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Nogoya to Kazanawa Distance & Transportation Compare
Nagoya is a major city in the Chubu region, right in the heart of central Japan. It's a busy hub that sits between Tokyo and Kyoto. Kanazawa is a beautiful, historic city in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is located to the northwest of Nagoya, on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
The distance between Nagoya and Kanazawa is about 255 kilometers (158 miles).
You have two main choices to travel between them: the train or the bus. From our experience at Asia Odyssey Travel, the best choice depends on what is most important to you: speed or cost.
Here is a simple table to help you compare your options at a glance.
Nagoya (City) Map: Tourist, Sightseeing & Metro Map of Nagoya
Kanazawa Map: City, Loop Bus & Tourist Map (2025)
| Method | Travel Time | Average Cost (One-Way) | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | About 3 hours | About ¥7,500 | Speed, comfort, and JR Pass holders. |
| Bus | About 4 hours | About ¥4,500 | Saving money and direct travel. |
Option 1: Nagoya to Kanazawa Train (Best Way) - JR Rapid + Shinkansen
There are NO direct trains from Nagoya to Kanazawa anymore.
But take the train is still the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Kanazawa. Because of a recent change to the train lines, the journey from Nagoya to Kanazawa now always requires 1-2 easy transfer. But do not worry! The transfer is very simple.
The total journey takes about 2.5-3 hours, including the transfer. At Asia Odyssey Travel, we can assure you this is the best and most efficient train option. Experience Japan at Bullet Train Speed >>
Route 1: Nagoya → Tsuruga → Kanazawa (About 2h50m)
- Total Time: About 2 hours and 50 minutes.
- The Plan: Nagoya → Tsuruga → Kanazawa
We recommend this route for 99% of travelers, especially if it's your first time or you have luggage.
Nagoya to Tsuruga (1.5 h): From JR Nagoya Station find the platform for the Shirasagi train heading to Tsuruga.
Transfer at Tsuruga Station: When you get off the Shirasagi train, look up. You will see large, clear signs in English pointing you to the "Hokuriku Shinkansen". You simply follow the signs.
Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga to Kanazawa (1 h): Board the bullet train. This super-fast, smooth ride is the final leg of your journey, taking you directly to JR Kanazawa Station.
Route 2: Nagoya → Maibara → Tsuruga → Kanazawa (The Fastest But Need 2 Transfers)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- The Plan: Nagoya → Maibara → Tsuruga → Kanazawa
This route can be 20-30 minutes faster, but it involves an extra transfer. It's a good choice for confident travelers who want to minimize travel time.
Step 1: Nagoya to Maibara on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Approx. 25 mins)
Step 2: Transfer at Maibara Station to the Limited Express Shirasagi
Step 3: Maibara to Tsuruga on the Limited Express Shirasagi (Approx. 30 mins)
Step 4: Transfer at Tsuruga Station to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (This is the same easy transfer as in Option 1)
Step 5: Tsuruga to Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Approx. 1 hour)
Our Final Advice: For a hassle-free and enjoyable trip, choose Option 1. The minimal time saved with Option 2 is generally not worth the complexity of an additional transfer.
Where to Take a Train from Nagoya to Kanazawa?
Departure Station: JR Nagoya Station. Nagoya station is massive, but all you need to do is follow the signs for the "JR Lines".
Arrival Station: JR Kanazawa Station. You'll arrive here. Its iconic "Tsuzumi-mon Gate" at the East Exit is a must-see landmark.
Key Transfer Stations: Tsuruga Station & Maibara Station
How to Buy a Train Ticket from Nagoya to Kanazawa?
The easiest way is to go to the JR Ticket Office. Look for the green sign that says "Midori no Madoguchi". Here, you can speak to a staff member.
Ticket Machine: These machines have an English language button. Select "Reserved Seat," then "Limited Express," and follow the on-screen steps to choose the Shirasagi train to Kanazawa.
You will likely receive 2 or 3 small tickets per person. One is the Base Fare Ticket (for the whole distance) and the others are Express/Seat Reservation Tickets for each leg of the journey. Keep all of these tickets together! You will need them to exit the ticket gates in Kanazawa.
About Your Seats
Japanese trains have "Reserved Seats" (Shitei-seki) and "Non-reserved Seats" (Jiyuu-seki).
We strongly recommend you buy a Reserved Seat. It costs a little more but guarantees you a specific seat in a specific car. This is crucial for a relaxed journey, especially if you have luggage. The ticket agent will usually book this for you by default. Experience Japan at Bullet Train Speed >>
Option 2: Nagoya to Kanazawa Bus - The Direct & Cheapest Way
If you are traveling on a budget, or if you simply prefer a straightforward journey without any changes, then taking the highway bus is the perfect option for you.
