The Japanese version of this article is here. (Nihongo)
JR Shin-Osaka Station
This article tells you how to ways to travel between Osaka and Nagoya, two big cities in Japan.
First of all, check out the distance between Osaka and Nagoya.
The direct distance is about 85.0 miles (136.8 kilometers), and the distance by train is 118.3 miles (190.4 kilometers.)
The following is the major public transportations available between Osaka and Nagoya.
- Shinkansen
- Kintetsu Urbanliner
- JR local train
- Highway Bus
Let’s take a close look at each one of them in the following sections.
Contents
Shinkansen
Tokaido Shinkansen with Mount Ibuki in background
Adult one way fare: JPY 4,300 – 8,790
Approximate travel time: 55 minutes – 1:10 hours
The Shinkansen is the high-speed bullet train in Japan and the most expensive transportation available between Osaka and Nagoya. It’s best suited to travelers staying for a short period in Japan.
The following table shows Shinkansen ticket prices between Shin-Osaka Station and Nagoya Station.
Shin-Osaka station is a few miles away from the center of Osaka city.
The fares are as of April 2017.
| Seat type | Adult one-way fare |
|---|---|
| Non-reserved seat | JPY 5,660 |
| Reserved seat | JPY 6,560 |
| Green-car seat | JPY 8,790 |
About JAPAN RAIL PASS
Overseas tourists staying in Japan for a short term can use JAPAN RAIL PASS on the Shinkansen line between Osaka and Nagoya.
But in most cases, it is more reasonable to buy each ticket whenever you take on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Nagoya. JAPAN RAIL PASS is a little too much for a short distance trip.
Kintetsu Urbanliner
Urban Liner Next
Adult one way fare: JPY 4,260 – 4,770
Approximate travel time: 2:10 – 3:20 hours
Kintetsu Urbanliner is the limited express train that runs between Osaka-Namba Station and Kintetsu-Nagoya Station. Kintetsu Railway operates Urbanliner trains.
Urbanliner is the second-fastest transportation between Osaka and Nagoya next to the Shinkansen and stops at more stations than Shinkansen.
| Seat type | Fares |
|---|---|
| Standard | JPY 4,260 |
| Deluxe | JPY 4,770 |
Kintetsu rail passes for overseas tourists
If you are overseas tourists staying in Japan for a short-term, exclusive rail passes are available. These offer unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway during a designated period.
If you take a Urbanliner with one of these passes, a limited express ticket is also required.
JR local train
A local train bound for Nagoya station running on Tokaido Main Line
Adult one way fare: JPY 3,350
Approximate travel time: 2:40 – 2:50 hours
You can travel between the two cities by JR local trains on Tokaido Main Line.
Tokaido Main Line runs mostly parallel to Shinkansen line, but they are not exactly on the same line.
Local trains have two types, “Futsu” and “Kaisoku.” “Futsu” trains stop at every station, and “Kaisoku” trains are faster and skip some stations.
There are no local trains which directly connect Osaka and Nagoya, so it is necessary to change trains in between several times.
Local trains are much slower than the Shinkansen but affordable. They are best suited to budget travelers like backpackers.
You can check the timetable of these trains with Japan Transit Planner or HyperDia.
Highway Bus
Willer Express bus
Adult one way fare: JPY 1,000 – 11,600
Approximate travel time: 3 – 5 hours
Highway Buses are long-distance buses which run on expressways (freeways) between Osaka and Nagoya.
Here is the list of the major highway buses operated between Osaka and Nagoya. The data is as of March 2017.
| Bus name | Adult one-way fare | Operating hours | Seat type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meishin Expressway Bus | JPY 1,900 – 3,000 | Day | 4-seat row |
| Seishun Dream | JPY 2,930 – 3,550 | Night | 4-seat row |
| Willer Express | JPY 1,000 – 11,600 | Day / Night | 4-seat row |
Highway buses are the cost-effective way of transport between Osaka and Nagoya.
These buses run during daylight and night, due to the relative distance between the two cities.
They offer discounted fares by booking one week or earlier in advance. You may want to reserve as soon as possible.
Summary
The following table is the summary of the major transportations between Osaka and Nagoya.
| Transportations | Adult one-way fare | Approximate travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Bus | JPY 1,000 – 11,600 | 3 – 5 hours |
| JR local train | JPY 3,350 | 2:40 – 2:50 hours |
| Kintetsu Urbanliner | JPY 4,260 – 4,770 | 2:10 – 2:30 hours |
| Shinkansen | JPY 4,300 – 8,790 | 0:55 – 1:10 hours |
- Trains and buses are options available, since there are no flights between Osaka and Nagoya.
- The Shinkansen is the fastest and most comfortable among all the public transportations, although a little bit expensive. It is best suited to short-term tourists, or first-timers in Japan.
- Kintetsu Urbanliner is more affordable than Shinkansen and comfortable as well. But it takes extra 1 hour than Shinkansen.
- Highway buses are most reasonable, but take long hours to travel.
- JR local trains are best suited to budget travelers like backpackers.
This article will be updated when necessary, corresponding to the changes in public transportation circumstances.