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How to Travel to Nagoya From Tokyo: A Thorough Comparison 2023
Nagoya is one of the largest cities in Japan and a great side trip from Tokyo. This article compares ways of traveling to Nagoya from Tokyo via bullet train, car, airplane, and highway bus with consideration of price, time, and convenience.
Nagoya: Ghibli Park, Nagoya Castle, and Many Other Great Places to Visit!
Nagoya, one of the largest cities in Japan, has many sightseeing places. Located not far from Tokyo, it is a convenient and fun destination that will reveal a different, more relaxed side of Japan than what is found in the capital. We introduce four ways to travel between Tokyo and Nagoya using Shinkansen, plane, bus, and car, and compare their prices, required travel times, and convenience.
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To Nagoya by Shinkansen: Convenient and Quick
Trains in Japan have a good reputation among people all around the world. The Shinkansen (bullet train) runs from early morning until late at night. It costs between 10,000 and 15,000 yen (one way) to reach Nagoya from Tokyo. The ride takes about two hours. It is easy to plan your time out since there are many Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya every day.
Bullet train seats are really comfortable and you won't get tired sitting. Moreover, it is easy for you to get anywhere you want in Nagoya from Nagoya station. It is more expensive than taking other kinds of transportation. It is worth spending this amount of money if you take into consideration the travel time and convenience.
Use the JR PASS to save on travel expenses!
To Nagoya by Plane: Shortest Travel Time
A one-way trip between Tokyo and Nagoya costs from 7,000 to 25,000 yen via airplane. If you book a flight early enough, the price might be cheaper than for the bullet train. It takes only one hour to Nagoya after boarding the flight. So if you don't like staying in the same position for a long time, it will be the best option for you.
However, if you consider the time of waiting for the airplane at the airport and traveling between the airport and the center in the two cities, it will take you longer and cost more than the Shinkansen in total. There are only three flights per day from Haneda Airport to the Chubu Centrair International Airport. So you might need to arrange your plans depending on the flight schedule.
Search flights from Tokyo to Nagoya on skyticket>
To Nagoya by Highway Bus: The Cheapest Way
Taking a highway bus from Tokyo to Nagoya costs from around 2,200 to 13,500 yen. This is the least expensive way to travel between Tokyo and Nagoya. The highway bus terminus in Nagoya is Nagoya Station, which is very convenient for getting to your next destination after you arrive.
Highway buses usually run during the night. You can use your sleeping time to move from one city to another which also means that you can save up the money you would have spent on accommodation. It takes between 5 and 7 hours to reach Nagoya.
You might think you will feel cramped on the bus. But there are buses that have wider seats, and bus companies will often provide you with a blanket, a small pillow for your head and back, slippers, and other items. It is a long ride so if you are a person who easily gets car sick, please take medicine.
Check highway buses from Tokyo to Nagoya here: Kosokubus.com
To Nagoya by Rental Car for More Freedom
Renting a car and driving to Nagoya on the Tomei Expressway is also an option. It costs you 5,400 to 7,320 yen to take this highway. In addition, you need to pay for accommodation and fuel. If you have other people coming with you, it costs less than any other way. It takes about 4 hours to reach Nagoya.
The best thing about renting a car is being free to go anywhere you want. If there are other people who can drive, you can take turns driving, which will be less stressful for drivers. But you need to take the risk of being stuck in traffic or getting lost. For renting cars, we suggest using Tabirai Japan to get the most affordable rates and book in advance.
Rental Car Reservations: Tabirai Japan
MATCHA's readers can use a 10% discount voucher for renting a car from Nippon Rent-a-Car, one of the largest rental car services in Japan.
Please enjoy your journey between Tokyo and Nagoya as you choose the best way to travel according to your preferences and schedule.
Prepare for Your Nagoya Trip! Book Accommodation and WiFi
If you've already booked your tickets for Nagoya, you'll also probably want to look for hotels.
You can find good accommodation at conveninet prices by using Booking.com or Agoda.
You might also need a WiFi connection since the places that offer free internet connections in Japan are still quite limited. Renting a pocket WiFi is very convenient for travelers. Using the 20% discount voucher below to rent Ninja-WiFi, one of the most popular portable internet services in Japan.
Enjoy planning your trip and have a great time in Nagoya!
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All pictures from PIXTA
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.