Quick Answer
The fastest way from Chubu Centrair Airport to Tsu is by train via Nagoya Station, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes and costing approximately ¥3,500 - ¥4,500. The cheapest way is the highway bus, costing around ¥1,800 - ¥2,500 but taking 2 to 2.5 hours. There is no direct single train; all routes require a transfer, typically at Nagoya Station.
By Train & Shinkansen: The Fastest and Most Flexible Route
Traveling by train is the most recommended method for balance of speed, comfort, and frequency. The journey is split into two clear legs: Airport to Nagoya Station, and then Nagoya Station to Tsu Station.
Step-by-Step Guide & Route Options
Leg 1: Airport to Nagoya Station
- Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express (Recommended): The fastest option, taking 28 minutes non-stop. Costs ¥1,230 (plus reserved seat fee ~¥360). Departs every 20-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the Meitetsu counter in the airport arrival hall.
- JR Central Airport Line (常滑線): A slower, local JR train. Takes about 50-60 minutes to Nagoya. Cost is ¥870. This is only useful if you hold a valid JR Pass and want to use it for the entire journey, accepting the longer travel time.
Leg 2: Nagoya Station to Tsu Station
- JR Kansai Line (関西線) Rapid Services: The primary route. Rapid trains take about 50-60 minutes. Cost is approximately ¥1,320 (unreserved).
- JR Kisei Line (紀勢線): An alternative, slightly slower route. Useful for specific schedules.
Important Note: There is no Shinkansen service from Nagoya directly to Tsu. The Shinkansen serves major hubs like Osaka and Kyoto, which are in the opposite direction from Tsu.
Cost Comparison Table: Train Routes from NGO to Tsu
| Route Combination | Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Best For | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meitetsu μ-SKY + JR Rapid | ~1 hr 40 min | ¥3,500 - ¥4,000 | Speed, Frequency | Partial (JR leg only) |
| JR Airport Line + JR Rapid | ~2 hrs 10 min | ¥2,200 | JR Pass Holders | Fully Covered* |
*Only if you have a nationwide JR Pass and use the slower JR Airport Line for Leg 1.
Buying Tickets & Practical Tips
Purchase Meitetsu tickets at the airport. For JR segments, use ticket machines (English available) or the Midori no Madoguchi (JR ticket office) at Nagoya Station. Consider an IC card (Suica, TOICA) for tap-and-go convenience on non-reserved local/JR trains. Reserved seats are advised during peak hours (Golden Week, Obon, year-end).
By Domestic Flight: Why It's Not a Practical Choice
While Chubu Centrair is an airport, flying to a closer airport like Osaka's Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) is highly inefficient for reaching Tsu. Here’s a breakdown of the "door-to-door" reality versus train travel.
Time Comparison: Flight vs. Train
- Flight (NGO → ITM): Flight time: 30-45 min. But add: 60 min pre-flight (check-in, security), 30 min post-flight (disembark, collect luggage), 90+ min train from ITM to Tsu (via Osaka Station). Total: ~4+ hours.
- Direct Train (as above): Total: ~1 hour 40 minutes.
The train is decisively faster and more direct.
Cost Comparison
A one-way flight from NGO to ITM can cost ¥10,000 - ¥20,000. Adding the subsequent train fare (¥2,000+) makes it 3-5 times more expensive than the direct train/bus route from Nagoya.
Verdict: Only consider a flight if your final destination is in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto), not Mie Prefecture. For Tsu, surface transport from Nagoya is always superior. Source: ANA and JAL fare databases.
By Highway Bus: The Most Economical and Convenient Choice
For budget-conscious travelers or those with heavy luggage, the highway bus is an excellent option, offering a direct, no-transfer journey between the airport and Tsu city center.
Service Details & Operators
Primary operators are Mie Kotsu and Willer Express. Buses depart from the Bus Terminal at Chubu Centrair Airport (1st floor) and arrive directly at Tsu Station (津駅) bus stop.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: 5-8 services per day, from morning until late evening.
- Cost: Typically between ¥1,800 and ¥2,500 for a one-way ticket. Round-trip tickets may offer a small discount.
Advantages & Considerations
- Pros: Direct service, spacious seats, free Wi-Fi on most coaches, large luggage compartments (usually 1-2 bags free), significant cost savings.
- Cons: Subject to road traffic delays, slightly longer travel time than the fastest train, less frequent service outside peak hours.
- Booking: Reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Book online via operator websites or at the bus terminal counters. See schedules on Mie Kotsu or Willer Express.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: For Special Circumstances Only
This is the most expensive option by a large margin, suitable only for specific needs.
Cost & Practicality
- Standard Taxi: The meter fare for the ~80-90 km journey is exorbitant, easily exceeding ¥25,000 to ¥35,000+ one-way. The trip takes about 1.5 hours without traffic.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer/Charter: Offers fixed pricing, meet-and-greet service, and vehicle choice (sedan, van). Prices start around ¥30,000 and go up based on vehicle size and operator.
When to Consider This Option
- Traveling in a group of 4+ where the cost can be split.
- Arriving with an enormous amount of luggage or special equipment.
- Travelers with mobility issues requiring door-to-door service.
- Missing the last train/bus and having no other choice.
