Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class dining. Located 350 km (217 miles) northeast of Nagoya, Tokyo is accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train), highway bus, flight, or car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Nagoya to Tokyo:
- By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The fastest and most convenient option.
- By Highway Bus: The cheapest alternative.
- By Flight: The least practical option.
- By Car: The most flexible but expensive choice.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Nagoya to Tokyo.
Timetable
| Flight Nagoya - Tokyo ¥ 11,540–29,824 1h – 1d 2h 4m | |
|
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Nagoya to Tokyo is the quickest and easiest way to travel.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: Nagoya Station.
- Arrival Stations: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on train type.
- Price: 10,560 JPY (Unreserved Seat) – 11,300 JPY (Reserved Seat) (~$70–$75 USD).
- Shinkansen Types:
- Nozomi (Fastest, 1 hour 30 minutes, fewest stops, not covered by JR Pass).
- Hikari (Mid-speed, 1 hour 40 minutes, covered by JR Pass).
- Kodama (Slowest, 2 hours, many stops, covered by JR Pass).
- Departure Frequency: Multiple trains per hour from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- JR Pass Valid: Yes, but only for Hikari and Kodama trains.
Pros:
- Fastest travel time (~1 hour 30 minutes on Nozomi Shinkansen).
- Comfortable and spacious seating.
- Frequent departures throughout the day.
Cons:
- Nozomi Shinkansen is not covered by the JR Pass.
- More expensive than buses.
Booking Tip:
For the fastest travel, take the Nozomi Shinkansen. For JR Pass holders, take the Hikari Shinkansen instead. Use our online search form to check train schedules and secure your ticket.
By Highway Bus: The Cheapest Alternative
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a highway bus from Nagoya to Tokyo is the cheapest way to travel, though it takes longer than the Shinkansen.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center (near Nagoya Station).
- Nagoya Kintetsu Bus Terminal.
- Arrival Points: Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Bus Terminal, or Shibuya Station.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price: 2,500–6,000 JPY (~$17–$40 USD).
- Bus Operators:
- Willer Express (budget option).
- Meitetsu Bus.
- JR Bus (comfortable, JR Pass discount available).
- Bus Types:
- Standard Bus (Cheaper, fewer amenities).
- Premium Bus (More legroom, reclining seats, blankets).
- Departure Frequency: Multiple departures per day, including overnight options.
Pros:
- Cheaper than the train (~2,500 JPY for budget buses).
- Overnight buses available (save on hotel costs).
Cons:
- Takes three times as long as the Shinkansen.
- Traffic congestion may cause delays.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, choose a premium bus. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.
By Flight: The Least Practical Option
While it is possible to fly from Nagoya to Tokyo, this option is not recommended due to the short distance and extra airport transfer time.
Key Details:
- Departure Airport: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Nagoya.
- Arrival Airports: Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT), Tokyo.
- Duration: 1 hour (excluding airport transfers).
- Price: 7,000–15,000 JPY (~$50–$100 USD).
- Airlines:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA).
- Japan Airlines (JAL).
- Peach Aviation (Low-cost carrier, limited availability).
Additional Airport Transfers:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo: 20–30 minutes by train or monorail.
- Narita Airport to Tokyo: 1 hour by Narita Express (N’EX) or bus.
Pros:
- Sometimes cheaper than Shinkansen if booked in advance.
Cons:
- Total travel time (including airport transfers) is longer than taking the train.
- Less frequent flights compared to Shinkansen departures.
Booking Tip:
Only consider flying if you find a significantly discounted fare. Use our online search form to compare flight options.
By Car: The Most Flexible but Expensive Choice
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility, renting a car from Nagoya to Tokyo is an option, though expensive due to toll fees and parking costs in Tokyo.
Key Details:
- Route: Nagoya → Tokyo via Tomei Expressway.
- Distance: 350 km (217 miles).
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Toll Fees:
7,000 JPY ($50 USD). - Gasoline Cost:
6,000 JPY ($40 USD). - Car Rental Price: 8,000–15,000 JPY per day (~$55–$100 USD).
- Rental Car Companies:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car.
- Nippon Rent-a-Car.
- Times Car Rental.
Pros:
- Most flexible option—stop at attractions along the way.
- Comfortable for groups and families.
Cons:
- More expensive than trains and buses.
- Tokyo has heavy traffic and high parking costs.
Booking Tip:
For ease of navigation, rent a car with GPS or use Google Maps. Use our online search form to compare rental car prices.
Final Tips for Traveling from Nagoya to Tokyo
- Best Option for Speed & Comfort: Shinkansen (~1.5 hours, from 10,560 JPY).
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Highway Bus (~2,500 JPY, 5+ hours).
- Best Option for Flexibility & Scenic Stops: Rental Car (~10,000 JPY, 4+ hours, tolls included).
- Book Early for Peak Season: Trains, buses, and rental cars sell out quickly during cherry blossom season (March–April) and autumn (October–November).
