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 saw on website shinkasen train from nagoya to shin osaka is 9000 yen, is this correct. If i take kintetsu on website nagoya to namba station is just about 4000 yen that is kintetsu rail pass including limited express , so meaning kintetsu is half the price both no transfers except for additional an hour and a half travel time for kintetsu. Is this information correct? Thank you
Hi Jeremy,
Shinkansen fare is about 6000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your post! As i read ur article, it seems kintetsu is better on my case, but correct me if i am wrong. We are party of 5. 3 adults, 2 small kids. Our itinerary only require a round trip from nagoya station to Shinsaibashi station (where our hotel will be oriental express Shinsaibashi). Is kintetsu better than shinkasen? Is kintetsu limited express direct from nagoya station to namba station? How much would it cost us for both trains? And how do we avail of discounts for foreigners? Thank you!
Hi Jeremy,
You can get Namba from Nagoya by Kintetsu railway limited express directly.
Kintetsu rail pass is the deal for overseas tourist. I showed normal fare in the post above and also you can find how much you need to add on the pass to take limited express.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I will be travelling from Kyoto to Nagoya and from Nagoya to Namba, Osaka. From Kyoto to Nagoya I intend to purchase the Platt Kodama. As I want a direct train from Nagoya to Namba, shall I purchase the Kintetsu Rail Pass?
Thank you.
Hi Irene san,
You showed different itinerary in the other post.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html/comment-page-19#comment-283455
Which one is your trip plan?
Anyway as long as you will use Platt Kodama, Kintetsu rail pass is not required.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! Im planning to avail the 1 day Kintetsu pass.
But i’m not sure if this pass would allow me to travel from Kyoto to Nara then Nara to Osaka Kintetsu without using the Limited express train.
May I know what train or line should i ride.And how would i know that i’m riding the right train that wont charge me. I tried checking it on Google maps but it keeps on displaying the Limited express train routes only.
thanks.
Hi Xy,
You can take Kintetsu railway train for Kyoto-Nara-Osaka by 1 day Kintetsu railway pass. However all train fares are less than 1,200 yen. You cannot get the worth of the pass by this railway. You have to use the pass more, like taking Nara Kotsu Bus or trip to outside Nara. Please check the link below to find the coverage area.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/krp_1day2day.html
You can find which train is limited express train or not at the signage on the platform and on the train. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/signage-and-announcement-in-the-station-and-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
so you mean it’s not worth it if I’ll avail the 1 day kintetsu pass if I’m travelling from Kyoto to Nara then Osaka? Though I missed to mention that i’m planning to travel around Nara for a day trip before heading to Osaka.
Also, does this 1 day kintetsu pass will let me be able to travel from Nara to Osaka via rapid express/ express /local train?
Thanks!
Hi Xy,
No, you cannot. You need to use the pass more than Kyoto to Nara and Nara to Osaka-Namba. It’s not enough to get the worth by these train trips only. You need to take a bus in Nara but most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk from the station. So regular fare may be cheaper.
You can take the trains which you mentioned by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka this December and I’d like to know if the Kintetsu rail pass is the right choice for us.
Hi Chelsea,
If you have round trip between Osaka/Kyoto and Nagoya, you can get the worth. But if you have one way trip, you may not get the worth. You will buy single ticket or Platt Kodama for Osaka/Kyoto to/from Nagoya and local deal in Osaka/Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Our plan is as follows:
Day 1: Entry thru Nagoya stay for 5 days
Day 5: Nagoya to Kyoto stay for 4 days with trip to Nara in between
Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka
Day 12: Exit via Kansai Airport
Can you make recommendations?
Regards,
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
You cannot get the worth of Kintetsu rail pass. And also Kintetsu railway does not go to Kyoto from Nagoya directly. Platt Kodama is recommended:
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
In Nagoya, subway pass is very common for sightseeing:
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/SUBWAY/TRP0001067.htm
In Kyoto and Osaka, please see the links below to find the deal in Kyoto and Osaka
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
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Single ticket is okay for Kyoto to Osaka. But if you do sightseeing in Osaka and/or Kyoto before/after Kyoto to Osaka, you may use Kansai thru pass 2 days for trip to Nara and Kyoto to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply.