Recommendation: For 99% of travelers, train or bus is vastly more economical. If a private vehicle is necessary, book in advance through a reputable service for a better rate than an airport taxi stand.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: At a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare all options and decide based on your priority: budget, speed, or convenience.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers | Best For | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Meitetsu + JR) | 1 hr 40 min | ¥3,500 - ¥4,500 | 1 (Nagoya Stn) | Speed, Frequency | Buy Meitetsu ticket at airport, JR ticket at Nagoya Stn. |
| Highway Bus | 2 hr - 2 hr 30 min | ¥1,800 - ¥2,500 | 0 (Direct) | Budget, Luggage | Book online in advance. |
| Train (JR Only w/ Pass) | 2 hr 10 min | ¥0 (with Pass)* | 1 (Nagoya Stn) | JR Pass Holders | Activate JR Pass before travel. |
| Taxi / Private Car | 1 hr 30 min | ¥25,000 - ¥40,000+ | 0 (Direct) | Groups, Late Night, Special Needs | Pre-book charters for better rates. |
| Domestic Flight | 4+ hours | ¥12,000+ | 2+ | Not Recommended for Tsu | N/A |
*Assumes use of a valid nationwide JR Pass and the slower JR Airport Line.
Traveler Tips & Essential Advice for a Smooth Journey
- Luggage Solutions: Japanese trains have limited overhead space. For large suitcases, use the luggage forwarding service "Takkyubin" (e.g., Yamato Transport). Send your bags from the airport (counters in Arrivals) directly to your Tsu hotel for ¥1,500-¥2,500 per piece, arriving next day. Travel hands-free.
- Master Nagoya Station Transfer: It's a massive hub. When transferring from Meitetsu to JR, follow signs for the JR Lines. Use the Shinkansen Exit (新幹線口) as a landmark—the JR Kansai Line gates are nearby. Allow ample time.
- Navigation Apps are Key: Use Google Maps or Japan Travel by Navitime for real-time train schedules, platform numbers, and walking directions within stations. They are remarkably accurate.
- Peak Season Warning: During Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August), and year-end holidays, trains and buses are extremely crowded. Book all reserved seats and bus tickets weeks in advance.
- Money & Connectivity: Have some cash (Japanese Yen). While IC cards and credit cards are widely accepted for transport, some bus ticket machines or small taxi companies may prefer cash. Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or purchase an eSIM at the airport for constant internet access.
- Early/Late Flights: If your flight arrives very late or departs very early, check if your chosen transport method is still operating. The first train/bus is around 5:30-6:00 AM, and the last ones depart around 10:00-11:00 PM.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is there a direct train from Chubu Centrair Airport to Tsu?
No, there is no single direct train. The most efficient route requires a combination: first, take the Meitetsu Airport Line or the JR Airport Line from the airport to Nagoya Station. Then, transfer to the JR Kansai Line or Kisei Line bound for Tsu. The entire journey typically involves 1-2 transfers.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chubu Airport to Tsu?
The cheapest option is the highway bus. A one-way ticket from Chubu Centrair Airport to Tsu Station typically costs between ¥1,800 and ¥2,500, significantly less than train fares which can range from ¥3,500 to ¥6,000+. While slower (approx. 2-2.5 hours), it offers excellent value, especially for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
What is the fastest way to travel from NGO to Tsu?
The fastest option is the train via Nagoya Station. By taking the limited express Meitetsu μ-SKY to Nagoya (28 mins) and transferring to a rapid service on the JR Kansai Line, you can complete the journey in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is faster than buses (~2-2.5h) and door-to-door flights when considering airport transit and security time.
Can I use the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for this journey?
Partially. The JR Pass covers the JR segment from Nagoya Station to Tsu Station on the JR Kansai/Kisei Line. However, it does NOT cover the initial journey from Chubu Centrair Airport to Nagoya Station if you take the more direct and faster Meitetsu Railway (which is private). You can use the slower JR Airport Line for this first leg, but it adds significant travel time. Calculate if the pass value justifies this route.
Are there overnight buses from Chubu Airport to Tsu?
No, there are currently no scheduled overnight bus services directly from Chubu Centrair Airport to Tsu. The last highway buses usually depart in the late evening. If you arrive on a late flight, your options are limited to taking the last train (requires careful timing), a taxi (very expensive), or staying at an airport hotel and continuing your journey the next morning.
Is it worth flying from Chubu Airport to a closer airport like Osaka (ITM) or KIX to reach Tsu?
Almost never. Tsu is located in Mie Prefecture, much closer to Nagoya than to Osaka. Flying from NGO to ITM or KIX would involve a short flight (30-45 min), but then a 2+ hour train ride back east to Tsu. The total door-to-door time and cost (flight ticket + train fare) far exceed simply taking a train or bus directly from Nagoya. This option is not practical for this destination.
How difficult is the train transfer at Nagoya Station?
Nagoya Station is large but well-signed in English. The transfer from the Meitetsu line (arriving underground) to the JR lines for Tsu (on higher levels) involves walking 5-10 minutes and navigating via escalators. Allow at least 15-20 minutes between scheduled arrivals and departures for a comfortable transfer, especially with luggage. Using station maps or apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel by Navitime is highly recommended.
What is the best option for a family with young children or a lot of luggage?
For families or those with bulky luggage, a pre-booked private transfer or taxi, while costly (¥25,000+), offers door-to-door convenience. Alternatively, the highway bus is a good compromise; it has dedicated luggage compartments and no transfers. For train travelers, consider using a luggage forwarding service (like Yamato Transport's "Takkyubin") from the airport to your Tsu hotel, allowing you to travel to Tsi hands-free.