A new high-speed train will cut the travel time between downtown Tokyo and Narita International Airport to 36 minutes, down from the current 51 minutes, when it opens next year.
The "Skyliner" will travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, slashing the travel time between Tokyo and Narita International Airport, on the 64-kilometre route.
The Skyliner, in metallic blue and white, was designed by Japanese fashion leader Kansai Yamamoto.
The train, set to start operations some time in 2010, will connect Nippori Station near Ueno in northern Tokyo with the Terminal 2 building at Narita Airport, Keisei Electric Railway said.
Train travellers currently have to use eiether the Keisei route to Ueno or the JR East rail line to Tokyo Central, Shinjuku or Ikebukuro stations. Other alternatives involve either hugely expensive taxi services or the airport limousine buses, which can often take two hours or more to reach central Tokyo hotels, depending on traffic conditions.
For further details see www.keisei.co.jp
Kenny Coyle
