travelling on N'EX

Hi there!

This does seem to be an area of confusion! Lets see if we can clear it up. The rules for the Narita Express (N'EX) and the Japan Rail Pass are:

1. The Narita Express is totally free for Japan Rail Pass holders. Provided you activate your rail pass at Narita you can use the Narita Express for the trip into Tokyo for free.
2. The Narita Express is reserved seating only. The means whether you buy tickets or use a Japan Rail Pass you will need to visit the JR ticket counter at Narita and claim a reserved seat before you board. (seat reservations are always free on presentation of the Japan Rail Pass). You can reserve your seat at Narita just before you board the train.

In theory, a Narita Express could be full. If this happens you would have to wait until the next one into town. However, this shouldn't be a problem - in my experience the train is never busy and there have always been plenty of seats available for reservation.

I hope this helps clear things up. If you have any other questions please let me know!

I wish to clarify further regarding N'EX.
Our travel route will be Kansai airport - Osaka - Tokyo - Narita airport

I will not be able to activate the rail pass at Narita since I will be coming from Kansai.
Does this mean that my JR Pass will not be valid for Tokyo - Narita airport?

Hi there,

As long as your rail pass is active you are free to use the Narita Express (it does not have to be activated at Narita Airport).

Your rail pass will fully cover travel on the Narita Express.

Hope this helps!

Hi!

My family and I will not be coming from Narita Airport, but instead Tokyo Station, since we are coming from Osaka by Shinkansen. I'd just like to ask if we can take the N'EX going to Shinjuku Station from the Tokyo Station since it's in the N'EX's path, and where do we reserve seats for it if we can?

P.S. We're planning to activate our JR Pass in Osaka since we're taking the Shinkansen from there to Tokyo.

Thank you!