I have received many inquiries about Nagoya-Osaka or Kyoto trip. There are lots of travellers who arrive in Chubu (Nagoya) airport and depart from Kansai (Osaka) airport or reverse or arrive in/depart from Chubu. Even if you have round trip between Nagoya and Osaka, JR Pass is too expensive choice. And there is no options to cover both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto by JR. One way ticket from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen is very common choice. However JR is not only railway that connect Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. Kintetsu Railway that is the biggest private railway company operates many trains among these three cities, Nara, Ise and Yoshino. Kintetsu Railway has very useful deal for the travellers who want to travel in this area.
In this post, I would like to show you Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide.
What is Kintetsu Railway?
In Japan, there are many railway services. This is the biggest reason why you are very confused. Kintetsu Railway is NON JR and the biggest private railway company in Japan. Of course this railway service is not covered by any JR deals, such as JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass. Please see the map below to find Kintetsu Railway network.
Kintetsu Rail Pass covers all part of this network. As you see the map above, you can use this railway to get Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka (Namba, Uehonmachi, Tsuruhashi), Nara, Yoshino and Ise. And this pass includes three vouchers to take Kintetsu Railway Limited Express. Kintetsu Railway Limited Express has very nice accommodation and have same level service as JR’s limited express train. I tell you about detail of this limited express train and coverage below.
You may know about Kansai Thru Pass. This pass covers Kintetsu Railway and other major private railways in Kansai area. But this pass does not include Nagoya and Ise. And it does not include Kintetsu Railway Limited Express train voucher. As long as you travel both Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto, Kansai Thru Pass is not your first choice. Please find the detailed about Kansai Thru Pass at the link below:
How to use Kansai Thru Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
How good is Kintetsu Railway Limited Express?
Some of major private railway companies operate limited express as commute train without extra charge, such as Hankyu, Keihan and Hanshin. But Kintetsu operates limited express as special train. It has reserved seat only. You have to pay limited express surcharge on top of base fare and this limited express train has same level of interior as JR’s limited express train.
There are many kinds of fleets for limited express trains. But all fleets have 2+2 seat configuration and seat pitch is 1000 to 1050 mm. It is spacious and comfortable.
Especially if you travel between Nagoya and Osaka, trip time is more than 2 hours. The seat and interior are very important factor.
You can take limited express train up to three times by Kintetsu Rail Pass if you use it until the end of September, 2016. After 1st of October, 2016, you have to purchase a separate ticket to take limited express train.
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass. And Japanese who live in foreign country as permanent resident or who are married to a foreigner residing outside of Japan can purchase this deal as well.
Types and prices
A few types of pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass wide are available.
Types | Purchase outside Japan | Purchase in Japan |
---|---|---|
Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-day | 3,700 yen | 3,900 yen |
Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus 5-day | 4,900 yen | 5,100 yen |
Child price is half amount of the adult price. It applies to child who is 6 to 11 years old. Adult price is applied to 12 years old and up.
5 year old or younger child is free. But when you take Limited Express train, all seats are reserved. You have to share your seat with your child. If you want to have a seat for your child, please purchase child pass for even 5 years old or younger child.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.
Sales location
If you want to purchase an exchange order before you leave, you can find the authorized travel agent list at the link below:
Kintetsu Rail Pass official site
They may ship the exchange order to you by mail. Please contact the nearest vendor. Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide can be purchased at both Chubu airport and Kansai airport. But Kintetsu Rail Pass can be purchased at Kansai airport only. You can find the sales location in the airport at the link above as well.
Coverage area and valid transportation
Both Kintetsu Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide covers all part of Kintetsu Railway network and include three limited express vouchers.
Kintetsu Rail Pass does not include limited express voucher. The separate ticket for taking limited express train is required.
Some of Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains have upper class seat. But this pass covers ordinary reserved seat only. And Kintetsu Railway operates Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze”. This train is not covered by this pass either.
If you do not want to pay any extra, you can take rapid express, express, semi express and local trains. These are commute trains. The interior is totally different from the limited express train.
When you take a train among Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, you can use these trains because of the short distance transfer.
Compare the pass and single fare
I would like to show you the fare table. Upper fare is base fare and lower is limited express surcharge.
station | Osaka (Namba) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya | Ise (Toba) |
Osaka (Namba) | – | 940 900 | 560 510 | 2360 1900 | 2040 1610 |
Kyoto | 940 900 | – | 620 510 | 2590 1900 | 2280 1610 |
Nara | 560 510 | 620 510 | – | 2250 1610 | 1940 1610 |
Nagoya | 2360 1900 | 2590 1900 | 2250 1610 | – | 1710 1320 |
Ise (Toba) | 2040 1610 | 2280 1610 | 1940 1610 | 1710 1320 | – |
station | Osaka (Osaka-Abenobashi) | Kyoto | Nara | Nagoya |
Yoshino | 970 510 | 1230 900 | 850 900 | 2390 2120 |
If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka or Kyoto by limited express by 30th of September, it is higher than Kintetsu Rail Pass at 3800 yen. It is really good deal for the traveller who wants to travel from Nagoya to Kyoto or Osaka. If you go to Ise from Kyoto, Osaka or Nara, it is better deal than single fare too. But if you visit Ise, Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide may be better deal for you. Please see next chapter.
