Nagoya, in the center of Japan, is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, while Osaka, to the west, is the capital of Osaka Prefecture. Nagoya is roughly halfway between Tokyo and Osaka, with a straight-line distance of about 140 kilometers from Osaka.
Wondering what's the best way to get there? You've got plenty of options, whether you're looking for speed, comfort, or affordability. From the lightning-fast Shinkansen to budget-friendly buses, there's a perfect mode of transport for every traveler.
In this guide, we'll explore all the ways you can travel between these two bustling cities, helping you choose the best one for your trip. Whether you're in a hurry or on a budget, we've got you covered!
1. Tokaido Shinkansen
If you're looking for the fastest way to travel from Osaka to Nagoya, the Shinkansen is the way to go. The Shinkansen offers spacious and comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, and the carriages are always clean. There are multiple trains running between Osaka and Nagoya daily, making it perfect for business travelers on tight schedules or anyone who wants to get to their destination quickly.
The Shinkansen you'll take is the Tokaido Shinkansen, and the trip takes between 50 minutes (Nozomi train) to 1 hour 10 minutes (Hikari and Kodama train). Tickets cost around ¥5,940 for an unreserved seat on an Ordinary Car, and about ¥6,680 for a reserved seat on an Ordinary Car.
How to Redeem Your Shinkansen Tickets
QR Code Boarding Available for Selected Shinkansen Routes
If you're traveling between Tokyo and Kagoshima-Chuo on the Shinkansen, you can board the train directly via QR code after booking your tickets on Klook! There's no need to redeem a physical ticket at the train station.
QR Code boarding is available for these routes:
- Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka)
- Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata)
- Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo)
If you only need a one-way ticket, you can easily buy one directly on Klook. Note that the Japan Rail Pass fully covers Hikari and Kodama trains, but an additional fee is required for riding Nozomi trains. If you're just traveling from Osaka to Nagoya, a JR Pass might not be the best option.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Shinkansen
- Duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cost: From ¥5,940
- Pros: Fast, comfortable, frequent
2. Kintetsu Railway
If you think the Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya is too pricey, the Kintetsu Railway is a great alternative. It's the second fastest option and offers a comfortable and convenient journey at a more affordable price.
The Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka's Namba Station and Kintetsu Nagoya Station, passing through many cities in the Kinki and Chubu regions. There are multiple departures a day and the trip takes about 2 hours, which is over an hour longer than the Shinkansen — but at a cheaper price.
A one-way ticket on the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nagoya Station is about ¥4,990 (Standard Car).
If you're planning to explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie, and Nagoya, consider getting the Kintetsu Rail Pass! The 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass costs ¥4,500 and includes unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway lines and Iga Railway. You'll have to pay extra (~¥2,000) to take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka to Nagoya.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Kintetsu Railway
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Boarding location: Osaka Uehommachi Station
- Cost: From ¥4,990
- Pros: Cheaper than the Shinkansen, while providing comfortable seats and scenic views, suitable for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery along the way.
3. Local JR Line
Credit: Japan Rail
Since Osaka isn't very far from Nagoya, some people opt for the JR train to save money.
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Shin-Osaka and Nagoya, with a transfer at Maibara Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes and costs about ¥3,400.
If you use the Seishun 18 ticket, it’s even more budget-friendly (~¥2,400), plus you get to explore cities and towns along the way.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Local JR Train
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (varies depending on the train schedule)
- Cost: ~¥3,400
- Pros: Not as fast as the Shinkansen, but they offer adequate comfort and are cheap
4. Highway Bus
If you want to travel from Osaka to Nagoya on a tight budget and without transfers, the highway bus is a very economical choice, though it does take the most time. The travel time and prices vary for each bus, but it usually takes roughly 3 hours and costs about ¥3,000.
There are both daytime and nighttime buses, and many offer early bird discounts, with the cheapest tickets starting at just over ¥1,000. You can book tickets on Willer Travel and JamJam Liner.
Klook also sells Shoryudo Bus Passes, which you can use after arriving in Nagoya to visit places like Takayama and Gassho Village. It covers unlimited rides on express and local buses, plus 2 one-way airport access tickets.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Highway Bus
- Duration: ~2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions
- Cost: From ¥2,500 yen
- Pros: The cost is relatively low, and there are multiple pick-up points to choose from, making it suitable for travelers with a limited budget.
5. Self-Drive
Another option to get from Osaka to Nagoya is to drive. The main route is the Meishin Expressway, which directly connects the two cities.
The distance is about 250km, and it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and your speed. The toll for using the Meishin Expressway is about ¥6,000 to ¥7,000, depending on the route details and your vehicle type.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Self-Drive
- Cost: ~2 to 3 hours (depending on traffic conditions)
- Cost: Car rental, gas, and may include highway tolls — can be expensive
- Pros: The itinerary is flexible and suitable for travelers who like to arrange their itinerary freely.
🇯🇵 Nagoya Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Top things to do in Nagoya
- Attractions: Ghibli Park | LEGOLAND Japan
- Visiting multiple attractions in Tokyo? Get the Klook Pass Nagoya and enjoy up to 39% savings!
Getting around
- Airport transfer: Meitetsu Chubu Centrair Airport Express | Car charter
- Train: Kintetsu Rail Pass
Stay connected with our Japan 4G eSIM and find the best places to stay in Nagoya — plus exclusive hotel promos and bundle deals!
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