Getting to Suzuka Made Easy: A Guide to the Circuit EXPRESS Bus from Nagoya

Visiting the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most rewarding motorsport trips you can make. The circuit is legendary, the spring atmosphere is beautiful, and the fan culture is unlike anywhere else. But if you are coming from overseas - or even if you live in Japan - you will quickly notice one challenge: getting from Nagoya to Suzuka is not straightforward.

To help with that, this guide introduces the Circuit EXPRESS, a reservation-only direct bus service that connects Nagoya Station with Suzuka Circuit during the Grand Prix weekend. It is one of the simplest and most comfortable ways for international visitors to reach the track.

This article explains what the service is, how to use it, and whether it is the best option for your trip. I attend the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka every year, staying in Nagoya and commuting to the circuit throughout the weekend. The information in this guide is based on those annual experiences, including the challenges of race-week transportation and the solutions that consistently work. My hope is that this perspective helps first-time visitors - especially those coming from overseas - navigate the trip with confidence.

1. Why Getting to Suzuka Can Be Confusing

Suzuka is a fantastic venue, but it sits a good distance away from major cities. Nagoya is the closest metropolitan area, yet the combination of regional railways, crowded stations, and race-week congestion makes travel more complicated than it looks.

Several transportation options exist - JR lines, the Ise Railway, the Kintetsu Railway, shuttle buses, and taxis - but each has quirks that often confuse first-time visitors.

The Circuit EXPRESS stands out because it removes most of these uncertainties: no transfers, no complicated ticketing, and a guaranteed seat.

2. Where Suzuka Is and How You Can Reach It

Suzuka Circuit is located in Mie Prefecture, south of Nagoya. During race week, you can reach the track by:

• JR + Ise Railway (to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station)
• Kintetsu Railway (to Shirako Station, then shuttle bus)
• Reservation-only direct buses (Circuit EXPRESS)

Below is a simplified comparison from the perspective of foreign visitors:

If you prefer clarity and comfort over speed, the Circuit EXPRESS is often the most stress-free choice.

3. What is the Circuit EXPRESS

The Circuit EXPRESS is a reserved, non-stop highway bus operated by Mie Kotsu. It connects Nagoya Station with Suzuka Circuit's P9 parking area on all three days of the Grand Prix weekend.

Key points:

• Reservation required (no same-day boarding without booking)
• Guaranteed seating for all passengers
• Direct access from central Nagoya to near the circuit entrance
• Return buses operate flexibly according to session finish times

For visitors unfamiliar with Japan's train systems, this bus is often the easiest way to reach the circuit without stress or transfers.

4. Price and How to Reserve

• Round-trip fare: ¥10,000 (about USD 65)
• Payment: Credit card only
• Reservation site: Official Mie Kotsu website (English page available)

Important notes:

• Infants are not permitted on the service.
• Cancellation rules apply - check the official website for details.
• If staff may have trouble pronouncing your name, showing your confirmation email is the quickest way to verify your booking.

5. How to Board the Bus at Nagoya Station

Nagoya Station is large and can be confusing even for locals. The Circuit EXPRESS meeting point is on the Taikodori Exit (west side) near the Shinkansen area.

The actual check-in counter is located inside the ESCA underground shopping mall, directly below the station.

Boarding procedure

1. Go to the ESCA meeting point shown in your confirmation email's map.
2. Line up at the reception desk.
3. Give your name or show your reservation email.
4. Receive your round-trip ticket.
5. Move to the assigned boarding queue.
6. Board once your bus is called and hand in the outbound ticket.

About seating and luggage

• Seats are not assigned, but every passenger is guaranteed a seat.
• Buses use a standard 4-row layout; tall passengers may find space slightly tight.
• Backpacks and small bags can go on your lap or placed in the overhead bin; larger bags may be stored in the luggage compartment.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your chosen departure window, especially during Saturday and Sunday.

6. Arriving at Suzuka Circuit

The bus drops off at P9 Parking Area, the northernmost part of the circuit's grounds.

From there:

• 10-15 minutes on foot to the main entrance
• About 5 more minutes to the GP Square behind the main grandstand

The walk is straightforward and well-signed during the GP weekend.

7. Boarding the Return Bus

Return buses also depart from P9 Parking Area, exactly where you got off.

How return boarding works

1. Show your return ticket to staff.
2. Join the queue.
3. Once enough passengers fill one bus, boarding begins immediately.

Typical departure timing

• Friday & Saturday: 16:30-17:30 (flexible depending on red flags or delays)
• Sunday: From the end of the race until around 18:00, with rolling departures

If you want to leave early on Sunday, head toward P9 right after the chequered flag - queues can grow quickly.

8. Travel Time: Welcome to "Traffic Paradise"

As local hero Yuki Tsunoda famously shouted on the radio, you might find yourself in a "Traffic Paradise." The Circuit EXPRESS is comfortable and predictable in terms of boarding, but road traffic affects total travel time.

Approximate times based on recent GP weekends:

• Friday: Around 2 hours
• Saturday: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Sunday: Often 3 hours or more, especially with heavy race-day congestion

Important:

• Buses do not have restrooms. Use the facilities before queueing.
• On very congested days, the bus may stop at a service area for a break.

If you plan to take a Shinkansen on Sunday night, allow generous buffer time.

9. Who Should Choose the Circuit EXPRESS?

Good for:

• Visitors who want a simple, worry-free route
• Those who prefer to sit the entire way
• People who want to avoid long walks or standing in queues
• Travelers who don't mind paying extra for convenience
• Anyone who wants to secure transportation well in advance

Not ideal for:

• Travelers who find long bus rides uncomfortable
• Tall visitors who need more legroom
• Those on a tight budget
• People who must arrive at a precise time (e.g., catching a train right after)
• Groups who insist on sitting next to each other (seats are not assigned)

10. Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Trip to Suzuka

Suzuka remains one of Formula 1's most beloved circuits, and visiting it is an unforgettable experience. While the journey from major cities can be challenging, services like the Circuit EXPRESS help make the trip smoother and more accessible - especially for international fans.

With a bit of preparation, you can avoid the common travel headaches and focus on what truly matters: enjoying world-class racing at one of the sport's most iconic tracks.

As a Japanese F1 fan who has watched the race at Suzuka for many years, I also want to share a personal note. Suzuka's place on the Formula 1 calendar is supported not only by passionate Japanese fans but also by the many visitors who travel from around the world. As hosting fees continue to rise and global competition for races increases, every spectator truly makes a difference. If you enjoy traditional, challenging circuits and the unique fan culture here, your presence helps ensure that Suzuka remains part of F1's future.

I hope your visit to Suzuka becomes a memorable part of your Formula 1 journey. Have a fantastic time at the Japanese Grand Prix, and safe travels to Suzuka!