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 san, we will arrive in nagoya airport on december 24, 2016. a family of 4, from december 25th to 28th we plan to visit osaka, on the 29th to 30th to kobe & back to nagoya on the 31st for our departure on january 1, 2017, can i use the kintetsu regular pass? waiting for your response. thank you very much!
Hi Arlene san,
You can use Kintetsu rail pass but it’s valid for 5 days. You will spend 6 days in Osaka and Kobe. So you have to purchase 2 X Kintetsu rail pass. It’s still cheaper than single fares but if you shrink 5 days in Osaka and Kobe, it will be cheaper.
You need to add single fare or pass to Kobe.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
And you also need to add subway pass or single fare in Osaka. Kintetsu rail pass covers Osaka-Nagoya trip but it does not cover subway, local bus and other railways than Kintetsu railway.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
I am flying into Osaka and flying out from Nagoya will have 6 days 5 nights in between. Do you think the Kintetsu Rail Wide pass will be suitable for me? In and out of the airport and for local tourist traveling as well. I also have a friend in Kobe who asked me to go down for a visit for a day trip – kind of pending.
And so I am really wondering which pass will be the best option. Thank you and appreciate your answer.
Regards,
Tina
Hi Tina,
Kintetsu rail pass is recommended but don’t use “Wide”. Ordinary Kintetsu rail pass + single fare between Osaka/Nagoya and airport are actually cheaper than Wide pass. If you go to Ise area, wide pass is recommended, otherwise ordinary pass is okay.
This pass does not cover Kobe. You need to add single fare between Osaka and Kobe. You also may need to add pass or single fare in your trip. Because it does not cover subway, local bus and other than Kintetsu railway in Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be visiting Kyoto, Nara and Osaka area this October for 5 days not necessary in that order. I will arrive in Tokyo and have not decided to take a train or fly to the Kansai area yet. If I fly in and out of Osaka, would a 5 day Kintetsu rail pass @ ¥3800 be the best for me? I hope stay either in Osaka or Kyoto as my base and make day trips to see Nara, Osaka or Kyoto. Appreciate your advice.
Thank you!
Kay
Hi Kay san,
I don’t think Kintetsu rail pass is the best choice. At this point, your plan has not been fixed yet. You cannot find the best deal without your plan. I recommend you to make the detailed plan before choosing the deals.
I have some sample itineraries. Please see the links below to find it.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Domo arigato Takkeshi San for your quick reply. And thanks also for the links. I will read thru them.
I actually starts my journey from Tokyo arriving at NRT in Oct 6 ( wed) . I plan to stay in Tokyo for 3 nites, leave for the Kansai area on Oct 9, stay in the Kansai ( visit Kyoto/Nara and Osaka ) for 5 nites and head back to Tokyo Oct 14 and stay in Tokyo for another 3 nites and leave from NRT back to the US in the morning of Oct 17. Total of 12 days 11 nites. As to what to visit will be palaces, parks and usual places of interest that we can pack into my days itin. 🙂 Will see and expereince what I can and hope to return to see more.
I have just read about the JR pass which has 7 days and 14 days. I am wondering if getting a 7 day JR pass will serve me better since I can use it to travel on any JR rail both in local Tokyo/ long distance to Kyoto, to Nara to Osaka, back to Tokyo. ( A bus pass to supplement my days at Nara, Kyoto and osaka was suggested to me in addition to suica card for convenince ).
Your opinion is kindly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Kay
Hi Kay san,
You have made a right decision. 7 days JR pass is the best choice and as long as it covers return trip to Kansai area from Tokyo. it works.
You may need to add bus fare or pass in Kyoto. But it may be okay in Nara and Osaka. Most of places in Nara can be accessed by walk from Nara station.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
In Osaka, some places cannot be accessed by JR train but it’s very few.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
In Kyoto, all day bus is sold at 500 yen. If you take a bus more than 4 times a day, it’s paid off.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Of course you can use Suica, but it does not give you any discount. This pass may make your cost be minimized.
In Tokyo, it’s same situation as Kyoto. Subway pass is sold at very affordable price.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
After your JR pass is expired, you may use subway pass.
And also there are some deals available between Narita and Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks again for your reply! The links provided are very helpful. I will make a point to purchase JR pass 3 mths before my trip via online site. And will check into getting a subway pass for my time in Tokyo. Travel in Osaka will be covered by my JR pass and as for Kyoto – 1 day bus pass and Nara will walk or a bus pass.
Thank you so much for all the useful information that you provide.
Most appreciate and take care!
Kay
No problem, Kay san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
I am in Nagoya with two kids age 10 and 12. I would like to take them to Kyoto for a day trip and wondering what the best option is. Can I just go to Nagoya station and purchase return trip tickets?
Thank you,
Shannon
Hi Shannon,
The easier way is Shinkansen for Nagoya to Kyoto round trip. You can purchase a round trip ticket at Nagoya station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
Your article is very helpful. I am from Philippines and will be travelling with my daughter on May 21-26.
We will enter and exit Japan via Chubu Airport (Nagoya). I would like to ask few things:
1. If I buy my Kintetsu Rail Pass on the 21st but use it on the 23rd going to Osaka, will the first day of use be on the 23rd and not 21st?
