Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Chubu Centrair Airport to Shima Peninsula (e.g., Kashikojima) is by train. The journey involves taking the Meitetsu Airport Line to Nagoya, then transferring to the Kintetsu Limited Express "Shimakaze" or "Mie" train. The total trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours and costs between ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per person, depending on the train type and seat class. For budget travelers, the highway bus is the cheapest option at around ¥2,500 - ¥4,000.
By Train: The Most Scenic & Efficient Route
Taking the train is the most popular and reliable method, offering a seamless journey through the Japanese countryside directly to the heart of the Shima Peninsula. The route is a two-leg process: first to a major hub, then onto a premium limited express train.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Leg 1: Airport to Nagoya Station. Take the Meitetsu Airport Line (μ-SKY Limited Express) from Chubu Centrair Airport directly to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. This takes 28 minutes and costs ¥1,230 (reserved seat). This station is directly connected to the vast JR/Kintetsu Nagoya Station complex.
- Transfer at Nagoya Station. Follow signs for the Kintetsu Railway lines. The walk from the Meitetsu arrival area to the Kintetsu Limited Express platforms takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Leg 2: Nagoya to Shima Peninsula. Board a Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Kashikojima or Toba. You have two primary choices:
- Shimakaze: A premium, all-reserved sightseeing train with luxurious seats, lounge areas, and large windows. Requires a base fare + a special Shimakaze limited express ticket. Travel time to Kashikojima: ~2 hours.
- Mie / Urban Liner: Standard limited express trains with both reserved and non-reserved seating. More frequent and economical than the Shimakaze. Travel time to Kashikojima: ~2 hours 10 minutes.
Detailed Train Comparison & Data
| Route Segment | Train Type | Duration | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Notes & JR Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGO → Nagoya | Meitetsu μ-SKY | 28 min | ¥1,230 | Not covered by JR Pass. Fastest option. |
| Nagoya → Kashikojima | Kintetsu Shimakaze | ~2 hrs | ¥5,840 (Fare + Ltd. Exp. + Shimakaze Fee) | Luxury experience. Advance reservation essential. Not JR. |
| Nagoya → Kashikojima | Kintetsu Mie Ltd. Exp. | ~2 hrs 10 min | ¥3,260 (Fare + Ltd. Exp. Fee) | Best value/balance. Non-reserved seats available. Not JR. |
| Total (Recommended) | Meitetsu + Kintetsu Mie | ~3 hrs | ~¥4,500 | Most practical choice for most travelers. |
Important Considerations
- Japan Rail Pass: The JR Pass only covers a portion. It can be used on the slower JR Rapid Mie train from Nagoya to Ise, but you must then switch to a local bus or non-JR train to reach Shima resorts. For direct access via Kintetsu lines, the JR Pass is not valid.
- Luggage: Large luggage (over 160cm total dimension) on the Shimakaze and some Mie trains requires a prior reservation for storage space. Use the Baggage Forwarding Service (Takkyubin) at the airport to send suitcases directly to your hotel.
- Tickets: Purchase all tickets (Meitetsu + Kintetsu) at the Centrair Travel Desk (TCAT) in the airport arrivals hall to secure seats and avoid hassle later.
By Domestic Flight: Is It Worth It?
While a short flight exists, it's rarely the most efficient choice for the final door-to-door journey to most Shima Peninsula destinations.
The Flight Option
ANA operates 1-2 daily flights from Chubu Centrair (NGO) to Ise Bay Airport (ISI). The flight time is a mere 30 minutes.
Why Train is Often Faster: The Hidden Time Cost
Consider the total travel timeline when flying:
- Airport Transit & Check-in: Arrive at NGO domestic terminal 60+ minutes before flight.
- Flight: 30 minutes.
- Disembark & Baggage Claim: 20-30 minutes at ISI.
