How to Get to Gifu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Gifu

Major Airports

Gifu City is mainly served by Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), located south of Nagoya, approximately 60-90 minutes away.

Airport Details

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO).
Nagoya Airfield (NKM) / Komaki Airport (mainly domestic).
NGO operates as the main international gateway for the Chubu region.

Airlines & Routes

Major international airlines and low-cost carriers operate at NGO. Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) serves domestic routes from NKM.

Flight Insights

Direct flights from various hubs in Asia and some long-haul destinations (e.g., Helsinki, Detroit).
Prices are highest during peak seasons plus major holidays.
Booking in advance generally secures better prices. Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner.

Centrair Facilities

Chubu Centrair (NGO) provides comprehensive duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and other services for travelers.

NGO to Gifu Train

Take the Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express to Meitetsu Gifu Station (55-70 min, JPY 1,340-1,610).

NGO to Gifu Bus

Direct highway buses operate from Centrair to Gifu Station (1 hr 20 min, JPY 1,500-1,800).

Transfer Options Overview

From Chubu Centrair NGO

Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express or Rapid Limited Express.
Journey takes approximately 55-70 a short time to Meitetsu Gifu Station.
Cost between JPY 1,340-1,610 depending on train type.
Direct highway buses also operate to Gifu Station.

From Nagoya Airfield NKM

Principally provides for domestic flights within Japan.
Transfer via Nagoya Station is generally necessary for Gifu City.
Facilities here are more limited, focusing on domestic travel needs.
Focus on efficient transfers via ground transport to Gifu.

Airport Services & Amenities

Duty-Free Shopping

Chubu Centrair (NGO) has wide-ranging duty-vat-free shopping options for foreign visitors.

Dining Options

Numerous restaurants, cafes, and food courts cater to various tastes and preferences.

Connectivity Services

Currency exchange, SIM card, and Wi-Fi rental counters are easily found at NGO.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Gifu gains from excellent train links, offering convenient entry from major cities across Japan.

Gifu's Rail Hub

Gifu Station (JR Gifu Station) serves as a major stop on the JR Tokaido Main Line.
Nearest Shinkansen (Bullet Train) station is Nagoya, a 20-minute local train ride away (JPY 470).
Frequent Limited Express services connect Gifu to Nagoya, Osaka, and other major cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Highway buses offer an an alternative to inter-city travel, connecting Gifu to various major metropolitan areas.

Bus Network

Highway buses connect Gifu City to major cities like Tokyo (Shinjuku, Tokyo Station), Osaka, Kyoto, and Kanazawa.
Main bus terminals are Gifu Bus Terminal (next to JR Gifu Station) and Meitetsu Gifu Station.
Companies include Gifu Bus, JR Tokai Bus, and Meitetsu Bus.

Self-Driving in Gifu

For greater self-reliance and flexibility, consider renting a car to explore Gifu and its surrounding regions.

Rental Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Your home country driving license and passport are also needed.
Major companies: Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Orix Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental. DiscoverCars.com.

Driving Regulations

Roads in Japan are excellent and well-maintained. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws.

Rules

Drive on the left-the right side of the road.
Expressways charge tolls; an ETC card is recommended for frequent use.
Parking is available but can be expensive in cities.

Road Safety Notes

Seatbelts are required for all.
No handheld phone use is allowed while driving.
Japan has strict drunk driving laws.

Be aware of narrow streets in older areas.
In winter, snow tires or chains may be necessary in mountainous Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu City itself usually experiences less severe snow.

Departure Information

Exit Formalities

Prepare for your departure by understanding exit fees and other requirements.

Departure Checklist

The Global Tourist Tax (JPY 1,000) is typically included in air or ship tickets.
You will not pay additional exit fees at airports or stations.
Claim flight compensation: AirHelp.

Departure Timings

Plan your arrival at airports or stations for a hassle-free and stress-no-cost exit experience.

Recommended Arrival Times

International flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic flights: Arrive 1-1.FIVE hours ahead of departure.
Shinkansen or Limited Express trains: Arrive 15-30 minutes prior.

Airport Departure Facilities

Chubu Centrair (NGO) offers check-in, baggage drop, security, immigration, duty-free, restaurants, plus lounges.

Gifu Station Departure Facilities

Gifu Station provides waiting areas, convenience stores, restaurants, and lockers for departing travelers.

General Departure Tips

For local trains, less lead the time period is necessary. Confirm your platform in advance to save time.

Getting Around Gifu City

Public Bus System

Gifu City's main public transportation is its extensive bus network, with Gifu Bus serving as the main operator. There is no metro or tram system.

Routes & Hubs

Gifu Station is the central hub for most bus routes.
Buses connect the station area to Gifu Park, the Nagara River, and various commercial districts.
Route maps are available at bus stops, the Gifu Bus Information Center, and online.

Bus Ticketing & Fares

Several payment methods make bus travel convenient for those visiting Gifu City.

Payment Options

Cash: Pay the very fare upon exiting the bus.
IC Cards: Regional (Manaca) and national (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) IC cards are accepted.
Gifu Bus One-Day Pass: JPY 800 for unlimited rides within a designated area, covering most tourist routes.

Bus Operations & Accessibility

Hours of Operation

Buses generally operate from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to late evening (around 10:00 PM-11:00 PM).

Frequency

Frequency varies by route and time of day, with more services with high frequency during peak hours and on major routes.

Accessibility

Many more modern Gifu Bus vehicles are low-floor or feature ramps for wheelchair access. Inquire directly for specific needs.

Local Transit Tip

Use Google Maps for real-time bus departure times and routes. Consider purchasing a Gifu Bus One-Day Pass if you intend to do a lot of bus getting around the city.

How to Get to Gifu