Planning a trip to Osaka and Nagoya? Join Mytour to explore the fastest and most affordable travel options from Osaka to Nagoya, perfect for first-time travelers.
If you've already explored Osaka and Kyoto, consider adding Nagoya to your list of must-see destinations! Located in central Japan, Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, while Osaka, situated in the west, is considered the 'heart' of Osaka Prefecture. Nagoya is positioned almost halfway between Tokyo and Osaka, with a direct distance of about 140km from Osaka.
Unsure about the best way to get to Nagoya? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options for #teamMytour, combining speed, comfort, and cost-efficiency. From the ultra-fast Shinkansen to budget-friendly buses, there’s a perfect transport choice for every traveler.
In this article, let’s explore all the available travel options between Osaka and Nagoya, ensuring you choose the best one for your journey. Check it out now!
1. Travel from Osaka to Nagoya by Tokaido Shinkansen

If you're looking for the fastest way to travel from Osaka to Nagoya, the Shinkansen is the perfect choice. With comfortable seating, spacious legroom, and a clean environment, the Shinkansen offers a smooth and convenient travel experience.
The Tokaido Shinkansen runs frequent trains between Osaka and Nagoya daily, catering to busy business travelers or anyone looking to reach their destination quickly. Travel time ranges from just 50 minutes (Nozomi train) to 1 hour 10 minutes (Hikari and Kodama trains). Ticket prices are quite affordable, around 5,940 yen (about 1,000,000 VND) for an unreserved seat on a regular car and around 6,680 yen (about 1,200,000 VND) for a reserved seat on a regular car.
How to Exchange Shinkansen Tickets

Pro Tip for #teamMytour: If you're traveling between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen, you can board directly using a QR code after booking your ticket on Mytour! No need to exchange paper tickets at the station. This applies to popular routes like Tokyo <=> Shin-Osaka, Tokyo <=> Kyoto, and Tokyo <=> Nagoya.
You can also easily purchase one-way tickets on Mytour. Keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass fully covers Hikari and Kodama trains, but you'll need to pay an additional fee for Nozomi trains. If you're only traveling from Osaka to Nagoya, the JR Pass may not be the most economical choice for you.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya by Shinkansen
- Travel time: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cost: From 5,940 yen (approximately 1,000,000 VND)
- Advantages: Fast, comfortable, frequent departures
2. Travel from Osaka to Nagoya by Kintetsu Train

If the Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya is stretching your budget, the Kintetsu line is your 'lifesaver.' Not only is it the second fastest option, but the Kintetsu train also provides a comfortable and affordable journey, helping #teamMytour save quite a bit for other exciting experiences.
The Kintetsu line connects Osaka’s Namba Station and Kintetsu Nagoya Station, passing through several cities in the Kinki and Chubu regions. With multiple departures daily, the journey takes around 2 hours—slightly longer than the Shinkansen—but gives you more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
A one-way ticket on the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nagoya Station costs about 4,990 yen (approximately 900,000 VND) for a standard car.
If you're planning to explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie, and Nagoya, don't miss the Kintetsu Rail Pass! The 5-day Kintetsu Rail Pass costs 4,500 yen (approximately 850,000 VND) and includes unlimited travel on Kintetsu and Iga Railway lines. Travelers only need to pay an extra 2,000 yen (about 320,000 VND) for the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka to Nagoya. What a deal, right?
Travel from Osaka to Nagoya | Kintetsu Railway
- Travel time: ~2 hours
- Departure station: Osaka Namba Station
- Cost: From 4,990 yen (around 1,010,000 VND)
- Advantages: More affordable than the Shinkansen, comfortable seating, beautiful scenic views, a perfect option for those who wish to enjoy the landscape along the way.
3. Travel from Osaka to Nagoya by Local JR Train

Since Osaka is not far from Nagoya, many #teamMytour members opt for the local JR train to save money. You can take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Shin-Osaka to Nagoya, with a transfer at Maibara Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and costs around 3,400 yen (about 600,000 VND).
If you use a Seishun 18 ticket, the cost becomes even more budget-friendly (~2,400 yen, approximately 400,000 VND). Additionally, you'll have the chance to explore the cities and towns along the route, adding a unique touch to your Japan travel experience.
Travel from Osaka to Nagoya | Local JR Train
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (depending on the train schedule)
- Cost: ~3,400 yen (approximately 600,000 VND)
- Advantage: It may not be as fast as the Shinkansen, but it still offers a decent level of comfort at a very affordable fare.
4. Traveling Between Osaka & Nagoya by Express Bus

If you're traveling from Osaka to Nagoya on a tight budget and prefer not to switch between multiple modes of transport, the express bus is a super cost-effective choice, though it takes the longest time. Travel time and prices vary depending on the bus operator, but it typically takes about 3 hours and costs around 3,000 yen (approximately 517,000 VND).
There are both daytime and overnight buses available, with many operators offering early booking discounts. The cheapest fares can start from just over 1,000 yen (approximately 180,000 VND). You can book tickets on Willer Travel and JamJam Liner.
Mytour also offers the Shoryudo Bus Pass, which you can use once in Nagoya to visit places like Takayama and the Gassho Village. This pass includes unlimited rides on express and local buses, plus two one-way airport transfer tickets.
Traveling Between Osaka & Nagoya by Express Bus
- Duration: ~2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions
- Cost: From 2,500 yen (approximately 505,000 VND)
- Advantage: Relatively low cost with numerous pick-up points to choose from, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
5. Renting a Car to Nagoya from Osaka

Another option for traveling from Osaka to Nagoya is to rent a car. The main route is the Meishin Expressway, which directly connects the two cities.
The distance is about 250 km, and the trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your driving speed. The toll fees for using the Meishin Expressway range from 6,000 to 7,000 yen (approximately 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 VND), depending on the specific route and vehicle type.
Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya | Renting a Car
- Duration: ~2 to 3 hours (depending on traffic conditions)
- Cost: Car rental, fuel, and possibly toll fees – can be quite expensive
- Advantage: Flexible schedule and perfect for travelers who prefer to plan their own itinerary.
I hope the information provided helps you explore more transportation options for your upcoming trip from Osaka to Nagoya. Whether it's the high-speed Shinkansen, the Kintetsu railway, the local JR train, a highway bus, or driving yourself, each mode of transport has its pros and cons. Be sure to carefully consider factors such as travel time, cost, and personal preferences to make the most suitable decision.
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Traveling from Osaka to Nagoya is simpler than you might think! Set off on your adventure today!