- Ground Transport from ISI: Ise Bay Airport is on the *northern* side of Ise Bay. You then need a taxi (30-40 min, ~¥8,000) or bus+train combo to reach southern Shima Peninsula resorts like Kashikojima, adding another 1-1.5 hours.
Total Door-to-Door Time: Easily 4 to 5+ hours, often longer than the direct train route.
Who Should Consider Flying?
- Travelers whose final destination is near Ise City or Toba (northern part of the peninsula).
- Those connecting from an international flight on ANA, as it might be part of a convenient itinerary.
- Aviation enthusiasts wanting a scenic aerial view of the coast.
Verdict: For most visitors heading to the primary resort areas, the train provides a more direct, scenic, and often quicker total journey.
By Highway Bus & Night Bus: The Budget Champion
For cost-conscious travelers, the highway bus is the undisputed cheapest way to reach Shima Peninsula, especially the night bus, which combines transport and accommodation.
Daytime Highway Buses
Operated by companies like Meitetsu Bus and Willer Express.
- Route: Direct from Chubu Centrair Airport to major stops in Shima Peninsula like Toba Station or Shima Spain Village (Shima Hakkei).
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Cost: Typically between ¥2,500 to ¥3,500 one-way.
- Advantages: Direct, no transfers, very affordable, comfortable reclining seats, onboard toilet.
- Disadvantages: Less frequent than trains, subject to road traffic delays.
Night Buses (The Ultimate Saver)
This is the top recommendation for backpackers and budget travelers.
- Concept: Depart from the airport or Nagoya late evening (e.g., 10 PM), travel overnight, and arrive at Shima Peninsula in the early morning (e.g., 5 AM).
- Cost: ¥3,000 - ¥4,500 one-way. This effectively saves you the cost of one night's hotel stay.
- What to Expect: Fully reclining seats, curtains for privacy, blankets sometimes for rent. Bring earplugs and an eye mask for better sleep.
- Booking: Reservation is mandatory and should be made online in advance, especially during holidays.
Essential Bus Tips
- Luggage: Usually one large suitcase is included. Check the specific baggage policy of the operator when booking.
- Boarding: Find the bus stop at the airport's bus terminal (1st floor). Show your reservation confirmation (print or on phone).
- Final Leg: Buses may terminate at a central location like Toba Station. From there, you may need a local bus or taxi to your specific hotel.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: For Special Circumstances Only
This is the most expensive option by a huge margin and is generally not recommended for typical tourists.
Facts & Figures
- Distance: Approximately 90-110 km to central Shima Peninsula.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on exact destination and traffic.
- Cost: A staggering ¥35,000 to ¥50,000+ for a standard taxi one-way. Pre-booked private charter vans can be even more.
- How to Book: Find official taxi counters in the airport arrivals hall. For private transfers, book online in advance with companies like Viator or KNT.
When Does a Taxi Make Sense?
- Very Late/Early Arrivals: If your flight arrives after the last train/bus has departed.
- Large Groups (4+): Splitting the fare among several people can make it comparable to train tickets per person.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage: Door-to-door convenience.
- Corporate Travel: When cost is not a primary concern and time is absolute priority.
Clear Advice: For over 95% of visitors, the train or bus is a far superior choice in terms of cost, comfort, and overall experience.
Ticket Guide & Final Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to make your final decision at a glance.
| Mode of Transport | Total Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One-Way, per person) | Transfers / Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Kintetsu Mie) | ~3 - 3.5 hours | ¥4,500 - ¥5,500 | 1 transfer (Nagoya) | Most travelers (Best Balance) |
| Train (Shimakaze Premium) | ~3 hours | ¥7,000 - ¥9,000 | 1 transfer (Nagoya) | Luxury experience, sightseeing |
| Highway Bus (Day) | ~2.5 - 3.5 hours | ¥2,500 - ¥3,500 | Direct (No transfers) | Budget travelers, simplicity |
| Night Bus | Overnight (Travel while sleeping) | ¥3,000 - ¥4,500 | Direct (No transfers) | Ultimate budget (Cheapest Overall) |
| Domestic Flight + Ground Transport | 4 - 5+ hours | ¥15,000+ | Multiple (Plane, bus/taxi) | Specific itineraries, northern Shima |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1.5 - 2 hours | ¥35,000 - ¥50,000+ | Direct (No transfers) | Groups, late arrival, special needs |
Where to Buy Tickets
- At the Airport: The Centrair Travel Desk (TCAT) is your one-stop shop for train, bus, and ferry tickets. Staff speak English.