I’m just a bit confused here. When you say single ticket, are you referring to shinkansen or kintetsu single ticket?
Our trip will start at Nagoya then kyoto then ends in Osaka. We won’t be going back yo Nagoya. So the Kintetsu rail pass is not the right choice for us? I just want to clarify. Hope you don’t mind.
Thanks,
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
I meant single ticket is for Shinkansen. Kintetsu rail pass does not work. You cannot get the worth.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much.
May I ask if there are luggage storage in the shinkansen as this will be our first time taking it if we use the Platt Kodama.
Likewise, if we plan to take a day trip to Takayama and Shirakawago, what would be your suggestion. We would be travelling in December.
Best Regards,
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
Please see the link below to find the info about luggage on train:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Takayama and Shirakawago is good to visit in any season. For even day trip, Takayama Hokuriku area pass is cheaper than regular fare:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your replies.
Regards,
Chelsea
No worries, Chelsea.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-San,
I have planned a trip in the last week of February entering Japan through Nagoya and leaving via Tokyo. My plans are:
1. One Day Round Trip Nagoya-Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera, Jonangu Shrine)- not sure if this is workable for one day so maybe I should get there as early as possible and stay until late
2. One Day Round Trip to Ise (Grand Shrine, Meoto Iwa)
3. One Way from Nagoya to Tokyo
Is the Kintetsu Rail Pass the best plan for these 3 things? I’ve also read that there is a Kodama Economy Ticket that’s good to use to go to Tokyo. Or should I buy a JR Pass? I’m looking for the plan that will maximize the fare with early departures from and late arrivals to Nagoya (except for the last bit as I plan to leave Nagoya before lunch). How will the best pass change if I decide to only go to either Kyoto or Ise before going to Tokyo?
Appreciate the help.
Thank you.
Hi Diane san,
Kintetsu rail pass and Platt Kodama are most affordable choice but not recommended. Because Kintetsu rail pass is the best choice for trip to Ise. But it does not give you fast and direct move to Kyoto. You need to change trains at least once even if you add limited express fee. And trip time is much longer than Shinkansen. If you want to maximize your time in Kyoto, you should use Shinkansen.
The easiest choice is JR Pass. You can cover most part of trips by JR pass. You can take Shinkansen between Kyoto and Nagoya, Tokyo from Nagoya, some local lines in Kyoto (such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari), and you need to pay some fare to get Ise but it is covered partially.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/ise-access-guide-kintetsu-is-the-best-way-but-we-can-use-jr-pass-too.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San
The 5 day Kintetsu Rail Pass for JPY3800, is this price for a one way journey from Osaka to Nagoya? Can it be used within the 5day period to return from Nagoya to Osaka?
Thank You.
Hi May san,
It offers you unlimited ride. You can take Kintetsu railway train in 5 days period as many as you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
What’s the best one-way ticket option from Osaka to Nagoya (Chubu airport)?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Katrine,
Unfortunately there is no deals available for one way trip from Osaka to Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we are in osaka right now and purchased a 5 day kintetsu rail pass. Can we use this for the Tsu station high speed + bus transfer to Nagoya Centaire airport? Mthnx
Hi Vernon,
No, you can’t. This covers Kintetsu railway train only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Happy New Year!
I will be going to Ise-shima for only one day from Osaka-Namba. I will be taking the Ise-shima Liner, is it worth it for me to purchase the Kintetsu Rail Pass?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Edward san,
You may use Kintetsu Rail Pass. If you intend to ride lots of buses, you can use Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus. Otherwise regular type of Kintetsu Rail Pass is okay. You need to add limited express fee. But it’s still cheaper than regular round trip base fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com