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If you are rolling in exhausted off a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to get lost on your first day in Japan. Taxis in Japan are extremely expensive. Unless you have a very big budget, it is unlikely that you will be able to use a taxi to travel from the airport to your accommodation. So, what is the best and cheapest way to travel from the airport to Nagoya?
It is very important to plan your journey carefully. The Chubu Airport is around 50km south of Nagoya, so this is not a small journey.
In this article, we’re going to share the cheapest and best way to travel from the airport to Nagoya city centre. We will share as much detail as possible. After all, arriving in a foreign country (especially a country like Japan) can be quite disorienting, overwhelming, and confusing. So, keep reading for a super detailed step-by-step guide.
PLAN YOUR TRIP – What are the BEST areas to stay in Nagoya?
EXPLORE WITH A LOCAL EXPERT – See All The Best Bits – Check out this Half Day Nagoya Tour
Sort out your JR Pass in advance
If you do need a JR Pass for your trip we recommend that you get it booked before you go. You can’t purchase this from the stations in Japan – so you need to book it online in advance. We highly recommend getting your JR Pass on KLOOK. They offer 7, 14 and 21 day Whole-Japan passes and also include a FREE Guide Book to help you make the most of your pass. They also do global delivery – so if you do need a JR pass make sure you book it on KLOOK.
Make sure you get the right airport
There are actually two main airports in Nagoya. Nagoya Airport is situated to the north of Nagoya City, and Chubu Airport is situated to the south of Nagoya City. In this article, we will focus on Chubu Airport (which is also known as Central Japan International Airport – airport code NGO).
Step 1: Immigration and customs
The first step is to exit through immigration, baggage reclaim, and customs. This is a relatively smooth process. This will bring you out in the arrivals area, where you can find ATM machines and also pick up a SIM card (can be purchased from vending machines, but they are quite expensive).
IF YOU HAVE TIME – You may be interested in The Flight of Dreams which is situated outside immigration in Terminal 2. There is a decommissioned Boeing 787 Dreamliner, restaurants and kids play spaces. It is FREE to enter.
Step 2: Find the Meitetsu line
Once you have exited through customs and immigration, follow signs for the Meitetsu line. There is a free shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Alternatively, it’s a 5-minute walk from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1.
Step 3: Purchase your ticket
The next step is to find the entrance to the Meitetsu line. This is situated in Terminal 1 (floor 2F). You may need to take an elevator to get to this area. When you find the right area, you will see a large Family Mart store where you can stock up on drinks, snacks, and other supplies. There is also an airport information desk and a Central Japan tourist and travel desk (where you can actually purchase JR train tickets in advance if you are using the train later in your trip). When you are ready to go to Nagoya, you can purchase your Meitetsu ticket from a self-service vending machine or from the desk (this is not a JR line, so it is not covered by the JR pass).
The vending machines are relatively straightforward and user-friendly. All you need to do is select the correct price category (you can check this on the map to be sure) and pay. You need to pay in cash, and the vending machines are normally very well stocked with plenty of change, so you can break big notes if you have only just been to the ATM.
You will need to take the Meitetsu-Tokoname line. The ticket costs 830 yen to Kanayama Station (this is approximately £4 or $5). The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the service). Some of the express services only have a couple of stops, while other services stop at most of the stations.
Step 4: Find your train
Once you have your ticket, you can use it to get through the automated ticket gates. Make sure that you keep hold of your ticket because you will need it to get out of the automated gate when you reach your destination.
We recommend that you double-check the next train to your destination (the staff are very helpful and speak a little English). For destinations in Nagoya, you will want to take the train to Kanayama Station. From here, you can take the subway system to various destinations around Nagoya City.
Change to the Meitetsu Nagoya Line or the Nagoya subway network (Meijo Loop line). Go clockwise for Sakae Station or Nagoya Castle Station (which is called Nagoyajo Station). To get to Nagoya Central Station, go clockwise and change to the Higashiyama subway line and go two stops east (Takabata direction). The Nagoya Subway ranges in price from around 200 yen to 350 yen, depending on the distance (this is roughly £1 – £2.50 or $1.20 or $3)..
Advantages of taking the Meitetsu train
This is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel from Chubu Airport to the centre of Nagoya City. It is straightforward, affordable, and pretty easy to find in the airport. The train service is relatively fast (on average, it takes between 45 minutes and one hour to travel from the airport to the centre of Nagoya). The trains are relatively comfortable, and there is a space to store your bags. Although the Japanese public transport system can feel a little overwhelming at first, the staff are generally very helpful, and it is relatively intuitive. In most places, you can find signs and information in English.
GET PREPARED FOR YOUR TRIP – Nagoya – Things to know before you go
