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)] Best for: Budget-conscious Travelers, Backpackers
Fare is ¥1,000, travel time approximately 50 minutes, direct to the Sakae commercial district (near the Sakae intersection). Since it runs on regular roads, it may get stuck during evening rush hour, making time unreliable its biggest weakness.
However, its boarding point is right outside the airport's 1st floor arrival hall, and tickets can be purchased on the same side—no need to carry luggage up and down stairs—making it extremely beginner-friendly for first-time visitors to Japan. Some routes also pass by Nagoya TV Tower and popular hotels in the Sakae shopping district, which is a bonus for those staying in the area.
Recommendation: You can confidently choose the bus for morning arrivals, but avoid the period between 4 PM and 7 PM.
[Taxi/Private Car] Best for: Late-night Flights, Large Families, Excess Baggage
One-way fare from the airport to central Nagoya is approximately ¥7,000-9,000, depending on traffic conditions. This option proves its value during red-eye flight times—after 11 PM, train frequency drops significantly, and waiting for the next train may be slower than simply hailing a taxi.
Private car services have seen rising demand at Chubu Airport in recent years, mainly because families and small group travelers prefer "door-to-door" service. This is especially true for families with children or elderly members. There are multiple operators offering airport transfers on the market, with prices varying widely based on vehicle type and service content. It's recommended to book through正规渠道 rather than haggling at the airport exit.
A reminder: Aviation fuel costs continuing to rise in 2026 has become a trend, which also affects ground private car quotes. When selecting private car services, consider getting quotes from several providers, and confirm whether parking fees and highway tolls are included to avoid unexpected charges at checkout.
[Rent-a-Car] Best for: Travelers with Specific Attraction Itineraries, Those Planning to Visit Suburban Areas
After picking up a rental car at the airport, you can drive directly to Inuyama, Gero Onsen, or toward Tateyama Kurobe—perfect for those with clear regional travel plans. There are multiple rental car company counters within the airport (TIMES being the most common), making reservation and pickup very convenient.
However, parking costs in the city are high, and road conditions aren't particularly foreigner-friendly (many one-way streets, sometimes unclear signage). Unless you're planning to visit suburban attractions, there's really no need to drive in the city.
Practical Information
[Transportation Options Summary]
| Option | Fare | Travel Time | Best For |
|------|------|------|----------|
| Meitetsu μ-SKY | ¥1,250 | 35 min | Time-pressed, Large families |
| Access Bus | ¥1,000 | 50 min | Budget-conscious, Sakae area stays |
| Taxi | From ¥7,000 | 35 min | Late-night flights, Heavy luggage |
| Private Car | ¥8,000-15,000 | Flexible | Families, Small groups |
[Travel Time from Airport to Major Areas]
- To Nagoya Station: Train 35 min, Bus 50 min, Taxi 35 min
- To Sakae Commercial District: Bus 50 min, Taxi 40 min, Train + Subway 45 min
- To Kanayama Station: Train 25 min, Taxi 30 min
[Operating Hours]
- Meitetsu μ-SKY: First train around 05:30, Last train around 22:00 (check official website for detailed schedules)
- Access Bus: First bus around 06:20, Last bus around 21:00
- Taxis: Available 24 hours
Travel Tips
1. Red-eye Flight Options: If your flight arrives late at night, don't hesitate to choose a taxi or pre-book a private car. Train intervals on the Meitetsu line during late night hours can exceed 1 hour—waiting time plus actual travel time makes taking a taxi directly more cost-effective.
2. Pay Attention to Luggage Size: Some regular train cars on the Meitetsu line don't have enough luggage space, especially during morning and evening rush hours. If you board the μ-SKY reserved seating car, luggage rack space will be more available.
3. Don't Miss the Chubu Specialties Inside the Airport: The departure area at Chubu Centrair International Airport has many Nagoya-exclusive souvenirs. Completing your shopping at the airport before departure saves you from having to visit department stores in the city.
4. IC Cards are Universally Accepted: Japan's IC transportation cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) can be used directly for gate entry/exit at Meitetsu stations without purchasing additional tickets—very convenient for international travelers.
Overall, although the transportation options from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya aren't particularly complicated, you still need to plan based on your flight time, accommodation location, and travel companions. With these key points mastered, the time and cost required for airport transfers can be kept within reasonable limits.
