An IC card may cover the basic-fare portion, but an Express Train e-ticket or paper limited-express ticket is also required.
JR conventional limited express
Narita Express: ticket, seat and baggage rules
Narita Airport · Tokyo · Shibuya · Shinjuku / Yokohama
30-second answer
What you need before boarding Narita Express
A limited-express ticket is required in addition to the basic fare paid by IC card or ticket.
The normal ticketless flow selects a train and seat. JR East's special rules may allow an available seat after a missed reserved train, but this is not a general IC-only boarding option.
No reservation is required for the dedicated Narita Express luggage area; it is first-come, first-served.
Dedicated space is not reservable
Narita Express has a dial-lock large-luggage area, but it is not tied to a reservation. Space remains first-come, first-served.
Baggage storage
Where your bag can go
Dial-lock dedicated large-luggage area and overhead racks; if full, luggage may need to remain at the passenger's feet.
Dedicated storage is not reservable and is first-come, first-served.
Carry-on boundary: JR East carry-on limit: up to 250 cm total dimensions, up to 2 m long and up to 30 kg per item.
Do not want to carry it?
Check storage at your station
If the bag is impractical to take onboard, use the separate station guide to check lockers and verified luggage-storage alternatives.
In one paragraph
Narita Express rule summary
For Narita Express, an IC card can cover only the basic fare; add a limited-express ticket and use the train and seat selected in the booking. Large bags have a dedicated dial-lock storage area in each train, plus overhead racks. That storage does not require a reservation and is first-come, first-served. If it is full or the item does not fit, staff may ask you to keep the bag at your feet.
Special items: General JR East special-item handling applies; the dedicated NEX area still depends on available space and item shape.