Meitetsu Bus Center: Your comprehensive guide to Nagoya's central transportation hub

Location and accessibility of Meitetsu Bus Center

The Meitetsu Bus Center enjoys a prime location in Nagoya's transportation network. It is conveniently situated next to the main building of the Meitetsu department store, which houses Nagoya Meitetsu Station. This central position makes it easily accessible for travelers and commuters alike. The bus center is in close proximity to several key transportation hubs:

- Nagoya Station Bus Terminal - JR Nagoya Station in the Twin Towers - Nagoya Kintetsu Station

For those arriving on foot, the escalator entrance to the bus center is easily identifiable by its proximity to the giant Nana-chan mannequin statue, a popular meeting point and iconic Nagoya landmark. This strategic location ensures that the Meitetsu Bus Center is not just a transportation hub, but also a convenient starting point for exploring the city.

Meitetsu Bus Center Front Entrance with the Twin Towers of Nagoya Station and Kintetsu Station to the right; Labi Nagoya on the left

Layout and facilities: Navigating the 3rd and 4th floors

The Meitetsu Bus Center is spread across the 3rd and 4th floors of the Men's Building, with the majority of departures taking place from the 3rd floor. Understanding the layout is crucial for a hassle-free experience:

Third Floor: - Houses 8 boarding points (numbered 1-8) - Majority of departures, including long-distance routes Fourth Floor: - Contains 4 boarding points (numbered 21-24) - Primarily for local routes and special bus tours

Facilities available at the Meitetsu Bus Center include:

• Ticket office (open from 6:40 AM to 11:10 PM)
• Waiting areas with comfortable seating
• Public restrooms
• Convenience store for last-minute purchases

The center is designed for efficiency and comfort, ensuring that passengers can easily navigate between boarding points and access necessary services before their journey.

Meitetsu Bus Center Waiting Room, Nagoya

Boarding points and destinations: A detailed overview

The Meitetsu Bus Center offers an extensive network of routes, connecting Nagoya to various destinations across Japan. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the boarding points and their respective destinations:

Meitetsu Bus Center Boarding Points

Third Floor:

Boarding Point 1: - Mie Kotsu Buses to destinations in Mie Prefecture, including Kuwana, Iga-Ueno, Kumano, and Shingu

Boarding Point 2: - Mie Kotsu buses to various locations including Sakuraidai, Yunoyama Onsen, and Kuwana Station

Boarding Point 3: - Buses to Tsushima (津島) and Otsubo (大坪) via Yasumatsu/Iwatsuka

Boarding Point 4: - Nagoya City 基幹 buses to destinations like Sangenya, Fujigaoka on the Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya subway, Toyota Automobile Museum, and Seto Station

Boarding Point 5: - Highway buses to destinations like Busta Shinjuku in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Iida, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Sendai, and Chubu International Airport

Boarding Point 6: - Highway buses to Kanazawa, Fukui, Toyama, Takaoka, Matsuyama, and Kochi

Boarding Point 7: - Highway buses to Matsumoto, Nagano, Niigata, Gujo Hachiman, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Takamatsu, Awaji Island, Tokushima and Nagasaki

Boarding Point 8: - Highway buses to Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Fuji-go-ko, Fuji-Q Highland and Kamikochi

Fourth Floor:

Boarding Point 21: - Departure point for Meitetsu Bus Tours

Boarding Point 22: - Buses to Nagashima Onsen, Nabana-no-sato, and the Taiheiyo Ferry Terminal

Boarding Point 23: - Short distance express buses to destinations like Meiji Mura, Tajimi, and Toki Premium Outlets

Boarding Point 24: - Short distance express buses to Toyota, Aichi Gakuin University, and Itsutsugaoka New Town

Meitetsu Bus Center Boarding Point 5, Nagoya

Services and amenities for travelers

The Meitetsu Bus Center is equipped with a range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers:

• Ticket Office: Open from 6:40 AM to 11:10 PM, providing assistance with ticket purchases and travel information.
• Information Desk: Staffed by knowledgeable personnel to help with queries and route planning.
• Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating areas where passengers can relax before their journey.
• Convenience Store: For last-minute purchases of snacks, drinks, or travel essentials.
• Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained facilities available for passengers.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi service available in certain areas of the bus center.

On the buses themselves, passengers can expect:

• Onboard Toilets: All highway buses are equipped with toilet facilities.
• Electrical Outlets: Seats are provided with electrical sockets for charging devices.
• Paid Wi-Fi: Internet access is available on buses for a fee. (http://wi2.co.jp/jp/)

These amenities ensure that travelers can enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey, whether they're embarking on a short trip or a long-distance adventure.

Meitetsu Bus Center convenience store, Meieki, Nagoya

Booking and using Meitetsu buses: Tips and information

Timetables & Fares

Booking your bus ticket is a straightforward process. You can purchase tickets in several ways:

• At the Meitetsu Bus Center ticket office
• Online through the Meitetsu Bus official website
• Via telephone reservations: 052 582 90489
• At select convenience stores (Circle K, Lawson, Family Mart, 7-Eleven, Ministop)

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive timetable information, see here for the full timetables from Meitetsu Bus Center (in Japanese).

Using Meitetsu Buses is simple:

1. Show your ticket to the driver as you board the bus.
2. Take your assigned seat (for reserved seating buses).
3. The driver will collect your ticket upon arrival at your destination.

For budget-conscious travelers or those planning multiple trips, consider the Shoryudo Bus Pass. This pass offers unlimited rides on highway buses serving various cities in the Shoryudo area. It's available in three types:

• Shoryudo (Takayama/Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Course) 3-day pass - 7,500 yen
• Shoryudo (Wide Course) 5-day pass - 13,000 yen
• Shoryudo (Matsumoto/Magome/Komagane Course) 3-day pass - 7,000 yen

These passes can offer significant savings for those planning to explore multiple destinations in the region.

Nearby accommodations and attractions

Nearby Hotels

The area around Meitetsu Bus Center offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Some recommended hotels in the Nagoya Station Meieki area include:

• Nagoya Marriott Associa (luxury option in the JR Central Towers)
• Hotel Resol Nagoya (3-star hotel)
• Meitetsu Grand Hotel
• Castle Plaza Hotel
• Chisun Inn
• Toyoko Inn Nagoya-eki Shinkansen-guchi (budget option)
• Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Eki-mae
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Eki Mae
• Eco Hotel Nagoya (basic and affordable)
• Royal Park Hotel

For attractions, the Meitetsu Bus Center's central location provides easy access to many of Nagoya's popular sights:

• Nagoya Castle: A 17-minute bus ride away, this historic castle showcases Nagoya's samurai heritage.
• Oasis 21: A modern