Direct, 100-110 minutes, about 11,000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Tokyo and Nagoya are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 100 minutes to reach Nagoya from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 110 minutes and Kodama trains about three hours. The regular one way fare is 10,560 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel between the two cities by reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 8500 yen, but the plan has to be purchased at least one day in advance.
By highway bus
Direct, 5-6 hours, 2000-5500 yen one way, multiple daytime and overnight connections per day
Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate daytime and overnight buses between Tokyo and Nagoya. The one way trip takes about 5-6 hours. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 2,000 and 5,500 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
By local trains
3 transfers, 6 hours, 6380 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Nagoya takes about six hours and typically involves about three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 6380 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Central Japan Airport
By Meitetsu Railways
The one way journey between Nagoya Station and Central Japan Airport by Meitetsu Railways takes 30 minutes and costs 890 yen for a non-reserved seat and 1250 yen for a reserved seat. The airport trains also provide direct connections to Inuyama and Gifu City. To reach Toyohashi, a transfer of trains is required at Jingu-mae Station.
Several types of trains run between the airport and central Nagoya: Myu Sky limited express trains carry only reserved seats while limited express trains (tokkyu) have both reserved and non-reserved sections. All other types of trains, such as express and local trains, carry only non-reserved seats and are distinctly slower than the limited express trains.
Meitetsu Bus operates buses between the airport and several locations around Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and surrounding prefectures. In particular, there is a bus service connecting the airport with several hotels in central Nagoya, the bus terminal in Sakae and the Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station once every two hours. The one way ride costs 1300 yen and takes between 45 and 85 minutes depending on the bus stop.
By taxi
A taxi ride into central Nagoya costs about 15,000 yen.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Kyoto
By shinkansen
Direct, 35-40 minutes, about 5500 yen, several trains per hour
Nagoya and Kyoto are major stations on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 35 minutes to reach Nagoya from Kyoto, while Hikari and Kodama trains take between 40 and 60 minutes. The regular one way fare from Kyoto to Nagoya is 5170 yen for a non-reserved seat and around 6000 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains, but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel from Kyoto to Nagoya with a reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 4400 yen and will receive one drink for free. The "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan" has to be purchased at least one day before departure from JR Tokai travel agency.
By local JR trains
One transfer, 135 minutes, 2640 yen, several trains per hour
By local trains on the JR Tokaido Line, the one way trip from Kyoto to Nagoya takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and requires a transfer of trains at Maibara Station. The one way fare is 2640 yen.
By bus
Direct, 2.5 hours, about 2500 yen, multiple buses per day
Multiple companies operate frequent daytime highway buses between Nagoya Station and Kyoto Station. The one way trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs about 2500 yen. A round trip ticket is available for around 4000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Japan Bus Online
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How to travel between Nagoya and Osaka
By shinkansen
Direct, 50-70 minutes, about 6000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Nagoya (Nagoya Station) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) are connected by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 50 minutes for the trip between Nagoya Station and Shin-Osaka Station, while Hikari and Kodama trains take between 55 and 70 minutes. The regular one way fare is 5940 yen for a non-reserved seat and around 6500 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel between the two cities with a reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 4500 yen, but the plan has to be purchased at least one day in advance.
By Kintetsu Railway
Direct, 2 hours, 2410-4540 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Twice hourly, direct limited express trains between Nagoya Station and Namba Station in central Osaka take just over two hours and cost 4340-4540 yen one way. By express trains, the one way trip costs only 2410 yen, but takes 3.5 hours and requires several transfers along the way.
By highway bus
Direct, 3 hours, 2000-3000 yen one way, multiple daytime connections per day
The one way trip between Osaka and Nagoya by highway bus takes about three hours and costs about 3000 yen. Discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, offer fares from around 2000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
By local JR trains
1 transfer, 165 minutes, 3410 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
By local trains on the JR Tokaido Main Line the one way trip between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes and requires a transfer of trains at Maibara Station. The one way fare is 3410 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for just 2410 yen.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Kanazawa
By limited express train
JR Shirasagi limited express trains provide a direct connection between Nagoya and Kanazawa every 1-2 hours. The one way journey takes three hours and costs 6930 yen for a non-reserved seat or about 7500 yen for a reserved seat. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By local trains
The journey by local JR trains takes about 6.5 hours and typically involves 3-6 transfers of trains along the way. The one way fare is 4510 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Alternatively, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you can do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.
By bus
The one way ride between Nagoya and Kanazawa by highway bus takes about four hours and costs 4500 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 7200 yen and is valid for four days. There are about ten round trips per day, operated by Hokutetsu and Meitetsu Bus.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Takayama
By JR limited express train
Hourly JR Hida limited express trains connect Nagoya and Takayama in about 150 minutes. The one way fare is around 6000 yen and fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By JR local trains
By local trains along the JR Takayama Line, the one way journey between Nagoya and Takayama with good connections takes about four hours and requires at least one transfer of trains. The one way fare is 3410 yen.
