Not only is Nagoya the economic hub of Central Japan but also the major jump-off point to other parts of the Chubu Region. It is very accessible. There are several ways to get to Nagoya from outside of the country and other major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
By Plane
If you are coming from other cities in Japan, you will land most probably at Chubu Centrair International Airport, the main gateway to Nagoya (as well as the rest of Chubu region). Those coming from Tokyo by plane will depart from Haneda or Narita Airport to Chubu Centrair. Those coming from Osaka can travel to Nagoya by land, either by train or by highway bus.
By Train
Japan’s train system is so reliable and systematic but also extensive. Thankfully, maps and booklets are provided to help tourists (and even locals) navigate through its vast train system. Another very useful way of breezing your way through Japan’s railway system is Hyperdia. It is a web-based search application for Japan trains. You just need to indicate your destination and it will give you several route options. It will also show you the travel duration, the total fare and the breakdown, the platform number of your train, and the number of transfers if there’s any. You just need to have a good internet access.
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass will allow you to take unlimited rides within the JR network. It is best for long-distance train travel.
When is JR Pass worth it? If you are visiting multiple cities in Japan for a period of 7 days or longer. JR Pass covers shinkansen (high-speed bullet trains), which are very expensive. The JR Pass will allow you to take these speedy trains without worrying about the cost. It’s a great buy if you have a busy itinerary spanning multiple cities.
From Tokyo
From Tokyo, you can take the Japan Railway. You can choose JR Tokyo Station or JR Ueno Station as your point of departure from the city.
VIA SHINKANSEN (TOKYO STATION)
- Board the Shinkansen via JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to JR Nagoya Station.
- Alight at JR Nagoya Station.
Travel Time: 1 hr 40 mins (Nozomi); 1 hr 50 mins (Hikari); 3 hrs (Kodama)
Fare: ¥6,260
Seat Fee: ¥4,100 (Unreserved); ¥4,830 (Reserved); ¥8,420 (Green Seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
VIA SHINKANSEN (UENO STATION)
- Board the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line bound for JR Shinagawa Station.
- From Shinagawa Station, transfer to JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line and take the Shinkansen train to JR Nagoya Station.
- Alight at JR Nagoya Station.
Travel Time: 2 hrs (Nozomi); 2hrs 10 mins (Hikari); 3 hrs (Kodama)
Fare: ¥6,260
Seat Fee: ¥4,100 (Unreserved); ¥4,830 (Reserved); ¥8,420 (Green Seat)
Number of Transfer: 1 (JR Shinagawa Station)
Reminders:
- You cannot use your JR Pass on Nozomi trains. Only Hikari and Kodama accept JR Pass.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you are in a hurry, don’t board this train.
- If you have JR Pass, Hikari is the best option for you.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
From Tokyo, going to Nagoya via local trains will take approximately six (6) hours and at least three transfers. The fare is ¥6,260. No seat fee for local trains. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
From Osaka
From Osaka, you can take the Japan Railway. You can choose JR Shin-Osaka Station (especially for those who are taking the Shinkansen) or JR Osaka Station as your point of departure from the city. Note that JR Shin-Osaka Station is located north of downtown Osaka.
VIA SHINKANSEN (SHIN-OSAKA STATION)
- From JR Shin-Osaka Station, board the Shinkansen via JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to JR Nagoya Station.
- Alight at JR Nagoya Station.
Travel Time: 50 mins (Nozomi); 1 hr (Hikari); 1 hr 10 mins (Kodama)
Fare: ¥3,350
Seat Fee: ¥2,480 (Unreserved); ¥3,210 (Reserved); ¥5,440 (Green Seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Reminders:
- The Nozomi is the fastest among the three, but it is not practical to take this train if you are coming from Osaka, which is not too far, unlike Tokyo.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you want to save money and not in a hurry, you can board this train. You can also get a Puratto Kodama Economy Plan, which even lessens the cost of your fare and gives a free drink voucher that you can redeem at either the Shinkansen platform (kiosk) or on board the train (train vendor).