It is significantly cheaper than the train and takes you directly from city center to city center with zero transfers. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, students, and anyone who wants to save their money for the amazing food and sights in Kanazawa.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Companies | The route is a collaboration between four companies: Meitetsu Bus, JR Tokai Bus, West JR Bus, and Hokutetsu Bus (Hokuriku Railroad). |
| Departure Location | Meitetsu Bus Center. This is the main departure point. It's on the 3rd floor of the Meitetsu Department Store Men's Building, right next to Nagoya Station. |
| Arrival Location | Kanazawa Station East Gate Bus Terminal. You will arrive right in front of the station, near the famous Tsuzumi-mon Gate. |
| Frequency | Very frequent. There are about 10 daily departures, running roughly every hour during the daytime, plus some special night bus services. |
| Price (One-Way) | The standard fare is approximately ¥4,500 - ¥6,000. Prices can vary slightly by season or day of the week. |
| Travel Time | Approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. |
Finding the Bus Terminal: A Common Tourist Mistake to Avoid
The bus does not leave from the main JR Nagoya train station where the Shinkansen departs. It leaves from the Meitetsu Bus Center.
The bus center is on the 3rd floor of the Meitetsu Men's Building. A famous landmark to look for outside is the giant "Nana-chan" mannequin statue, which is very close to the escalator entrance for the bus center.
Why You Must Book in Advance
This route is popular with locals, students, and tourists. Buses, especially on weekends and holidays, sell out. Booking ahead is essential to secure your seat.
Best Method (Online): Use an English-language booking portal. Websites like Willer Express or Japan Bus Online are reliable, accept international credit cards, and allow you to compare schedules easily. You'll receive an e-ticket to show on your phone.
In-Person: You can buy tickets at the Meitetsu Bus Center ticket counter, but this is risky for same-day travel.
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It for This Trip?
This is one of the most important questions for travelers. The Short Answer: For This Trip Alone? No.
You should seriously consider buying the JR Pass if your plan looks like this:
- You are making a long-distance round trip. For example, if your trip is Tokyo → Nagoya → Kanazawa → Tokyo within 7 days.
- Your itinerary is packed with Shinkansen travel. For example, a fast-paced trip like Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Kanazawa → Tokyo. In this scenario, the pass is almost certainly a money-saver.
A Better Option: The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
If you plan to explore the region around Kanazawa, like the beautiful mountain town of Takayama and the village of Shirakawa-go, this regional pass is an excellent choice. It covers buses and trains in this whole area for 5 days and offers fantastic value.
How to Get from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Kanazawa
First, an option many travelers consider is flying. Unfortunately, there are no scheduled passenger flights from Nagoya to Kanazawa (or its nearby Komatsu Airport). "Can I just take a direct train or bus from the airport to Kanazawa?" The answer to this is also no.
You must first travel from the airport to the center of Nagoya city, and from there, transfer to a train or long-distance bus that will take you to Kanazawa.
How to Get from the Airport to Central Nagoya (The Nagoya Station Area)
μ-SKY (Mu-Sky) Limited Express: This is the fastest train (about 28 mins) with all reserved, comfortable seating. The ticket is about ¥1,250. It's perfect if you're tired after a flight and want to get there quickly.
Limited Express: This train is slightly slower (about 40 mins) but cheaper at about ¥890, as you don't need to pay for a reserved seat.
Take the Bus to the Meitetsu Bus Center
If you plan to take a long-distance highway bus to Kanazawa to save money, you can take a bus directly from the airport to the city's main bus terminal. In the "Access Plaza," follow the signs for "Buses" and find the Centrair Limousine bus that goes to central Nagoya.
The ride takes about 1 hour and costs around ¥1,500.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Travel from Nagoya to Kanazawa
1. Should I Book My Tickets in Advance?
Yes, it is a good idea. For buses, you should always book ahead. For trains, it is smart to book a reserved seat a day or two before, especially during spring and autumn.
2. Where Can I Put My Large Suitcase?
Both the trains and buses have space for large luggage. On the train, there are overhead racks and often a dedicated space at the end of the train car. Highway buses have a large luggage compartment under the bus.
3. Are the Signs at the Station in English?
Yes. At major stations like Nagoya and Kanazawa, all important signs for platforms, tickets, and exits are in both Japanese and English. You will find your way easily.
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