- Recommended
Nagano City Museum
Major local history museum in Matsushiro covering the Sanada clan, castle town life, and regional culture through well-organized exhibits.

Save money with the JR Pass, and enjoy unlimited train travel for 7 to 21 days.
Discover the Japan Rail PassCheapest price on Sep 20
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 21 m
Buses on Sep 20
5
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tokyo to Nagano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tokyo to Nagano will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 5 buses from Tokyo to Nagano, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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Omio Japan Rail Pass Calculator
Our Japan Rail Pass Calculator compares JR Pass prices versus buying individual train tickets, so you can see exactly how much you'll save on your journey
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tokyo to Nagano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, while a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tokyo to Nagano:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tokyo to Nagano costing on average $58 (€47).
Other travel options to Nagano take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $80 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€45). The journey takes 4h 28m versus 3h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Willer Express, Willer Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Tokyo to Nagano buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 AM Tokyo | 4h40 | 1:40 PM Nagano | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
83141 | 1:30 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 4h20 | 5:50 PM Nagano, Kojimada (parking lot at the Shimohikanna Elementary School East intersection) | 0 transfersDirect | |
83141 | 1:30 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 4h40 | 6:10 PM Nagano, Sta East Exit | 0 transfersDirect | |
83141 | 1:30 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 4h10 | 5:40 PM Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Tokyo to Nagano run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Nagano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nagano trip today.
Major local history museum in Matsushiro covering the Sanada clan, castle town life, and regional culture through well-organized exhibits.
Art museum near Zenko-ji with Japanese-style gardens and modern galleries. A good stop for architecture, rotating exhibitions, and a quieter visit.
Museum focused on the 1998 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, with torches, medals, and exhibits on the games held in Nagano.
Wide cedar-lined pilgrimage path leading toward Okusha. One of Nagano's most memorable walks, combining forest scenery, shrine culture, and mountain air.
Approach road to Zenko-ji lined with temple shops, inns, and local craft stores. Ideal for a traditional stroll before or after visiting the temple.
Former samurai district with preserved atmosphere, historical homes, and quiet lanes. A rewarding area for walking and understanding old castle-town Nagano.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tokyo to Nagano by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Nagano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Tokyo to Nagano buses use the to Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa station pair. Use this guide to compare Tokyo and Nagano bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa is 8 km from Nagano city centre. Public transport options include:
Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Dining options available within the resort.
Free wifi available at the resort. ATMs are available at Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa.
Ticket office support is available at Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa.
Available at Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa: Resort is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need