If you travel after 1st of October, limited express voucher will not be included. You must have at least one round trip between Kansai area (Osaka, Nara and Kyoto) and Nagoya or Ise.
Compare cost and trip time between the Shinkansen fare and Kintetsu Rail Pass
Shinkansen is most common way to get Kyoto and Osaka from Nagoya. It is much faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express trains. But Shinkansen is much more expensive too. Before you decide to go for Kintetsu Rail Pass, you should compare these trains by cost and time.
Nagoya – Namba
Trains | Trip time | Fare |
Kintetsu Railway Limited Express | 2 hrs 30 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
Shinkansen (Nozomi) and Subway | 1 hr 20 mins | 6840 yen |
Shinkansen and subway combination is much faster but the cost is almost double. And Kintetsu Railway is direct access without any transfer. This is the strongest point.
Nagoya – Osaka (Umeda)
Trains | Trip time | Fare |
Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and JR local train | 2 hrs 45 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 180 yen (JR) |
Shinkansen (Nozomi) and JR local train | 1 hr 10 mins | 6560 yen |
You have to transfer at Shin-Osaka to get Osaka by the Shinkansen. But it is same station and very easy to transfer from the Shinkansen to JR local train. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you can transfer at Tsuruhashi to JR Osaka Kanjo line. It is much easier than transfer at Namba to subway. Tsuruhashi station is much smaller than Namba. JR and Kintetsu stations are connected directly.
Nagoya – Shin-Osaka
Trains | Trip time | Fare |
Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Subway | 3 hrs | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge + 280 yen (subway) |
Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 50 mins | 6560 yen |
Shin-Osaka is Shinkansen’s terminal station. Shinkansen is much more accessible than Kintetsu Railway. If you take Kintetsu Railway, you have to transfer at Namba to get subway. And subway fare is extra.
Nagoya – Kyoto
Trains | Trip time | Fare |
Kintetsu Railway Limited Express Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 35 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 36 mins | 5800 yen |
Both Kintetsu Railway and Shinkansen are direct access to Kyoto. Shinkansen is 2 hours faster than Kintetsu Railway Limited Express.
Nagoya – Nara
Trains | Trip time | Fare |
Kintetsu Railway Limited Express and Kintetsu local train Need to transfer at Yamato-Yagi | 2 hrs 15 mins | 3800 yen + Limited express surcharge |
Shinkansen (Nozomi) JR local train | 1 hr 30 mins | 6560 yen |
Shinkansen and JR trains are still faster than Kintetsu Railway. But the difference is smallest in all above cases.
Assessment
If you are really sensitive with cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is a good choice for even Nagoya to Osaka or reverse one way trip. If you travel from Nagoya to Osaka and visit Nara and Kyoto, this pass gives you a huge savings.
Even though the Shinkansen is much faster, this pass is one of my most recommended deals.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
Could you please advise what railpass should I purchased for my itinerary asf :
Day 1 From Kansai airport to Nagoya
Day 2 Nagoya
Day 3 Nagoya to Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto
Day 5Kyoto to Osaka
Day 6 Osaka
Day 7 Osaka
Day 8 Osaka to Kansai airport
Thanking you in advance for your help.
Rgds.
Hi Wuri,
You may use Kintetsu rail pass for the first 5 days. But it does not cover Kansai airport to Namba. You have to add single fare (920 yen) to take ordinary train or use the deal in the link below if you want to take limited express train.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/rapit/aboutrapit/
You also should add limited express fee for Osaka-Namba to Nagoya and Nagoya to Kyoto. These trips are a few hours trip by even limited express trains.
Ordinary train is okay for day 4 and 5.
For day 6 and 7, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For day 8, it’s same as day 1.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the information Takeshi-san..
No worries, Wuri.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
another question, if I want to go to Sakae after arrival in Nagoya, can I use the kintetsu pass for Nagoya City Subway Higashiyama Line ?
Hi Wuri,
No, you can’t. Kintetsu rail pass does not cover any subway lines.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com.
Hello Takeshi-san,
I’m going Japan early April.
Day one arrive Osaka early morning and will go directly to Kyoto
Day two depart from Kyoto to Nagoya then go Takayama
Day three depart from Takayama to Kanazawa
Day four depart from Kanazawa to Osaka.
Day five depart leaving Osaka
Is the trip feasible? Mai I know what are the passes will you recommend?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Irene san,
Your itinerary is feasible. Takayama Hokuriku area pass is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
But you have to add single fare or Platt Kodama for Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya. Because this pass does not cover this segment.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your quick reply.
If I were to skip Takayama and Kanazawa but only cover Kyoto, Nagoya and Osaka, may I know what pass would you recommend?
Thank you.
Hi Irene san,
Kitetnsu Rail Pass in the post above may be considerable. You should add limited express seat fee on top of the pass because there is no direct trains to Nagoya from Osaka other than limited express train.