By highway bus
Hourly highway buses, operated by JR, Meitetsu and Nohi Bus, run directly between Nagoya and Takayama. The one way trip takes a little over 2.5 hours and costs 3100 yen. A round trip ticket costs only 5400 yen, but the return trip has to be made within four days of the outward journey.
Gifu Bus operates multiple direct buses per day between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station) and Shirakawa-go. Travel time is roughly three hours, and the fare is 4000 yen one way. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on this bus. Online bookings can be made through Willer.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Gujo
By highway bus
Gifu Bus operates two round trip buses per day between Meitetsu Bus Center (next to JR Nagoya Station) and Gujo (Jokamachi Plaza bus terminal in the town center). The one way trip takes 80 minutes and costs 2260 yen.
Nohi Bus, Meitetsu and JR Tokai Bus operate almost hourly buses between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center) and Takayama, which stop along the way at "Gujo-Hachiman Inter", a bus stop which is located along the expressway outside of the town center. The one way trip between Nagoya and Gujo takes 90 minutes and costs 2200 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 4000 yen and is valid for four days.
Gifu Bus also operates multiple round trips between Gifu (Meitetsu and JR Gifu Stations) and Gujo, all of which stop in the town center. The one way trip takes about 75 minutes and costs 1550 yen. Gifu can be reached from Nagoya Station by JR or Meitetsu trains in less than 30 minutes and for around 500 yen.
Gujo-Hachiman is connected by Nagaragawa Railway with Mino-Ota Station (80 minutes, 1380 yen, not covered by the Japan Rail Pass), from where you can catch a JR limited express train (40 minutes, about 2500 yen) or local trains (70 minutes, 990-1170 yen via Tajimi or Gifu) to Nagoya.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Ise
By Kintetsu Railway
Direct Kintetsu limited express trains (tokkyu) connect Nagoya and Ise (Iseshi or Ujiyamada Station) in 80 minutes. The one way fare is 2810 yen. All seats are reserved. Many trains continue to Toba and Kashikojima. By slower express trains (kyuko), the trip takes about 100 minutes, but costs only 1470 yen. There is one direct connection per hour, and several more connections which require one transfer of trains at Ise-Nakagawa Station. All seats are non-reserved.
By Japan Railways (JR)
Direct "Mie" rapid trains (kaisoku) require roughly 90 minutes for the journey between Nagoya and Ise (Iseshi Station). The one way trip costs 2040 yen. There is about one train per hour. Most trains continue to Toba. Note to Japan Rail Pass holders: Because the "Mie" rapid train partially uses non-JR tracks, pass holders have to pay a supplemental fee of 520 yen (one way) on board of the train.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Iga Ueno
By highway bus
Mie Kotsu operates multiple highway buses per day between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station) and Iga Ueno (Ueno Sangyo Kaikan next to Uenoshi Station). The one way journey takes about 100 minutes and costs 2000 yen.
By Kintetsu Railways
Take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line from Nagoya to Ise-Nakagawa (60 minutes by limited express, 75 minutes by express) and transfer to the Kintetsu Osaka Line to get to Iga-Kambe Station (20 minutes by limited express, 35 minutes by express). Finally take the Iga Railway to Ueno-shi Station (25 minutes). The entire trip takes two hours and costs 3300 yen by limited express trains (tokkyu) and 2.5 hours and 1960 yen by express trains (kyuko). There is usually one connection per hour.
By Japan Railways (JR)
Take the JR Kansai Line from Nagoya to Iga-Ueno Station (120-140 minutes, 1690 yen) with one transfer at Kameyama Station. From Iga-Ueno Station take the Iga Railway to Ueno-shi Station (5 minutes, 260 yen). Depending on the connections, the whole journey takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. There is usually one connection per hour. The trip is covered by the Japan Rail Pass except for the section of the Iga Railway.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Kiso Valley
By limited express train
To access Magome, take the JR Shinano limited express from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa Station (50 minutes, approx. 3000 yen). From Nakatsugawa, Magome can be reached in a 30 minute bus ride (see timetable).
To access Tsumago, take the JR Shinano limited express from Nagoya to Nagiso Station (75 minutes, approx. 3000 yen). Note, however, that many limited express trains do not stop at Nagiso Station, in which case you should transfer to a local train at Nakatsugawa Station. From Nagiso Station, Tsumago can be reached in a short taxi or bus ride (see timetable).
To access Narai, take the JR Shinano limited express train from Nagoya to Kiso-Fukushima Station (85 minutes) and transfer to a local train to Narai Station (20 minutes). The entire one way trip costs around 5000 yen.
By local train
Local trains along the JR Chuo Line connect Nagoya with Nakatsugawa (70 minutes, 1340 yen), Nagiso (90 minutes, 1690 yen) and Narai (3 hours, 2640 yen).
