Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Satoshi Hirayama, Pexels
Osaka is a major transportation hub in Japan, served by Kansai International Airport (KIX) for international flights and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) primarily for domestic travel. The city's main bullet train (Shinkansen) terminal is Shin-Osaka Station. Within the city, key railway hubs include Osaka/Umeda Station in the Kita district and Namba Station in the Minami district, both offering extensive connections.
From/To Kansai International Airport (KIX):
JR Limited Express Haruka:: Connects KIX to Osaka Station in approximately 45 minutes (around 2,380-2,900 JPY) or Shin-Osaka Station in about 50 minutes (around 2,540-3,100 JPY). This service is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Nankai Rapi:t Express:: Provides a direct link from KIX to Namba Station in about 35-38 minutes, costing around 1,490 JPY.
Airport Limousine Bus:: Offers direct road transport to areas like Osaka Station (about 60 minutes, 1,500-1,800 JPY) or Namba Station (around 45 minutes, 1,300 JPY).
From/To Osaka Itami Airport (ITM):
Airport Limousine Bus:: Direct buses connect ITM to Osaka Station (around 30 minutes, 650 JPY), Shin-Osaka Station (about 25 minutes, 510 JPY), and JR Namba Station (around 33 minutes, 600-700 JPY).
Train and Monorail:: From Osaka/Umeda, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Hotarugaike, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail for ITM (approximately 20 minutes, 430 JPY).
From/To Tokyo:
Shinkansen (Bullet Train):: The fastest option is the Nozomi Shinkansen, traveling from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station in about 2.5 hours (around 13,620 JPY unreserved or 14,650 JPY reserved), though it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The Hikari Shinkansen, covered by the Japan Rail Pass, takes around 2 hours 53 minutes to 3 hours (similar cost if paying cash).
Highway Bus:: A more budget-friendly choice, highway buses take around 8-9 hours and typically cost between 3,200-7,000 JPY.
From/To Kyoto:
Shinkansen:: The quickest way is the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, taking about 14-15 minutes (around 1,420 JPY unreserved or 3,220 JPY reserved for Nozomi).
JR Tokaido Line (Special Rapid Service):: This option connects Kyoto Station directly to JR Osaka Station in about 29 minutes, costing 560 JPY, and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Private Railways (Hankyu and Keihan Lines):: The Hankyu Line Limited Express travels from Kyoto's Kawaramachi Station to Osaka's Umeda in approximately 44 minutes (400 JPY). The Keihan Line Limited Express connects Kyoto's Sanjo/Demachiyanagi Stations to Osaka's Yodoyabashi in about 51 minutes (410 JPY).
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