And also this pass takes you to Kyoto from Osaka. But it does not cover any local transportation in Osaka and Kyoto. You have to add city deals. And also you need to add airport-Osaka deal too. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san for your advice.
I really appreciate it.
No worries, Irene.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Just so that I understand, if I have the Kintetsu Rail pass and I want to travel from Osaka to Nagoya, I must pay only the Limited express surcharge(1900) , not the base fare.
Thanks
Gerry
Hi Gerry.
Exactly. Base fare is covered by the pass and you need to pay only limited express fee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi,
Do Kintetsu regular trains (ie. non-limited express such rapid express, express, semi-express) have captain chair seats and bathrooms in the trains?
Thanks
Hi Adrian,
It’s hard to say because some trains have it but not all trains. And unfortunately you cannot know in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi, just want to ask, from nagoya to osaka namba station, if i purchase a kintetsu rail pass, without adding the limited express charge can i arrive at the osaka namba station, how long will the travel time be, thank you. – arlene
Hi Arlene,
You can get Osaka-Namba. Trip time is varied by departure time. The average time is 3.5 hours with several transfers. You cannot get Osakan-Namba directly. Usually you have to change trains at least twice. Transfer stations is varied by departure time too. Usually Ise-Nakagawa and Tsuruhashi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thank you very much takeshi for the info (“,)
No worries, Arlene.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I will be coming from Kyoto going to nagoya international airport. My flight will leave at 9pm . I plan to take the shinkansen train. How long do u estimate the travel time will be? I know I will also need to transfer to another train Going to chubu. Is it alright to leave kyoto at 4pm?
Thank you Takeshi , will wait for your response. 🙂
Hi Mitch,
It takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes from Kyoto to Chubu. It takes less than one hour from Kyoto to Nagoya. After Nagoya, please refer the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m a bit confused. Please do advise me. As mentioned in your blog that Nagoya-Osaka(Namba) is 3800. This pass exclude the limited express fare?
Thank you.
Leanne
Hi Leanne,
Limited express surcharge used to be included but not any more. You have to pay this surcharge on top of the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! I just want to know what train should I take and how much will it cost if I go to Osaka? Btw, I will be staying at Nagoya.
Hi Kzel,
It depends on which train you take and which part of Osaka you go. If you take Kintetsu, it’s most affordable and you can find the fare table in the post above.
If you take Shinkansen, it’s the fastest. You can find the fare and schedule at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi ,
I am mitch, i would like to ask again (i inquired before but now changed our itinerary) what type of train pass will we need if we want to travel 1- kix to nankai namba, 2- subways to go around osaka (umeda sky, Osaka castle, USJ) 3- Kyoto to Nagoya airport.
Ps. Our osaka to kyoto ride will be via private transport.
Many thanks Takeshi!
Regards,
Mitch
Hi Mitch,
1. If you take ordinary train, single fare is 920 yen. It’s most affordable. If you want to take express train “Rapi:t”, the following deal is available:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
2. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
3. There is no deals available basically. You may be able to use Platt Kodama for Kyoto to Nagoya.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
This is sold until March 10, 2017. It may be continued after that date. Even if you use this, you have to pay single fare for Nagoya to Chubu airport.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Mr. Takeshi,
We will be travelling to Yokkaichi after our 5-day stay in Osaka. We plan to visit Yokkaichi for 3 days and return back to Osaka for our 10am flight back to Manila. please help me on the best way to travel from Osaka to Yokkaichi and back. And howmuch willit cost for me and my 8yrs old kid.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Janice,
Kintetsu rail pass is the best choice for you. You may add limited express seat fee which is around 1600 yen one way on top of the pass. Child rate is half price.
By the way, if you intend to get Kansai airport from Yokkaichi on departure day, it’s impossible. The earliest express train departs from Yokkaichi around 6:30 and it take 2 hours to get Osaka-Namba. And you will spend another 45 minutes at least to get Kansai airport. So you cannot get Kansai airport by 9:00 am. You have to stay in Osaka one day before departure day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
We are going to Japan on June 2016. We just want to request for your comment regarding transport and corresponding cost upon travelling in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.
Our plan:
We will arrive around 6am in the morning in Nagoya. We will directly go to Kyoto afterwards. Our first day would be in Kyoto. In the evening we will go to Osaka. Our second day would be in Osaka. Our third day would be in Nara. And in the evening of third day we will be back in Nagoya. Lastly, our fourth day would be in Nagoya.
Is our itinerary feasible? Also, please suggest what transport system are we going to take. Hopefully we could avail a pass for the four-day travel.
Thanks in advance.
Liza
Hi Liza,
Kintetsu Rail Pass is most affordable way. You can get all cities from Nagoya. But you have to add limited express charge. This pass covers only base fare. Technically you can get all places by ordinary trains only. But you have to change many trains and spend many more hours. It’s not realistic.
And also you need to add another pass or single fare to take local transportation in Kyoto and Osaka. Kintetsu Railway can take you these cities. But it does not cover city bus and subway. You need to take these to go around. Please see the links below to find the local deals:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
You also need to add the fare for Chubu airport to/from Nagoya station. This is not covered by this pass either:.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com