How to travel from Takayama to Nagano, Japan

The distance between Takayama and Nagano is around 148km (92 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2hrs.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Takayama to Nagano by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out NaganoTakayama if you're planning a return trip.

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train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Toyama and then to Nagano.

  • Duration2h 15m
  • Departs4 times a day
  • Typical cost
    ¥9,445($69)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Hirayu Onsen and then to Nagano.

  • Duration4h 20m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥8,490($62)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Nagano.

  • Duration2hrs
  • Distance148km (92 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Takayama and Nagano

There are several options for getting from Takayama to Nagano by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ¥8,490 ($62) and will take around 4h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥2,190 ($16).

The distance between Takayama and Nagano is around 148km (92 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 102km (63 miles)

It takes around 2h 15m to get from Takayama and Nagano by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2hrs to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Takayama to Nagano is to drive which takes around 2hrs and will set you back approx ¥2,190 ($16).

The cheapest way to travel between Takayama and Nagano, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ¥8,490 ($62) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Takayama and Nagano. It typically takes around 2h 15m and departs 4 times a day.

There are no direct train services that runs from Takayama to Nagano. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Toyama. These services run 4 times a day and will take a minimum of 2h 15m.

Japan Railways Limited Express and Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Takayama and Nagano. Trains depart 4 times a day and will take around 2h 15m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Takayama and Nagano. It typically takes around 4h 20m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Takayama to Nagano. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Hirayu Onsen and Kamikochi BT. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 4h 20m.

Nouhi Bus and Alpico Group run regular bus services between Takayama and Nagano. Buses run once daily and take around 4h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Takayama to Nagano. We recommend that you take the train to Toyama and then to Nagano. instead which will take 2h 15m.

The closest major airport to Nagano is Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) (MMJ) which is approximately 59km (37 miles) from Nagano. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) (NRT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Takayama and Nagano. The distance is around 148km (92 miles) by road and it will take around 2hrs in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Takayama to Nagano is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 15m and will usually cost around ¥9,445 ($69).

How do I get from Takayama to Nagano

Compare travel optionsbetween Takayama and Nagano

Transport options from Takayama to Nagano
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 15m
¥9,445($69)
4 times a day258km (161 miles)
Bus
4h 20m
¥8,490($62)
once daily161km (100 miles)
Drive
2hrs
¥2,190($16)
on demand148km (92 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Takayama and Nagano

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Nagano

The following major airports near Nagano offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

MMJ
Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
59km (37 miles) from Nagano
HND
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
International Airport
Distance
188km (117 miles) from Nagano
NRT
Narita International Airport (NRT)
International Airport
Distance
219km (136 miles) from Nagano