Train

Bus

  Ferry

  Other Info

From Tokyo:

The Joetsu Shinkansen makes frequent trips daily to Niigata in about 2 hours.

From Osaka/Kyoto:

JR West offers daily rail service to Naoetsu.

Free JR Information Service in English:

For determining your time schedule, free information service in English, Chinese and Korean is available at: 050-2016-1603, 10am - 6pm daily. 

  http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

Express buses are usually a less expensive way to travel. Most lines offer a round-trip discount but advance reservations are required. Call the following numbers for details and reservations.

Tokyo - Niigata:

03-3989-2525 (Seibu bus) or 025-241-9000 (Niigata Kotsu)

Osaka/Kyoto - Niigata:

06-6866-3147 (Hankyu Bus) or 025-241-9000 (Niigata Kotsu)

Other lines to and from listed below are also in operations. Call 025-241-9000 (Niigata Kotsu) for schedules and reservations.

Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Sendai, Koriyma, Yamagata, Aizu-Wakamatsu 

You can catch a ferry from Niigata to Ryotsu (2hrs and 20min, or 1hr by hydrofoil), Naoetsu to Ogi (2hrs and 30min) and Teradomari to Akadomari (1 hr by high speed boat services). Bus schedules from the adjacent JR stations to the ports are mostly coordinated to ferry schedules. For ferry schedules, call Sado Kisen at: 025-245-1234 (Niigata) or 0255-44-1234 (Naoetsu).
>> Sado Kisen Ferry Schedules in English

JR East Info Line:

050-2016-1603 (10am - 6pm daily)
The service covers major public transportation services throughout Japan. Chinese and Korean language assistance is also provided. .

Japan National Tourist Organization:

Tokyo Information Center 03-3201-3331 (9am - 5pm daily)
The organization gives you comprehensive information of touring throughout Japan.

Information center at Niigata Station Bandai Exit:

025-241-7914 (9:00am - 6:00pm daily)