By highway bus
Many highway buses, which run along the Chuo Expressway between Nagoya and Nagano (e.g. buses along the Nagoya-Iida route), stop at "Chuodo Magome" bus stop, which is located in the Misaka parking area along the expressway. From the bus stop, Magome can be reached in about a 20 minute walk. The one way journey between Nagoya and Chuodo Magome takes about 90 minutes and costs 2000 yen.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Nagano
By limited express train
Nagoya and Nagano are connected by hourly JR Shinano limited express trains. The one way trip takes around three hours, costs about 7000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By local train
The one way journey by local trains takes between 5.5 and 6.5 hours and typically requires two transfers of trains along the way. The one way fare is 4510 yen, but can be as little as 2410 yen with a Seishun 18 Kippu.
By bus
Meitetsu and Alpico operate four daytime highway buses per day between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center) and Nagano Station. The one way journey takes about 4.5 hours and costs around 4000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
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How to travel between Nagoya and Tokyo
By shinkansen
Direct, 100-110 minutes, about 11,000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Tokyo and Nagoya are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 100 minutes to reach Nagoya from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 110 minutes and Kodama trains about three hours. The regular one way fare is 10,560 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel between the two cities by reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 8500 yen, but the plan has to be purchased at least one day in advance.
By highway bus
Direct, 5-6 hours, 2000-5500 yen one way, multiple daytime and overnight connections per day
Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate daytime and overnight buses between Tokyo and Nagoya. The one way trip takes about 5-6 hours. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 2,000 and 5,500 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
By local trains
3 transfers, 6 hours, 6380 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Nagoya takes about six hours and typically involves about three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 6380 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Getting around
Nagoya and surroundings are served by multiple railway companies and six subway lines. Japan Railways (JR) including the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), Meitetsu Railways, Kintetsu Railways, the Aonami Line and two subway lines converge at Nagoya Station.
A network of bus lines complements the rail network, but it is not easy to use for foreigners. The exception is the Meguru loop bus for tourists, which connects Nagoya Station with several of the city's main tourist attractions.
Nagoya Subway
The most convenient means of getting around Nagoya for foreign visitors are the city's six subway lines. Color coded and thoroughly bilingual, they are easy to navigate, and provide convenient access to most of central Nagoya's attractions.
Meguru Loop Bus
This loop bus line for tourists connects Nagoya Station with many of Nagoya's major sights, including the Toyota Techno Museum, Noritake Garden, Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa Art Museum and Sakae. Buses operate every 20-30 minutes on weekends and every 30-60 minutes on weekdays, but they do not operate on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) when the museums are closed. The fare is 210 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass for unlimited rides on one calendar day.
JR (Japan Railways)
JR connects Nagoya via the Tokaido Shinkansen with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Other JR lines commencing or passing through Nagoya are the Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Line (to Kiso Valley, Nagano), Kansai Line (in direction of Ise) and Takayama Line (to Takayama). While they are useful for side trips out of Nagoya, the JR lines are not very useful for getting around the city of Nagoya.
Meitetsu (Nagoya Railways)
Meitetsu Railways operates numerous railway lines from Nagoya Station into Nagoya's suburbs and surrounding regions. Meitetsu's main station is located in the basement below JR Nagoya Station and is also known as Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Of interest to foreign travelers are the Inuyama Line (to Inuyama), Toyota Line (to Toyota) and the Airport Line (to Central Japan Airport).
Kintetsu Railways
Kintetsu Railways connects Nagoya Station with Ise and various cities in the Kansai region, including Nara and Osaka.
Linimo (Tobu Kyuryo Line)
The Linimo started service as Japan's first maglev train in March 2005. It operates between Fujigaoka and Yakusa Stations and provided access to the Expo 2005 site.
Passes and Tickets
Toica (by JR) and Manaca (by Meitetsu and Nagoya Subway) are the prepaid IC cards that can be purchased in Nagoya and used on virtually all trains, subways and buses in the Greater Nagoya region (and many other major cities in Japan) instead of cash. Furthermore, eight IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Nagoya, including Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, Pitapa, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.
Alternatively, there are several one-day passes available for getting around Nagoya:
Shoryudo Nagoya Subway & Bus 1 Day Pass (620 yen)
Not available to residents of Japan, this ticket provides unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop pass) on one calendar day. It can be purchased at Central Japan Airport and a small number of tourist information centers and ticket counters in central Nagoya (around Nagoya, Kanayama and Sakae stations).
One Day Subway Pass (760 yen)
Unlimited use of subways on one calendar day. Available at vending machines in subway stations and at ticket counters.
One Day Bus and Subway Pass (870 yen)
Unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop bus) on one calendar day. Available at vending machines in subway stations, at ticket counters and from bus drivers.
Donichi Eco Ticket (620 yen)
This one-day pass is valid only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and on the 8th of every month. It provides unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop bus) on one calendar day. It is available at vending machines in major subway stations, at ticket counters and from bus drivers.
