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,
I will be flying into Nagoya Chubu Airport arrive around Dec 26 2018 9PM and stay in Nagoya for 3 days which include day trip to Shirakawa.
then we will go to Kyoto for 3 days
and then to Osaka for 4 days and leave Osaka thru Kansai Airport on Jan 2, 2019 8:45PM , may i know which pass is best suit for out travel.
we will be travelling with 14 persons.
Thanks
Hi Juliet,
You may be able to get a better deal if you charter a small bus because you will travel as a group. But I don’t know how much it costs. You have to deal with a local travel agent.
If you use a deal, there is no deals available to cover whole part of your trip. The following ticket and deal are recommended:
Regular ticket for:
Chubu airport to Nagoya
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
Kyoto to Osaka
Nohi Bus regular ticket for Nagoya-Takayama, Takayama-Shirakawago round trip
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/nagoya_en/
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Platt Kodama for Nagoya to Kyoto
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
City deal in Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
My itinerary would be Nagoya-osaka-kyoto then going back to nagoya for a period of 5 days, is kintetsu rail pass a good choice? Thanks
Hi Mark,
Kintetsu Rail Pass is most affordable choice. But it does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto and Osaka. You have to add a regular fare or other deal. Please see the links 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I desperately need your recommendations. I will be making my base in Nagoya and have planned a 5 days to Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanzawa, Gero and other places of interest. I am at a loss now as i have balance 5 days in Nagoya not knowing where to go besides Korankei Gorge. Will buying Kintetsu Rail Pass benefit me for the balance 4 days in Nagoya? I have been to Kyoto last year but have not visited Nara before. Please advise.
Yap
Hi Yap,
You need Takayama Hokuriku area pass for Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Gero:
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/comment-page-26#comment-288402
Kintetsu Rail Pass does not cover above places. It covers Nara. If you want to go to Nara, you can use Kintetsu Rail Pass. But this does not cover Korankei. You have to pay a regular fare for trip to Korankei.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
If I buy the Kintetsu Rail pass. Can you recommend which places to visit as I will be staying in Nagoya?
Hi Yap,
Actually there are not many choices for sightseeing in Nagoya. Only one day subway and/or bus pass is considerable:
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be travelling from KANSAI – KYOTO – NAGOYA – OSAKA – NARA – KANSAI FROM 17-25 November 2018. Is it advisable to get the KINTETSU RAIL PASS?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Regards,
Irene
Hi Irene,
Kintetsu Rail Pass is most affordable deal. But when you go to Nagoya from Kyoto, you have to change trains at least once even if you add limited express fee. You can find more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-transfer-between-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto-by-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your reply. Appreciate much.
I noticed that there will only be 3 minutes for me to change trains at Yamatoyagi Station when travelling from Kyoto to Nagoya. May I know how far apart are the platforms for this change of trains? What if I cannot make it in time to change trains?
Regards,
Irene
Hi Irene,
You can make it in 3 minutes. Please see the link below to find the map of Yamato Yagi station:
https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/about/station/yard/yamato_yagi.html
If you intend to take limited express train from Yamato Yagi and train from Kyoto is delayed, you can ask to reissue a ticket to Yamato Yagi station staff for next train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you again for you reply and for the map of Yamato Yagi Station.
Yes I intend to take the Limited Express train. However, I would appreciate if you can tell me which platform will the train arrive from Kyoto and which platform do I need to go to transfer to the train to Nagoya?
Thank you so much.
Regards,
Irene
Hi Irene,
You will move from #6 to #1/#2. #1 and #2 are same platform. But you have to make sure which track the train comes for Nagoya there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I will be flying into Nagoya Chubu Airport but going first to Osaka for 11 nights. At Osaka, apart from sightseeing in Osaka, I plan to do day trips to Himeji, Kobe, Nara and Kyoto during this times. After which I will spend 4 nights in Nagoya where I planned to go to Shirakawa. May I know which pass best suit my travel plan?