- A Puratto Kodama Economy Plan is not actually a ticket; it’s a one-way package tour product. The package usually offers discounted Kodama ticket fare and free drink voucher. Again, this is useful for a one-way journey. If you are planning to return to Osaka, it’s best to use the JR Pass instead. If you’ve decided to purchase one, you have to purchase one day in advance. You can only get this from JR Tokai Tours. Visit Platt Kodama website for more information.
- If you have JR Pass and you want to maximize your Nagoya visit, Hikari is the best option for you.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA LIMITED EXPRESS TRAIN (OSAKA STATION)
From Osaka Station, the travel time via limited express train to Nagoya will take approximately two (2) hours and 45 minutes with at least one transfer. The fare is at least ¥3,350, excluding the seat fee: ¥1,180 (Unreserved); ¥1,700 (Reserved); ¥2,460 (Green Seat). Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
VIA LOCAL TRAINS (OSAKA STATION)
Going to Nagoya via local train from Osaka will take about three (3) hours and at least two transfers. The fare is ¥3,350. No seat fee for local trains. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
Tip:
Travel passes can help you save a lot of money on fares if used efficiently. Plan your route and itinerary carefully before you decide which travel pass to get. Learn more about the travel passes that cover Nagoya and other nearby cities and tourist attractions.
By Bus
From Tokyo
VIA JR BUS
- From either JR Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit) or Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, board a bus going to Nagoya.
- Alight at JR Nagoya Station stop.
Travel Time: 5 – 7 hrs
Fare: ¥5,250 (day bus); ¥6,380 – ¥7,900 (night bus, 3-seat row); ¥4,900 – ¥5,900 (night bus, 4-seat row)
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase and reserve seat online. Check JR Tokai Bus Company.
Notes:
- Tickets for children are half the price of the adults’ fare.
- Discounted tickets are available and classified as Hayuri 21 (reserved 21 days prior to the trip), Hayuri 3 (reserved 3 days prior to the trip), and Hayuri 1 (reserved 1 day prior to the trip).
- Premium and Business Seats are also available.
VIA WILLER EXPRESS BUS
- From Tokyo Willer Bus Terminal/Yokohama/Kawasaki/Chiba, board the bus going to Nagoya.
- Alight at Hamamatsu stop in Nagoya.
Travel Time: 5 – 7 hrs
Fare: ¥2,480 – ¥5,000
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase and reserve seat online. Check Willer Express.
VIA MEITETSU BUS
- From Meitetsu Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, board the bus going to Nagoya.
- Alight at Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya.
Travel Time: 5 – 7 hrs
Fare: ¥4,700 – ¥6,000 (reserved seating only); 3,000 (children)
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase and reserve seat online. Check Meitetsu Bus.
From Osaka
- JR BUS stops at JR Nagoya Station area in Nagoya and at JR Osaka Station (Yaesu Exit) and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Travel Time: 3 – 5 hrs
Fare: Osaka Station (¥3,000/day bus; ¥3,500 – ¥3,900/night bus); Universal Studios (¥3,100/day bus; ¥3,600 – ¥4,000/night bus)
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase and reserve seat online. Check JR Tokai Bus Company.Notes:
- Day Bus is also called Meishin Expressway Bus Osaka; Night Bus is Seishun Dream
- Discounted tickets are available and classified as Hayuri 1 (reserved 1 day prior to the trip).
- WILLER EXPRESS BUS terminates at Willer Bus Terminal Osaka in Umeda and stops at JR Nagoya Station area.
Travel Time: 3 – 5 hrs
Fare: ¥2,500 – ¥4,000
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase and reserve seat online. Check Willer Express.
Note:
For the highway/express buses (long-distance buses), you may also check Japan Bus Online for booking. It offers 138 routes all over Japan and covers 86 bus companies.
Reminder: Please follow train and bus rules and etiquette.
Nagoya Essentials
 Nagoya Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Nagoya! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Shoryudo Highway Bus Pass Easy access to highway buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Nagoya City Walking Tour See some of Nagoya’s iconic landmarks! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
Top Nagoya Hotels
 Legoland Japan Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Lamp Light Books Hotel Nagoya ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
