Complete Guide to Nagoya Transportation Passes — Manaca, μSKY, 1-Day Pass, Shirakawa-go Bus 2026

From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.

Nagoya is a city intricately connected by subways, city buses, Meitetsu trains, and JR lines. It takes just 28 minutes to reach the city center from Chubu Centrair International Airport (Centrair), and popular nearby destinations like Shirakawa-go and Ghibli Park are easily accessible by bus. The cost of transportation varies depending on how you combine the Manaca IC card and the 1-Day Pass. Here’s a breakdown of airport transfers, IC cards, 1-Day Passes, and nearby buses based on 2026.

Overview

In short, on weekdays, you can use the Manaca for regular travel and opt for the 1-Day Pass on days when you plan to ride more. On weekends and holidays, the Donichi Eco Ticket should be your first consideration.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport (Centrair) to the City

There are three main ways to get from the airport to the city:

• Meitetsu μSKY Limited Express: Takes as little as 28 minutes to Nagoya Station, with reserved seating. The IC card fare includes a special μSKY fee, and it’s the fastest way to reach downtown without transfers.
• Airport Limousine Bus: Takes about 88 minutes and costs 1,200 yen. It conveniently goes to some major hotels without transfers, making it easier if you have a lot of luggage.
• Taxi: Takes 45-60 minutes and costs about 14,500 yen. If you’re traveling with a group and have large bags, this can be a viable option.

If it’s your first visit, the μSKY is a solid choice for saving time. However, be aware that the frequency of service decreases at night, so it’s wise to check the last train times in advance.

Manaca — The Rechargeable Card That Does It All

The Manaca is a rechargeable IC card that costs 1,000 yen, including a 500 yen deposit. You can use it for Meitetsu trains, Meitetsu buses, Nagoya City subways, city buses, Aonami Line, and Yutorito Line, and it’s also accepted at convenience stores and vending machines. You can refund the balance and deposit at the station counter before your departure.

If you already have a nationwide compatible IC card like Suica or ICOCA from other Japanese cities, you can use it in Nagoya without needing to buy a new Manaca. If this is your first trip to Japan, then getting a Manaca is the way to go.

Three Types of 1-Day Passes — Which One to Buy?

• Bus/Subway All-Line 1-Day Pass (870 yen): Unlimited rides on all city buses and subway lines for a day. Since the basic subway fare starts at 210 yen, if you ride more than four times in a day, it pays off.
• Subway 24-Hour Pass (760 yen): Valid for subway rides only, guaranteeing 24 hours from the first use. It’s advantageous for afternoon arrivals since you can still use it even if the date changes.
• Donichi Eco Ticket (620 yen): The cheapest 1-Day Pass, available only on weekends, holidays, and the 8th of each month. If your visit coincides with these conditions, it should be your top choice.

All three can be purchased at subway ticket offices and vending machines, and the 1-Day Pass can also be bought on city buses.

When Heading to Nearby Areas — Ghibli Park, Shirakawa-go, Takayama

• Ghibli Park: Located within Aichi Expo Memorial Park (Morikoro Park), it takes about 1 hour from downtown Nagoya, costing around 670 yen one way. Direct buses operate from Nagoya Station, Chubu Centrair Airport, and Seto. Since entry is by reservation only, you must purchase tickets online in advance; on-site ticketing is not available.
• Shirakawa-go and Takayama: Takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes by express bus, costing around 3,400 yen one way. It’s common to visit both in a day, but during peak seasons, seats can fill up quickly, so it’s safer to book in advance.

For these nearby tours, since seats and entry can sell out early, checking availability and departure times in the activity card at the bottom of this article will make planning your itinerary easier.

Recommended Combinations by Duration and Itinerary

• 1 Night 2 Days Focused on the City: Use the Manaca as your base and add a 1-Day Pass only on days with heavy travel.
• 2-3 Days Including Ghibli Park: Use the Manaca on regular days, take a direct bus to Ghibli Park, and use the 1-Day Pass for city exploration days.
• Day Trip Including Shirakawa-go and Takayama: Book the express bus separately for nearby travel and use the Manaca for city movements.

For accommodations, staying near Nagoya Station, a transportation hub, or in the bustling Sakae area is convenient for your itinerary. You can compare prices and locations in the hotel card below.

For a complete itinerary, check out the Nagoya 4-Day Travel Guide, and for theme park routes like Ghibli Park and Legoland, see the Complete Guide to Nagoya Theme Parks. For food recommendations, refer to the Nagoya Food Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I use Manaca or Suica?

If you already have a nationwide compatible IC card like Suica or ICOCA, you can use it in Nagoya without needing to buy a new one. If this is your first trip to Japan, get a Manaca, and if you’re visiting multiple cities, the nationwide card is more versatile.

Q. Where can I buy the 1-Day Pass?

You can purchase it at subway ticket offices and vending machines, and the bus/subway 1-Day Pass is also available on city buses. The Donichi Eco Ticket is only sold on eligible days (weekends, holidays, and the 8th of each month).

Q. Can I get to Ghibli Park with a transportation pass?

The area where Ghibli Park is located is accessed by the Linimo (maglev train) or direct buses, which often exceed the coverage of the city 1-Day Pass, requiring separate fares. Entry tickets are also by reservation only, regardless of transportation, so you need to book them separately.

Q. What should I do if I arrive at the airport late at night?

The μSKY Limited Express may have reduced service at night, so it’s best to check the last train times in advance. If the timing doesn’t work, you can use the regular Meitetsu Limited Express or the airport limousine bus.