Bus or train better from Nagoya to Takayama?

Hi, we'll reach Chunbu airport on 17/12/15 morning. We have 2 adults, 2 children (age 10 and 8), 1 infant (below age2), and 2 elderly (age70+). We'll go to Takayama on first day. Can you advise me should we take Shoryuda highway bus 3-days pass or JR pass or any other options? We hope the transport is convenient to us, walk less because it's winter and we have luggages to carry too.

I think it is personal preference. I personally find train travel much more comfortable than bus travel. But bus travel tends to be cheaper. If you have an excessive amount of luggage, I recommend considering a delivery service and send some of the luggage from the airport to your hotel in Takayama:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html

I haven't taken the bus but I've done the trip by train a few times. It is my favourite train trip, the track follows the river quite a bit so the views are really nice, especially if you are in the green car up the front where you can see through the driver's room.

May I know which train pass is recommended? We'll stay 2 nights at Takayama. Is the train depart fr Chunbu airport directly to takayama or I need to take train from Chunbu airport to Nagoya station then transfer to Takayama?

Hi, I just found this - I didn't even know that there is a Chubu airport! https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/cebtrair_takayama.html

I've always taken the train from Nagoya, by the Wideview Hida. As nice of a trip as it is, it looks as though it might be easier for you to go direct from Chubu airport.