Nagoya Transport

Coming and Going

Nagoya airport is linked by air with most of Japan's major cities. If you're coming from Tokyo, however, the shinkansen (high-speed train, or 'bullet' train) is much quicker than flying: the shinkansen takes 2hrs, whereas the bus ride from the airport to Nagoya's city centre takes 30mins.

Nagoya is a major shinkansen stop between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Ise is connected to Nagoya by the private Kintetsu line. Tokky (limited express trains) run to Ise and other trains run to Nara on the Kintetsu line. Other lines have trains to the Japan Alps, Takayama and Gifu. Direct trains run to Inuyama from Nagoya every 30mins.

JR and Meitetsu highway buses run between Nagoya and Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. JR and Meitetsu also run overnight buses to Hiroshima, Kchi, Fukuoka and Nagasaki.

Taiheiyo ferries run between Nagoya and Tomakomai (Hokkaid, 40hrs) via Sendai (21hrs) every second evening.

Getting About

Express buses run from Nagoya airport to Meitetsu bus station, which is just southeast of JR Nagoya station. A taxi ride from the city to the airport takes around 30mins.

Nagoya has an excellent subway system with four lines, all clearly signposted in English and Japanese. There is an extensive city bus system, but the subway is easier to use for those who don't know much Japanese. If you plan to do a lot of travel by subway or bus, you can save money with a one-day pass, available at subway stations. The one-day 'Ikomai Pass' includes all transport plus free or discounted admission to selected attractions.