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From Nagoya to Osaka: The Quickest and Cheapest Ways to Travel
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There are four main ways to access Osaka from Nagoya: the highway bus, Shinkansen (bullet train), regular train, and car. This article is a comprehensive guide that introduces the costs, travel times, and the advantages and disadvantages of each travel option.
Written by
Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.
How to Get from Nagoya to Osaka
Photo by Pixta
The distance from Nagoya to Osaka is just about one hour by Shinkansen, making it very convenient to visit these cities known for their unique cultural and entertainment spots.
You should start your day in Nagoya and then visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka for a fun day trip.
Given that there are several means of transportation besides the Shinkansen, you might be unsure which one to choose.
This article introduces and compares the travel time and fares for each transportation method.
How to Travel from Nagoya to Osaka
1. Shinkansen: The Fastest Option
2. Train: Recommended for Flexible Travel
3. Highway Bus: Attractive for Its Reasonable Prices
4. Car: Convenient for Long Trips or When Carrying Lots of Luggage
5. Airplane: No Direct Flights
6. Recommended Hotel Information in Osaka
Comparison Table of Transportation Methods from Nagoya to Osaka
| Transportation Method | Time | Fare (One Way) |
| Shinkansen | About 1 hour | 6,680 yen (Nozomi, Reserved Seat) |
| Train | About 3 hours | 3,410 yen |
| Highway Bus | 3 to 7 hours | Approximately 2,500 to 4,000 yen |
| Car | 2.5 to 3 hours | Approximately 7,000 yen |
| Airplane | ー | ー |
*Please note that the travel times mentioned are approximate. Fares may also vary based on the seating class and time of purchase.
1. Shinkansen: The Fastest Option
Photo by Pixta
The Shinkansen is the fastest transportation method between Nagoya and Osaka. It is convenient for both sightseeing and business travel.
Fares and Travel Time
The fare for a standard reserved seat on the Nozomi Shinkansen is 6,680 yen, and the minimum travel time is 49 minutes.
Timetable
Shinkansen trains from Nagoya to Osaka run approximately every 10 minutes, starting around 6:00 AM. If you take the first train (6:20 AM), you will arrive at Shin-Osaka Station by 7:09 AM.
Trains operate until around 10:00 PM, so there is no need to worry even if your travel time is late at night.
Tickets can be purchased at the station's ticket machines or counters on the same day.
Shinkansen Departure Point
You can board the Shinkansen at JR Nagoya Station, with Shin-Osaka Station being the stop on the Osaka side (please note that it does not stop at Osaka Station).
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of Shinkansen access are its speed, while its relatively high cost is its disadvantage. Shinkansen access is recommended for those who want to travel quickly in a short amount of time.
Read also
2. Train: Recommended for Flexible Travel
Picture courtesy of atpress
Traveling by train takes longer than the Shinkansen, but it allows a more economical way to go from Nagoya to Osaka. The flexibility to stop along the way is another appealing aspect of train travel!
Fares and Travel Time
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from JR Nagoya Station to Ogaki Station, and then transfer at Maibara Station to the JR Biwako Line to reach Osaka Station (Note: there are other transfer routes available).
The total travel time is about 3 hours, with a fare of 3,410 yen.
If you take the first train from JR Nagoya Station (6:37 AM), you will arrive at Osaka Station by 9:37 AM.
*There are other transfer routes available as well.
Timetable
Trains from Nagoya to Osaka run frequently, starting from around 6:00 AM. Therefore, you do not need to purchase tickets in advance.
The Limited Express Hinotori is Also Recommended!
Another option is to take an express train instead of a regular train to Osaka.
The Kintetsu Hinotori limited express service connects Kintetsu Nagoya Station and Osaka-Namba Station. It takes 2 hours and 5 minutes to travel and costs 4,990 yen. This fare is cheaper than the Shinkansen, and the travel time is about one hour faster than regular trains. It's a great choice that combines the best of both options.
The comfortable seating and onboard service are also appealing features.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantage is the freedom of movement. However, the disadvantage is that the travel time takes longer. Train access is recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely trip.
Read also
3. Highway Bus: Attractive for Its Low Fares!
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Highway buses are a cost-effective way to travel from Nagoya to Osaka. There are daytime and overnight services, each with different travel times and fares.
Fares and Travel Time
The fare for a one-way ticket ranges from 3,000 yen to 4,500 yen. Travel time from Nagoya to Osaka is approximately 3 to 4 hours for daytime buses and 6 to 7 hours for overnight buses.
Timetable
Daytime buses run at intervals of 1 to 2 hours from early morning until the afternoon. Most overnight buses depart after 8:00 PM and arrive at Osaka Station around 6:00 AM the following morning.
Reservations
Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended in advance. However, tickets can be purchased at the counter on the travel day if seats are available.
Bus Departure Point
The main bus departure points are concentrated around the Taiko-dori Exit of JR Nagoya Station (in front of Bic Camera). (This includes the JR Tokai Bus and Osaka Bus (Japanese))
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantage is the lower cost. The disadvantage is the longer travel time. Buses are recommended for those who want to travel to Osaka as cheaply as possible.
4. Car: Convenient for Long Trips or When Carrying Lots of Luggage
If you want to explore not only Osaka but also the surrounding areas, using a rental car or your own vehicle can be a great option.
Distance and Travel Time
The distance from Nagoya to Osaka is approximately 180 km, and the driving time is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Costs
The combined cost of toll fees and gasoline is about 7,000 yen. Using the Nishi-Meihan Expressway or Meihan National Highway can help reduce costs further.
The typical rental car rate is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen for 24 hours.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The freedom of movement is a significant advantage, while toll fees and parking costs represent the disadvantages. Driving is recommended for those who want to explore the Kansai region or have large amounts of luggage.
Read also
5. Airplane: No Direct Flights from Nagoya to Osaka
There are no direct flights from Nagoya to Osaka, making air travel not a common transportation choice.
Connecting through other cities is also inconvenient. Therefore, other means of transportation are generally more practical.
Recommended Hotel Information in Osaka
Picture courtesy of Booking.com: Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
With the surge of tourists visiting Japan, hotels in Osaka—a popular travel destination—are quickly filling up. It’s advisable to make reservations for popular hotels well in advance to ensure availability.
MATCHA provides detailed information on hotels convenient for exploring Osaka, so be sure to use this as a reference for your hotel selection!
Read also
Enjoy a Comfortable Journey from Nagoya to Osaka
Various transportation options are available from Nagoya to Osaka, including highway buses, Shinkansen, trains, and cars. Choose the best travel method based on your time, budget, and purpose, and enjoy a wonderful trip to Osaka!
Nagoya Station
1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya Station is one of Japan’s largest terminal stations. It serves as a major transportation hub, connecting JR Central, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and subway lines, and is a key stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, linking Tokyo and Osaka. The area around the station is lined with skyscrapers and offers plenty of spots to enjoy Nagoya’s famous cuisine and shopping. As a vital transit hub and the gateway to the Chubu region, it welcomes countless travelers every day.
Hotels near Nagoya Station
Shin-Osaka Station
Hotels near Shin-Osaka Station
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Written by
Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.
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