Taxis in Nagoya

Nagoya’s subway and city buses cover most journeys within the city, but a taxi can be the more practical choice when you have heavy luggage, are traveling as a group or want a direct ride to your destination. Taxis are available at ranks around Nagoya Station, can be hailed on the street and can also be ordered by phone or app.

Most taxis in the Nagoya traffic area charge 500 yen for the first 0.91 km, then 100 yen for each additional 232 meters. Some operators use different approved rates, and pickup, reservation, vehicle-selection and toll charges may be added.

The taxi rank outside the Sakura-dori Exit on Nagoya Station’s east side

Table of Contents

Nagoya Taxi Fares and Vehicle Sizes

The common ordinary-car fare in Nagoya is 500 yen for the first 0.91 km and 100 yen for each additional 232 meters. When a taxi is traveling at 10 km/h or below, including while waiting in slow traffic, a time-distance charge of 100 yen for each 1 minute 25 seconds applies. From 22:00 to 05:00, fares are generally 20% higher.

These figures cover the meter fare. Depending on how you book and which vehicle you request, you may also pay a pickup fee, a time-specific reservation fee, a vehicle-selection fee or road tolls. Operators can use different approved tariffs, so check the rate shown by the company or booking app if you need a closer estimate.

A standard taxi normally works for up to four passengers, but luggage can reduce the usable capacity. Groups of five or more, wheelchair users and travelers carrying several large suitcases should discuss their needs with the operator and reserve a suitable larger vehicle or jumbo taxi in advance. A vehicle-selection charge may apply.

The taxi rank outside the Taiko-dori Exit on Nagoya Station’s west side

Where and How to Get a Taxi

There are three main taxi stands around Nagoya Station:

Sakura-dori Exit taxi stand on the east side of JR Nagoya Station
West-exit taxi stand on the Taiko-dori side of JR Nagoya Station
Meitetsu Nagoya Station taxi stand near the Meitetsu and Kintetsu side of the station complex

At a taxi rank, join the queue and take the next available car unless signs or staff direct you differently. If a particular operator or vehicle type matters, arrange a pickup by phone or app instead of relying on the station queue.

Away from a rank, raise your hand when you see an available taxi. Look for the red illuminated kusha, or vacant, display in the windshield. If the display shows another status, the taxi may be occupied, reserved or out of service. A taxi app can be easier when you are away from a busy road or need to specify an exact pickup point.

A taxi at Nagoya Station with its automatic door open

Taxi Etiquette and Payment

Have the destination name, address or map pin ready. An address written in Japanese is especially helpful when the destination is not a major landmark.
The rear passenger door usually opens and closes automatically. Let the driver operate it.
Pay the metered fare plus any pickup, reservation, vehicle or toll charges shown.
Tipping is not expected in Japan.
Major Nagoya operators accept credit cards and other cashless methods in many vehicles. Check the payment decals or terminal, and carry some yen as a backup because acceptance can vary.
Transport IC cards are accepted by many major operators, but they cannot be charged inside the taxi.

If you need a sightseeing taxi, a particular vehicle or foreign-language assistance, request it when booking. These services may require an advance reservation and may not be available with an ordinary taxi from a station rank.

Nagoya Taxi Companies

The operators below offer taxi services in Nagoya. Payment methods, booking charges and vehicle availability can differ, so confirm any requirement that matters when you order.

Tsubame Taxi

A Tsubame taxi

Tsubame Taxi offers phone and app dispatch, cashless payment, fixed-fare services to the airports and selected destinations, and reservable sightseeing taxis with certified Nagoyaka Guide drivers. If you require foreign-language assistance, ask about availability when booking.

Telephone: 052-203-1212
Website: https://www.tsubame-taxi.or.jp/

Takara Taxi

A Takara taxi

Takara Taxi accepts phone bookings and dispatch requests through the GO app. Its vehicles support a range of cashless payment methods, although availability can vary. The company also offers airport flat-fare services and reservable sightseeing and high-class vehicles.

Telephone: 052-682-6000
Website: https://takara-t.com/

Nagoya MK Taxi

MK taxis have a distinctive heart-shaped logo on the taxi roof

Nagoya MK accepts taxi orders by phone and app and supports credit cards, QR payments and transport IC cards. It uses a different approved meter tariff from the common Nagoya rate: 470 yen for the first 0.91 km and 100 yen for each additional 247 meters. Pickup, reservation and vehicle-selection charges may apply.

English-language escort can be requested for a reserved hire car for an additional fee. This is a separate reservation service and does not mean that English assistance is available in every ordinary MK taxi.

Taxi call center: 052-912-5489, 24 hours
Website: https://www.mk-group.co.jp/nagoya/

Nagoya Kintetsu Taxi

A Nagoya Kintetsu taxi

Nagoya Kintetsu Taxi offers regular and sightseeing taxi services. Current payment options include credit cards, QR payments, transport IC cards, GO Pay and QUICPay.

For a taxi in the Nagoya area, use the dispatch number below. The separate general inquiry number is not the taxi-order line.

Nagoya-area dispatch: 0570-04-8881, available 24 hours; automated response from 00:30 to 06:00
General inquiries: 052-231-4510, weekdays 09:00-18:00
Website: https://www.kintetsu-taxi.co.jp/