- Online:
- Trains (Shimakaze): Kintetsu Railway Official Site.
- Buses: Willer Express, Kosoku Bus.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Ship Your Luggage (Takkyubin): This is a game-changer. Use services like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) at the airport. Send your large suitcases directly to your Shima hotel (arrives next day, cost ~¥2,000 per item). Travel with just a day pack.
- Master the Nagoya Station Transfer: It's a big station. After getting off the Meitetsu train, look for signs with a pink logo for Kintetsu. Allow a relaxed 10 minutes for the walk to find your platform and train.
- Book Everything in Advance During Peak Seasons: Golden Week (Apr/May), Obon (Aug), and autumn foliage season (Oct/Nov) are extremely busy. Reserve train seats (especially for Shimakaze) and bus tickets weeks ahead.
- Consider a Local Pass: If exploring the wider area, look into passes like the Kintetsu Rail Pass or Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Tourist Pass which might cover part of your journey and subsequent local travel.
- Enjoy the Ride: The train journey from Nagoya southwards offers beautiful views of Ise Bay. Sit on the right-side window (facing forward) for the best scenery.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
- Missed Connection: If you miss your booked Limited Express due to a flight delay, go to the ticket office at Nagoya Station. They can often rebook you on the next available train, though you may lose reserved seat privileges.
- Last-Minute Travel: Without reservations, head to Nagoya Station. You can purchase tickets for the next departing train, but be prepared to stand in the non-reserved carriages on busy days.
FAQs: Getting from Chubu Airport to Shima Peninsula
Is there a direct train from Chubu Centrair Airport to Shima Peninsula?
No. There is no single direct train. The journey requires a transfer at Nagoya Station onto a Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Kashikojima or Toba.
What is the cheapest way to get from NGO to Shima Peninsula?
The highway bus, particularly the night bus, is the cheapest option, with fares starting around ¥2,500-¥4,000 one-way.
Can I use the Japan Rail (JR) Pass for this trip?
Only partially. The JR Pass covers the JR route to Ise City, but not the final, most convenient Kintetsu Railway segment into the core Shima Peninsula resort areas. A significant portion of the recommended route is on private railways not covered by the pass.
Is flying from Chubu Airport to Shima Peninsula faster than the train?
Usually no. When you account for airport procedures and the additional ground transport from Ise Bay Airport, the total travel time by air often exceeds that of the direct train connection via Nagoya.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
Options are very limited after ~9:00 PM. The most practical solutions are: 1) Stay at an airport hotel like the Centrair Hotel or a hotel in central Nagoya. 2) If you must proceed, pre-book a very expensive private transfer. Check bus schedules carefully upon booking your flight.
How difficult is the train transfer, especially with luggage?
The transfer in Nagoya Station is a 5-10 minute walk on level ground or via escalators. Signage is good. However, we highly recommend using a luggage forwarding service from the airport to your hotel to make this transfer effortless.
Is this trip suitable for families with young children?
Yes, trains are excellent for families. Reserve seats together on the Limited Express for comfort. The bus is also a good, simple option. Avoid taxis due to extreme cost unless traveling in a large group.
Where can I buy train tickets for this route?
The easiest place is the Centrair Travel Desk (TCAT) in the airport arrivals hall. You can also buy them at ticket machines or offices at Nagoya Station, or online in advance for specific trains like the Shimakaze.