How long is the train journey from Nagano to Shin-Osaka?

Allow 3 hours 20 to 3 hours 35 via Tsuruga: the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga (about 2 hours), then the Limited Express Thunderbird to Shin-Osaka (1 hour 20). The route via Nagoya and the Limited Express Shinano takes around 4 hours.

Is the Nagano - Shin-Osaka journey included in the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes, the route is fully covered. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, then the Limited Express Thunderbird to Shin-Osaka. The transfer is made at Tsuruga and not Kanazawa, as the Thunderbird has been limited to Tsuruga since March 2024.

Where do you need to change trains to go from Nagano to Shin-Osaka?

You need to change trains in Nagoya to go from Nagano to Shin-Osaka. You take the Limited Express Shinano from Nagano to Nagoya. From there, take a Tokaido Shinkansen towards Shin-Osaka.

Which route is the fastest between Nagano and Shin-Osaka: via Tokyo or via Nagoya?

The fastest route between Nagano and Shin-Osaka is via Nagoya. Take the Limited Express Shinano from Nagano to Nagoya (approximately 3 hours), then transfer to the Shinkansen Nozomi to Shin-Osaka (approximately 50 minutes). The total travel time is approximately 4 hours to 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the transfer.

Ticket - Train - Nagano - Shin Osaka

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Itinerary Nagano › Osaka

Lowest price

Fastest option

4h37

First/last departure

06:02 / 19:41

Distance

437.90 km

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This journey usually requires a Shinkansen transfer, often in Nagoya or Tokyo. The Hokuriku Shinkansen line serving Nagano was developed in anticipation of the 1998 Winter Olympics — a key step in improving the accessibility of this mountainous region.