Chubu Centrair International Airport (Chubu Centrair International Airport, code NGO) serves as the gateway to Nagoya, Japan. In recent years, incoming travelers have been steadily increasing due to the expansion of budget airlines and improved investment attraction in the Chubu region. This airport is located on the coast of Tokonome City, about a 35-minute drive from Nagoya's city center—a distance that's closer than expected. However, there are some nuances to consider when choosing transportation options—this guide provides tailored recommendations based on different traveler profiles.
Key Highlights
The biggest characteristic of Nagoya airport transportation is "simple yet sufficient options." Compared to Tokyo and Narita Airport, where there are three or four railway lines to choose from—often causing decision fatigue—Chubu Centrair International Airport's outbound transportation is relatively straightforward: only the Meitetsu Nagoya Line by train, and convenient access buses by road. For travelers who don't want to do too much research, this is actually an advantage.
Another easily overlooked highlight is the late-night/early-morning flight options. Tokoname Airport operates 24 hours a day, and ranks among the top in Japan for red-eye flights, meaning travelers arriving in the early morning or departing late at night don't need to worry about transportation being unavailable. However, train frequency decreases significantly during late-night hours, at which point the necessity of taxis or private cars becomes apparent.
It's worth noting that aviation fuel costs in Japan have remained high since 2025, affecting land transportation costs as well—be especially mindful of price changes when booking private car services.
Recommended Options
[Meitetsu Nagoya Line] Best for: Time-pressed Travelers, Families, Small Groups
The Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express running directly from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya Station is the most popular option. One-way fare is ¥1,250, travel time is approximately 35 minutes, with frequent departures (about every 30 minutes). The μ-SKY offers reserved seating, and the seat comfort is noticeably better than regular trains, making it relatively family-friendly for travelers with luggage.
The only downside is it only goes to Nagoya Station. If your accommodation is in Sakae, Osu, or Kanayama area, you'll need to transfer to the subway. While transferring isn't troublesome, moving with large luggage on the subway can be slightly challenging during certain times.
Here's a tip known only to locals: if your accommodation is south of Nagoya Station (such as around Kanayama or Sakae Station), consider taking the train to Kanayama Station and then transferring to a taxi—waiting time for taxis at Kanayama Station is shorter than at Nagoya Station, sometimes making the overall journey faster.
[Meitetsu Bus (Access Bus)] Be
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