How to Get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya: Linimo Train vs Direct Bus
Last checked: October 11, 2026, against the official Ghibli Park website. Fares and timetables change, so please confirm on the official access page before you travel. This post may contain affiliate links; if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key takeaways
- Nagoya Station to the park takes about 40 minutes by train or bus (secondary source).
- Train: Higashiyama Line, then the Linimo to Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station, Exit 2.
- Bus: direct Meitetsu shuttle with 9 departures on weekdays and 10 on weekends. The listed routes are cashless.
- There is no parking lot, and the Grand Warehouse entry time is strict, so leave a buffer.
Ghibli Park is not in central Nagoya. It sits inside Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Park in Nagakute, a city east of Nagoya. The good news is that it is easy to reach by either train or bus. The less obvious part is that the two options work quite differently, and the listed bus routes are cashless.
This guide compares both, and explains the timing issues that can surprise travelers. If you have not bought tickets yet, read our guide to buying Ghibli Park tickets from overseas first.
The short version
| Linimo train | Direct bus (Meitetsu) | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Subway to Fujigaoka, then Linimo | Direct from Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya Station) |
| Time from Nagoya Station | About 40 minutes (secondary source) | About 40 minutes (secondary source) |
| Approx. cost | About 670 yen (secondary source) | About 1,200 yen (secondary source) |
| Departures | Frequent trains | 9 per day on weekdays, 10 on weekends and holidays |
| Payment | Normal IC card or ticket | The listed routes are cashless |
| Best for | Flexibility, lower cost | Skipping the transfer |
The official page does not list fares or journey times. The figures above come from secondary sources, so please confirm them with the operators.
Option 1: Train and Linimo
This is the most flexible option, because trains run frequently and you can pay with an IC card.
1. From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka, the last stop. 2. At Fujigaoka, change to the Linimo (a magnetic levitation train). 3. Get off at Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen (Expo Park) Station. 4. Take Exit 2. The park is just outside the station.
The official page confirms the Linimo station and exit. The subway transfer at Fujigaoka is the standard route, so check it in your navigation app on the day.
Tip: an IC card (such as Suica, Pasmo or Manaca) works on the subway and Linimo, so you do not need to buy individual tickets.
Option 2: Direct Meitetsu bus
A shuttle bus runs from the Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station directly to Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Park (Ghibli Park). According to the official page:
- To the park: 9 shuttles on weekdays (7 non-stop) and 10 on weekends and holidays (all non-stop).
- From the park to Nagoya: 8 shuttles on weekdays (6 non-stop) and 9 on weekends and holidays (all non-stop).
- Early departures from Nagoya Station are at 8:20 on weekdays and 7:55 on weekends and holidays. The last listed departure from the park is at 16:45.
- Operating days: the listed routes run only on Ghibli Park opening days.
- Cashless: the routes are fully cashless demonstration routes, and cash is not accepted as a general rule. Bring a transit IC card or a payment card.
Please check the Meitetsu Bus website for the full timetable and fares. Secondary sources also report that there is no standing room and that the bus does not wait for latecomers, so arrive early.
From Chubu Centrair Airport
The official page says shuttles from Chubu Centrair International Airport to the park are also available. Check the Meitetsu Bus website for times, fares and luggage rules before you plan your arrival day around it.
By car
There is no dedicated Ghibli Park parking lot. The park is inside Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Park, at 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi. Driving is not recommended unless you have confirmed parking arrangements.
Timing your day
- Grand Warehouse entry time: you choose a time slot (9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 or 14:00) when you buy. Early entry is not allowed, and you must enter no later than one hour after your time. Give yourself a generous buffer from Nagoya.
- Last entry: other areas can be entered until 16:30, and the park closes at 17:00 on normal days.
- Wristband pickup: with a Premium ticket, wristband pickup must be completed by 12:00 on the day.
- Weekends: crowds are heavier, so allow extra time.
- Weather: the park has issued entry restrictions and closures for typhoons, earthquakes and transport disruptions. Check the official news page on the morning of your visit.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the train and Linimo if you want flexibility, a lower cost, or you are not sure about the bus timetable.
- Choose the direct bus if you are staying near Nagoya Station and want a single, transfer-free ride, and you have checked the timetable and payment method.
- Consider a tour if you would rather not plan the transport yourself. Two travel sites below seem to list the same JTB day tour. It meets at 8:40 at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel and takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The ticket is Standard, so it covers three areas, and the Grand Warehouse entry time is fixed. See our Plan B guide for the details.
Map
Open these places in Google Maps:
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Nagoya to Ghibli Park? About 40 minutes by either train or bus, according to secondary sources. The official page does not list journey times.
Can I pay cash on the shuttle bus? The official page says the listed routes are fully cashless demonstration routes and cash is not accepted as a general rule. Bring a transit IC card or a payment card.
Is there parking? There is no Ghibli Park parking lot. The park is inside Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Park.
Which station do I get off at? Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen (Expo Park) Station on the Linimo, then Exit 2.