Getting There & Away: Nagoya

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is the main international gateway for the Chubu region, on an artificial island about 35 km south of Nagoya. Nagoya Airfield (NKM, or Komaki Airport) handles mainly domestic flights.

Flight Information

NGO serves many international destinations, mainly in Asia (Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong).
Airlines include JAL, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, China Airlines, Thai Airways, and low-cost carriers like Scoot.
Flight prices go up during peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, major holidays).

Airport Services & Transfers

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) offers extensive facilities. These include numerous restaurants and cafes, a range of shops, airline lounges, and hotels connected directly to the terminal. A unique feature is Furo no Yu, a traditional Japanese bathhouse where you can relax while watching planes.

Transfer Options from NGO

Meitetsu μ-SKY (Limited Express): Fastest option to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (approx. 28 minutes).
Meitetsu Airport Limousine Bus: Direct service to various Nagoya points (Sakae, Fushimi), 40-90 minutes.
Taxi: Most expensive option, approx. ¥13,000-¥18,000 to city center.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights: Dollar Flight Club for alerts, Skyscanner for comparisons.

Car Rentals

Explore car rental options via DiscoverCars.com for regional trips.

Book Ahead

Book flights well in advance for peak travel times for better availability and pricing.

Direct Flight Availability

From Major Asian Hubs

Direct flights to NGO are readily available.
Cities like Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei frequently connect.
Numerous airlines operate these routes.

From Distant Regions

Direct routes from North America or Europe are limited or seasonal.
Often necessitates connecting flights through Tokyo (Narita/Haneda).
Alternatively, connect via a major Asian gateway city.
Plan for a layover when flying from further away.

Airport Facilities

Dining & Shopping

Numerous restaurants, cafes (Japanese & international), duty-free shops, souvenir shops, fashion boutiques.

Relaxation & Accommodation

Airline lounges, hotels connected directly to the terminal, observation deck with runway views.

Unique Experiences

Furo no Yu, a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Relax and watch planes take off and land.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Japan's train network is a strong and effective way to reach Nagoya.

Shinkansen Bullet Train

Nagoya Station is a major stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
Connects Nagoya directly to Tokyo (1h 40m), Kyoto (35m), and Osaka (50m).
Japan Rail Pass is valid on most Shinkansen (Hikari and Kodama services).

Other Train Lines & Buses

Nagoya also serves as a hub for various JR local and rapid lines, connecting to destinations within Aichi Prefecture and nearby regions. Private railways like Meitetsu Railway connect to Chubu Centrair Airport and Inuyama.

Bus Options

Long-distance buses run to major cities across Japan from Nagoya Station Bus Terminal.
Buses are generally a more economical option than Shinkansen, especially for budget travel.
Buses are slower than Shinkansen; travel times may be affected by traffic.

Self-Driving Considerations

For more flexibility, especially for exploring areas outside the city center, rental vehicles are available.

Requirements for Car Rental

International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Your original home country driving license and passport.
Minimum age is usually 18, some companies require 20 or 21.

Driving Environment

Major car rental companies (Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car) have branches at Chubu Centrair Airport and major Nagoya train stations. Road conditions are excellent and well-maintained. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Driving Notes

Driving in Japanese cities gets complex due to dense traffic and intricate networks.
Expressways have high tolls. Parking in city centers is limited and expensive.
Public transport is often more efficient for city exploration. A rental car helps for rural areas or less frequent public transport routes.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departure Info

Nagoya Port: mainly for cargo. Domestic ferry services like Taiheiyo Ferry connect Nagoya with Sendai and Tomakomai.
Cruise Ships: Nagoya Port occasionally serves as a port of call for international cruise ships.
Immigration at Seaports: Standard procedures apply, similar to air travel, processed at the cruise terminal.

Exit Fees: No specific exit fees for air travelers departing from Japan; taxes are typically in your airfare.
Departure Timing (International Flights): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure at Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO).
Departure Timing (Trains): Arrive at Nagoya Station at least 30 minutes before Shinkansen departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Chubu Centrair Airport NGO

NGO offers extensive facilities for departing travelers. You can enjoy a final Japanese meal or purchase forgotten souvenirs. This airport aims for traveler comfort and convenience.

Departure Amenities at NGO

Numerous dining options for various tastes.
Wide selection of souvenir shops for last-minute gifts.
Duty-free shopping for international travelers.

Nagoya Station

Nagoya Station is a massive transportation hub. It offers countless shops, restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. You can find everything from quick snacks to full meals and last-minute gifts before boarding your train. Its size and variety cater to all traveler needs.

Nagoya Station Offerings

Extensive shopping opportunities.
Diverse range of restaurants and cafes.
Convenience stores for essentials and snacks.

Efficiency

Japanese airports and train stations are renowned for their efficiency, speeding up your travel.

Global Connectivity

Nagoya's airport connects you to major Asian cities, with easy transfers to global hubs.

Smooth Transitions

The seamless integration of air and land transport makes your journey stress-free.

Travel Tips

Optimal Booking Strategies

Flex your travel dates slightly for potential savings. Fare comparison websites can display good deals.

Booking Points

Book international flights 3-6 months in advance.
Secure Shinkansen tickets or Japan Rail Pass exchange order before arrival.
Look for promotional fares outside of major Japanese holidays.

Efficient Navigation Tips

Utilize online navigation tools like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner for real-time train and bus schedules. Download offline maps for areas where connectivity might be spotty. An IC card (Manaca, Suica, Pasmo) simplifies local travel.

On-the-Ground Navigation

Keep your phone charged; a power bank is a good companion.
Look for English signage at major stations and tourist attractions.
Familiarize yourself with station layouts, especially at Nagoya Station, which can be large.

Connectivity While Traveling

Pocket Wi-Fi

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi device for reliable internet across Japan. Pick up at the airport.

Local SIM Cards

Purchase a data-only SIM card for your unlocked smartphone upon arrival.

ESIM Options

Consider eSIMs from providers like Airalo for instant data access.

Travel Planning

Plan your journey to and from Nagoya with these transport options in mind. The city's excellent connectivity positions it as a great part of any Japan itinerary.

Getting There & Away