2. Can you also help me which ticket to use from Chubu airport to Nagoya station?
Looking forward to hear from you.
Thank you,
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
1. You can purchase it on 21st ans start using it on 23rd.
2. There is no deals available. Only single ticket is your choice.
So don’t purchase “wide”. Regular Kintetsu Rail Pass and single fare between airport and Nagoya is cheaper than Kintetsu rail pass wide.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Could you advise if the Kintetsu Rail or Kintetsu Rail Wide Pass is better for the following route? Thank you very much!
Day 1 : Osaka Kansai Airport – Kyoto (Kawaramachi Station)
Day 2-3 : Kyoto
Day 4-6 : Ise-Shima region
Day 7 : Kashikojima – Osaka Kansai Airport
Hi Fung san,
Kintetsu rail pass wide is recommended for the last 5 days of your trip. But I recommend you to use other deal for arrival day, such as Haruka discount ticket. Kintetsu rail pass wide covers KIX to Namba but you need to move to Kyoto. The easiest way to get Kyoto is Limited Express Haruka. You need to take Kyoto subway and Hankyu railway to get Kawaramachi. But it’s faster and easier.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for the info! Are you suggesting that I get a Haruka pass for transfer from KIX – Kyoto Station then get a Kansai Thru Pass (2000yen) for my 2 days in Kyoto, then a Kintetsu Wide Pass for the remaining 5 days?
How about this combination?
Kintetsu Rail Wide pass for:
Day 1 : KIX – Kyoto
Day 4-5: Kyoto – Ise and travelling around Ise and Toba
Day 7 : Kashikojima – KIX
I don’t need to take public transport on Day 6.
Kansai Thru Pass for:
Day 1 : Kyoto Station – Kawaramachi
Day 2-3 : Kyoto
Hi Fung,
I don’t think you need Kansai thru pass. You may use ICOCA and Haruka. It includes Harukat to Kyoto and 1500 yen e-money. You can use this e-money to take bus and subway in Kyoto. But if it’s not enough, add Kyoto sightseeing card or all day bus pass.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Kansai thru pass is 4000 yen for 2 days. It’s too expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ah I understand now. Thank you very much for your help!
No problem, Fung.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I just saw that there is a Kansai One Pass that just launched in April. How different is it from the ICOCA+Haruka discount pass combination?
Hi Fung,
Basically it’s not much different. Kansai one pass includes 2500 yen and ICOCA and Haruka has 1500 yen in the card. And also you can get some discount at many attractions when you show Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takahashi
I will arrive in Nagoya Airport on 29 May 2016. Thereafter I would like to travel to the following address:
7-11-5 Ao-Madani-Higashi Mino-shi Osakafu 562-002 Japan to look for my engineering teacher of 33 years.
I do not mind to have a slower train as I would like to enjoy the train ride
Then back to Nagoya airport for departure to my country.
Thanking in advance for your kind advice.
Cheers
Mary
Hi Mary,
You can use this pass from Nagoya to Osaka-Namba. Your route is the following:
Chubu airport -(Meitetsu railway)- Nagoya -(Kintetsu railway)- Namba -(subway)- Uemda -(Hankyu railway)- Mino
You may use Kintetsu rail pass regular type, not “Wide”. Just add single fare for airport to/from Nagoya and it’s cheaper.
Single fare is okay as well for Osaka subway and Hankyu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san
Thank you very much for your speedily reply. Sincerely appreciated.
Have a pleasant evening:)
Mary
No problem, Mary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is this pass valid for exchange students? If not, can you recommend any other railway pass for this area? Thank you.
Hi Tamara,
Unfortunately not.
Kintetsu railway has unlimited ride ticket for the resident in Japan. But it’s available for weekend only at 4100 yen for 3 days. But you cannot take limited express train. I put the link but it’s in Japanese.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/senden/Railway/Ticket/weekend_free/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would the whole journey from Nagoya to Kyoto by limited express train be considered as 1 single voucher or would it required 2 separate vouchers?
Hyperdia shows that I would need to make a transfer at Yamato-Yagi, not sure if that would need another voucher to get on with the remaining journey to Kyoto.
KINTETSUNAGOYA (Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.) -> YAMATOYAGI (Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.) -> KYOTO
Then same for Kyoto to Osaka as well.
KYOTO (Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.) -> YAMATOSAIDAIJI (Kintetsu Ltd. Exp.) -> OSAKA-NAMBA
Hi YuMee,
Unfortunately you need to two vouchers for single trip to Kyoto from Nagoya because it’s not direct train. There are lots of ordinary express train among Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. It’s short ride between Kyoto and Yamatosaidaiji or Yamatosaidaiji and Namba. You may save limited express voucher for this segment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi!
No problem, YuMee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We’re going to Nagoya in Dec n plan to buy the Kintetsu Rail Wide pass.
Like to know if they will sell the pass after 31 Oct 2016 since it’s mentioned the current pass is valid only till 31 Oct 2016.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks,
Ai Ling
Hi Ling san,
I’m not sure but I believe they will continue to sell. I have seen same issue before. And they kept going to sell.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the info, Takeshi-san.
No problem, Ling san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com