Hi Lim,
Basically a regular ticket is only choice for Nagoya to Osaka. But you may use Platt Kodama for Osaka to Nagoya. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-transfer-between-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto-by-train.html
You can use Kansai area pass for trip to Himeji and Kansai thru pass for Nara, Kobe and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Please see the links below for the deal in Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Nagoya subway has one day pass. You may use this for sightseeing in city:
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
For trip to Shirakawago, Takayama Hokuriku area pass is recommended. It’s valid for 5 days but you can use this for even day trip. It’s still 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
Hello!
I’ll be traveling to Osaka and will be visiting Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Ogimachi Village. At first, I thought of buying the Kansai pass but I added in Nagoya and Ogimachi Village so now I’m quite confused on which pass to get! I’ll be in Osaka for 8 days.
Hi Agnes,
JR pass 7 days is only choice for your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
This pass covers all places where you visit except Ogimachi. You have to pay a bus fare go get Shirakawago (Ogimachi) from either Takayama or Kanazawa.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
You can use 7 days JR pass for the first of the last 7 days, and add other deal for airport-Osaka.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’m going Nagoya and staying for 3 nights, thereafter, I will be going to Osaka and staying at Umeda for 6 nights. I plan to go Himeji, Nara and Arayashima during my stay at Osaka. I’m travelling with elderly and children and will leave via Osaka Kansai airport. What pass would you recommend that is most cost effective.
Hi Grace,
You may use Kintetsu Rail Pass for Nagoya to Osaka, and trip to Nara. You should add limited express surcharge for Nagoya to Osaka on top of Kintetsu rail pass. Otherwise you have to change trains at least twice. It’s not convenient.
You may add Kansai area pass 2 days for Arashiyama and Himeji:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
For staying in Nagoya, please see the link below:
http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/en/pc/TICKET/TRP0001071.htm
For staying in Osaka, please see the links 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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am flying in Osaka and out Nagoya. Not planning to explore Nagoya but heading straight to Nagoya Airport. What’s d best route and pass to use? Total 9 days.
Option 1: Osaka City 3 days and another 1 day trip Nara/Kobe – Kyoto 4 days and 5 days to Nagoya Airport (mid night flight)
Option 2: Osaka Airport heading to Kyoto – back Osaka City – Nagoya Airport
Thanks.
Hi Ck,
Please see the link below to find the way to Nagoya from Osaka or Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-transfer-between-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto-by-train.html
Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient way. But if you want to save your cost, Kintetsu railway may be your choice if you leave from Osaka. If you take Kintetsu railway and make a day trip to Nara, Kintetsu rail pass may be your choice.
For Kansai airport to Osaka/Kyoto, staying in Osaka, please see the links below to find the deals:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank Takeshi,
Still not sure which are the best option route. As I travelling with my baby, travel from Osaka to Nagoya Airport or Kyoto to Nagoya Airport which will be the most convenience and time saving way?
Hi Ck,
Your choice is Shinkansen. You may use a regular fare ticket or using Platt Kodama to save a bit cost.
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
I don’t know what the current limitations are now for the kintetsu lines, but , we need to do a day trip to visit a friend in Nagoya and the price of JR is pretty steep for a day trip. Any advice. We will be coming from kyoto going to Nagoya. Is it worth getting a kintetsu rail pass , we will be in kansai area onlyfor 2 weeks. Thank you in advance for your advise.
Hi Red,
Actually I don’t recommend you to use Kintetsu to move between Nagoya and Kyoto. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-transfer-between-nagoya-and-osaka-kyoto-by-train.html
Even though the price is not very affordable, Shinkansen is the best option. You may use Platt Kodama to save your cost slightly:
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
Hi. My trip to Osaka is 9 days 8 nights and plan to go Nagoya & Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka. No plan to visit Nara as i been there before. The JR pass is for 7 days and the Kintetseu Rail Plus is 5 days, what should i do?
Hi Jasmine,
You may use JR pass 7 days for trip to Nagoya, Takayama and Kyoto. You don’t need Kintetsu rail pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
For staying in Osaka, you may add some other deals as you need.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com