How to Get Around Nagoya: Complete Transportation Guide for Travelers

2025.12.12

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most convenient major cities when it comes to getting around. With subways, buses, tourist routes, railways, bicycles, and even special transportation lines, visitors can easily explore all major attractions.
This guide covers everything you need to know about transportation in Nagoya and how to move efficiently throughout the city.

Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus “Me~guru”

https://www.nagoya-info.jp/en/useful/meguru/

The Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus “Me~guru” runs from Tuesday to Sunday
(closed on Mondays unless it’s a national holiday).

This tourist bus connects the city’s major attractions—including Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and Nagoya Station—making it one of the most convenient ways to explore the city.

Why it’s convenient

・Offers a 1-Day Unlimited Ride Pass, available onboard

・Provides discounts at partner tourist facilities

・Designed specifically for sightseeing routes

 

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in one day, Me~guru is the most efficient and budget-friendly option.

City Buses

https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/traveling-japan/nagoya-buses

Nagoya’s city buses are known for being accessible and easy to use, featuring low-floor buses friendly to seniors and travelers with disabilities.

Key features

・Flat fare: ¥210 for adults

・Extensive network covering areas not served by subways

・Major terminals at Nagoya Station and Sakae (Oasis 21)

For sightseeing around central Nagoya, Me~guru is recommended.
For accessing outer districts, regular city buses are very convenient.

Other Useful Bus Lines

・Meitetsu Bus (from Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station)

・Highway buses for intercity travel

・Yutorito Line: A guided bus system connecting Ozone Station to the Shidami Kofun Museum and Higashiyama Fruit Park

Subway (Nagoya Municipal Subway)

The subway is the fastest and easiest way to move around Nagoya.
It consists of 6 lines:

・Higashiyama Line

・Meijo Line (Japan’s first fully circular subway loop)

・Meiko Line

・Tsurumai Line

・Sakura-dori Line

・Kamiida Line

Why the subway is recommended

・Very frequent trains

・Smooth transfers

・Most major tourist spots are within walking distance from subway stations

Fares

・¥210–¥340 depending on distance

Value Tickets

・One-Day Bus & Subway Pass (¥870)

・Subway 24-Hour Pass (¥760)

・Donichi Eco Ticket (¥620) – unlimited rides on weekends, holidays, and the 8th of every month

These passes are ideal for visitors planning an active travel day.

Railways (JR, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, Aonami Line, Linimo)

Nagoya is a major rail hub with several important train lines.

JR (Japan Railways)

・Tokaido Shinkansen

・Tokaido Main Line

・Chuo Main Line
Best for: Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Takayama, Nakatsugawa

Meitetsu Railways

Connects Aichi and Gifu.
Best for: Chubu Centrair Airport, Inuyama Castle, Gifu

Kintetsu Railways

Best for: Mie (Ise-Shima), Osaka, Nara

Aonami Line

Connects Nagoya Station → Nagoya Port
Best for: LEGOLAND Japan & SCMAGLEV/Railway Museum

Linimo (Maglev Train)

Japan’s only urban magnetic-levitation train.
Connects Fujigaoka Station → Expo Park.
Best for: Ghibli Park

All railway systems integrate well with the subway, making transfers easy for travelers.

Sightseeing Taxis

Sightseeing taxis are ideal for visitors who want a private, custom-made tour.
Certified guides called “Nagoyaka Guides” provide in-depth explanations of the city’s top attractions and hidden spots.

Features

・2–3 hour guided courses

・12 standard routes + quick routes

・Flexible scheduling for business travelers with limited time

Reservations and inquiries:
Nagoya Taxi Association
TEL: 052-871-0601

Share Bicycles & Rental Bikes

Nagoya is a flat, bike-friendly city with wide roads.
Recently, share bikes and community bicycles have become popular among tourists.

Why bikes are convenient

・Perfect for short trips around Sakae, Osu, and Nagoya Castle areas

・Allows you to enjoy the city from a new perspective

・Easy to rent, return, and check availability via mobile apps

Combining bicycles with the subway/bus system is ideal for flexible exploration.

FAQ: Transportation in Nagoya

Q1. What is the best way to get around Nagoya?

The subway is the fastest and most convenient. For sightseeing, the Me~guru bus is the easiest way to visit major attractions.

Q2. Is Nagoya easy to navigate by public transportation?

Yes. Nagoya has a highly efficient transportation network including subway, buses, and trains connecting all major districts.

Q3. Are day passes available?

Yes. Popular options include:

・Subway 24-Hour Pass

・Bus & Subway One-Day Pass

・Donichi Eco Ticket (weekends/holidays)

Q4. How do I get to LEGOLAND or the Railway Museum?

Take the Aonami Line from Nagoya Station.

Q5. How do I get to Ghibli Park?

Take the Subway Higashiyama Line → Linimo.

Q6. Is biking safe in Nagoya?

Yes. The city is flat with wide roads and well-developed bike lanes. Share-cycle services are widely available.

Stay Close to Transportation Hubs with NAGOYA APARTMENT

If you want easy access to Nagoya’s subway, buses, and rail networks during your stay, NAGOYA APARTMENT is one of the best choices in the city.
All properties are located within 10 minutes by train or within 30 minutes by car from Nagoya Station, offering excellent convenience for both sightseeing and business.

Available areas include:

Chikusa / Imaike / Ozone / Nagoya Station / Kasadera / Osu / Ikeshita

Every unit is fully furnished with appliances and a kitchen, making long stays comfortable and cost-effective.
For stays 31 nights or more, you can use NAGOYA APARTMENT as a monthly rental with no key money or deposit required.

If you’re looking for stress-free, well-connected accommodation during your trip,
NAGOYA APARTMENT is the perfect base for exploring Nagoya.