Key Highlights
- Nagoya is served by two airports: the main Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) and the secondary Nagoya Airfield (NKM).
- Chubu Centrair is the primary gateway for international and domestic travel to Central Japan.
- Nagoya Airfield primarily handles domestic flights and is much closer to the city center.
- Centrair offers unique attractions like the Flight of Dreams complex, featuring a Boeing 787 display.
- Enjoy panoramic runway views from the impressive Centrair Sky Deck.
- Transportation options are plentiful for both airports, connecting you easily to the region.
Introduction
Welcome to Nagoya! As a key hub in Central Japan, this vibrant region is your gateway to incredible cultural and industrial sights. To make your journey seamless, it’s helpful to know about the airports serving the area. Your main port of entry will likely be the Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), a modern, first-class facility located in Aichi Prefecture. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating Nagoya’s airports for a stress-free trip.
Overview of Nagoya’s Airports
When flying into Nagoya, you have two choices: Chubu Centrair and Nagoya Airfield. The main airport, Chubu Centrair, handles the vast majority of international and domestic traffic. It’s a large, modern hub built to serve Japan’s third-largest metropolitan area.
In contrast, Nagoya Airfield acts as the secondary airport. Located across several local government areas, it is significantly smaller and primarily serves domestic routes. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right one for your travel needs. Let’s explore what sets them apart and which is better for your trip.
Main Differences Between Chubu Centrair and Nagoya Airfield
The most significant difference between the two airports is their function and location. Chubu Centrair International Airport is a massive, modern hub constructed on an artificial island in Ise Bay. The opening of Chubu Centrair International Airport in 2005 saw it take over nearly all commercial flights from the older airport.
Nagoya Airfield, the former main airport, is situated in a residential area of Aichi Prefecture. Its location limited its operational hours and expansion potential, which led to the development of Centrair. Today, it primarily serves a different, more limited set of flights.
Here’s a quick comparison to highlight their main distinctions:
| Feature | Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) | Nagoya Airfield (NKM) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Main international and domestic hub | Secondary domestic airport, airbase |
| Location | Artificial island, 35 km south of Nagoya | Inland, 10 km from central Nagoya |
| Airlines | Major international and domestic carriers | Primarily Fuji Dream Airlines |
| Scale | Large, multi-terminal facility | Smaller, single-terminal facility |
Which Airport Is Best for International and Domestic Travelers?
For anyone traveling from outside of Japan, the choice is simple. Chubu International Airport is the region’s main international gateway and the only one of the two that services a wide range of international routes. If your journey starts or ends overseas, this is the international airport you will be using.
When it comes to domestic flights, you have more options. Chubu International Airport offers numerous domestic connections with carriers like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. This makes it convenient if you’re connecting from an international flight.
However, Nagoya Airfield, also known as Komaki Airport, is dedicated almost exclusively to domestic travel. It’s home to Fuji Dream Airlines, which offers scheduled flights to various cities within Japan. Its proximity to the city center can make it a quicker and more convenient option if your travel is purely domestic and your destination is served by the airline.
Getting To and From Nagoya Airports
Navigating your way to and from Nagoya’s airports is straightforward thanks to excellent public transportation. Centrair Airport, located in Tokoname City, is well-linked to Central Nagoya, with trains providing a fast connection to key hubs like Meitetsu Nagoya Station. From there, you can access the wider Shinkansen and local train networks.
Even though it’s farther from the city, getting to Centrair is a breeze. Nagoya Airfield, being closer, also offers convenient access. Below, we’ll break down the specific transportation options available for each airport to help you plan your journey.
Transportation Options to Chubu Centrair International Airport
Getting from Chubu Centrair International Airport to the heart of Nagoya or other cities in Aichi Prefecture is simple. The airport is directly connected to the Meitetsu Airport Line, offering the fastest and most popular way to travel.
The μSky Limited Express train is your quickest option, reaching Meitetsu Nagoya Station in just 28 minutes. This service features reserved seating for a comfortable ride. Other train services are also available, alongside several other modes of transport to suit your budget and needs.
Here are your main choices for getting to and from Centrair International Airport:
- Train: The Meitetsu μSky Limited Express connects to Nagoya Station in 28 minutes. Slower, more affordable limited express and local trains are also available.
- Bus: Centrair Limousine buses provide direct service to central Nagoya, Sakae, and major hotels, with a journey time of about an hour.
- Ferry: A high-speed ferry offers a scenic 40-minute trip across the bay, connecting the airport to Tsu.
- Car/Taxi: A dedicated toll road, Chitaōdan Road, links the airport island to the mainland. Taxis and car rentals are readily available.
Reaching Nagoya Airfield from City Center
Since Nagoya Airfield is much closer to the city of Nagoya, your travel time is significantly shorter. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, this airport, also called Komaki Airport, is easily accessible, though its public transport options are slightly less direct than Centrair’s.
You won’t find a train station directly at the terminal. However, local buses connect the airport to nearby train stations, from which you can continue your journey. Taxis are also a popular and relatively affordable choice given the short distance.
The most common way to travel is by bus to a major station and then transferring to a train. An airport bus operated by Aoi Kotsu Corporation connects to the Meitetsu Bus Centre, making it a convenient link. For a direct door-to-door trip, a taxi will get you to or from central Nagoya in about 8-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Options
The flight options from Nagoya depend entirely on which airport you use. The main airport, Chubu Centrair, is a bustling hub with a large terminal building serving dozens of global carriers. You’ll find flights from major alliances and airlines like China Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines connecting Nagoya to the world.
Conversely, Nagoya Airfield is the exclusive base for Fuji Dream Airlines. This airline focuses on connecting Nagoya with other regional cities across Japan. Let’s look closer at the specific carriers and popular routes available from each airport.
