keisei Skyliner (instead of N'EX) is the train to take.

Arriving at 8:30p, hyperdia.com/en suggests taking Skyliner #56 at 9:52p transferring at Nippori (not Ueno) to Yamanote Line. Similarly on the return.

Pretty straight forward.

If you're going to transfer to the Yamanote Line, then changing at Nippori is certainly easier than going from Keisei Ueno to JR Ueno. And IIRC there is escalator access from the station to the street.

The area around Akihabara station is extremely busy, but there are decent maps of the neighborhood at the subway/JR stations. That said, if I were just arriving on a flight and heading toward accommodation in that location, I'd consider taking the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno, then a taxi to the hotel. (Hard to imagine the taxi being more than US$6-8.)

Hmm...very good point about taking the taxi. I've been to those crazy Tokyo stations and the few minutes xfer time may not be enough for me to find my way from the Skyliner to JR trains.

Looks like fare is < 1,000 yen according to this:
http://www.taxiautofare.com/jp/taxi-...habara-station

Not sure how accurate it is.