Major International and Domestic Carriers
Chubu Centrair International Airport hosts a wide variety of airlines, making it a true international hub. Whether you’re flying to Asia, Europe, or North America, you’ll find plenty of choices. Major carriers offer both international flights and extensive domestic flights, connecting Nagoya to all corners of Japan and the globe.
Airlines such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways provide a strong domestic and international network. You will also find many foreign carriers, including Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and China Airlines, offering direct routes to their respective hubs. This robust competition ensures you have options for fares and schedules.
Key airlines operating from Centrair include:
- Japanese Carriers: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Peach, Jetstar Japan, Skymark Airlines
- Asian Carriers: China Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International
- Other International Carriers: Finnair, United Airlines, VietJet Air
- Cargo Carriers: Atlas Air, DHL Air, Kalitta Air
Direct Flights from Nagoya — Popular Routes
From Nagoya, you can catch direct flights to many destinations both within Japan and across the world. The number of flights is highest from Chubu Centrair (NGO), which serves as the primary hub for the region’s international and domestic travel.
Yes, there are direct flights from Nagoya airport to Tokyo! Both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operate multiple daily flights from Chubu Centrair Airport to Tokyo’s main airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). This makes connecting to the capital quick and easy. Other popular domestic routes include Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha (Okinawa).
Internationally, there are direct connections to major Asian hubs, select destinations in Europe, and the United States. Below are some of the popular direct flight routes available.
| Destination | Airport Code | Type | Departing From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Japan | HND/NRT | Domestic | Chubu Centrair (NGO) |
| Sapporo, Japan | CTS | Domestic | Chubu Centrair (NGO) |
| Seoul, South Korea | ICN | International | Chubu Centrair (NGO) |
| Taipei, Taiwan | TPE | International | Chubu Centrair (NGO) |
| Honolulu, USA | HNL | International | Chubu Centrair (NGO) |
Facilities and Services at Chubu Centrair International Airport
Classified as a first-class airport by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chubu Centrair offers more than just flights. The passenger terminal is designed for comfort and convenience, with plenty of amenities to enjoy. You can watch planes from the Centrair Sky Deck or even attend an event at the massive Aichi Sky Expo exhibition center, located right on the airport island.
Whether you have a long layover or just arrive early, the airport provides a wealth of activities. From unique shopping and diverse dining to essential travel services, you’ll find everything you need under one roof. Let’s explore some of the best ways to spend your time at the airport.
Dining, Shopping, and Relaxation Options
Waiting for your flight at Centrair can be an experience in itself. The airport’s 4th floor, known as Sky Town, is a shopping and dining paradise accessible to all visitors. It’s split into two themed streets: Chochin-yokocho, which recreates a traditional Japanese town, and Renga-dori, which has a more modern, Western feel.
Between these two areas, you’ll find over 60 shops and restaurants. Whether you’re craving authentic Japanese ramen, Western fast food, or need to buy some last-minute souvenirs, you’re covered. The departures area on the 3rd floor also has its share of shops for travelers past security.
For entertainment and relaxation, consider these options:
- Flight of Dreams: Explore this unique complex featuring the first-ever Boeing 787 prototype. It includes a hands-on flight park and Seattle-themed shops.
- Centrair Sky Deck: Head outside to this large observation deck for incredible, up-close views of aircraft taking off and landing.
- Fu no Yu Bathhouse: Relax in a traditional Japanese bathhouse with views of the runway—a truly unique airport experience.
- Shopping and Dining: Wander through the themed streets of Sky Town for a wide variety of food and retail therapy.
Essential Services – Baggage Storage, Wi-Fi, Lounges, and More
Chubu Centrair International Airport is equipped with all the essential services to ensure your journey is smooth and comfortable. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, allowing you to stay connected. For financial needs, currency exchange booths and ATMs are conveniently located in the arrivals and departures lobbies.
If you need to store your bags, baggage storage services are available, giving you the freedom to explore the airport without being weighed down. For those looking to relax before their flight, several airport lounges are available, including the JAL Sakura Lounge, Star Alliance Lounge, and the Centrair Global Lounge, each offering a quiet space with refreshments.
Here are some key services you can find at the airport:
- Connectivity: Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
- Financial Services: Currency exchange counters and ATMs are located in the main terminal areas.
- Baggage Services: Baggage storage facilities are available for your convenience.
- Lounges: A variety of airline and pay-per-use lounges offer comfortable seating, food, and drinks.
The airport’s address is 1-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. For general inquiries, you can call +81 569-38-1195.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating Nagoya’s airports can be a breeze with the right information at your fingertips. From understanding the differences between Chubu Centrair and Nagoya Airfield to knowing the best transportation options, this guide has equipped you with essential travel insights. Don’t forget to take advantage of the facilities available at Chubu Centrair, where dining, shopping, and relaxation await you. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, being informed will enhance your experience. If you have any further questions or need personalized recommendations for your trip, feel free to reach out for assistance. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Nagoya airport for international flights?
For international flights departing from Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), it is recommended to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure. This gives you plenty of time to check in, drop off your luggage, clear security and immigration in the passenger terminal, and get to your gate without rushing.
Is there public transportation from Nagoya airport to nearby cities?
Yes, public transportation from Centrair Airport is excellent. The Meitetsu Railway offers a direct Limited Express train connecting the airport to Meitetsu Nagoya Station in under 30 minutes. From there, you can easily transfer to Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other lines to reach the city of Nagoya and other destinations.
Can you recommend things to do at Nagoya airport while waiting for a flight?
Absolutely! You can visit the Flight of Dreams complex to see a Boeing 787 and enjoy the interactive Flight Park. For great views, head to the Sky Deck. The 4th floor also offers extensive shopping and dining options, from traditional Japanese food to international brands, ensuring you won’t be bored.