Tokyo to Osaka Japan: Transport Guide
With hearty street food and interesting sights, Osaka is an excellent place to visit after your trip to Tokyo.
In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by flight, Shinkansen, and bus, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.
Tokyo to Osaka Japan: Overview
The distance between Tokyo and Osaka is about 515 km (320 miles), and you can easily travel between the two cities by flight, Shinkansen, bus, and car.
Tips: Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a budget way to enjoy unlimited travel on Shinkansen for 7, 14, or 21 days. If you only travel on Tokyo to Osaka route, booking Shinkansen or highway bus tickets are great alternatives.
| Type | Time | Cost | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | 2.5 hours | $96 (€96) | JP Pass or tickets |
| Flight | 1 hour 10 mins | $42 (€42) | Check tickets |
| Bus | 8 hours | $30 (€30) | Check tickets |
Tokyo to Osaka bullet train
Traveling by Shinkansen is the most comfortable option from Tokyo to Osaka. The trip takes about 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the train services, and the tickets start at $96 (€96).
Shinkansen
Taking Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line is the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka. The train departs at Tokyo Station and arrives at Shin-Osaka Station, taking 2.5 hours.
It’s best to book a reserved seat if you travel on the weekends or near/ on holiday periods such as Golden Week.
Please note that Japan Rail Pass does not cover Nozomi trains.
- Departure: Tokyo Station in Tokyo
- Arrival: Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.
With Japan Rail Pass
If you have Japan Rail Pass, you can take either Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get from Tokyo to Osaka.
- Departure: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa station in Tokyo.
- Arrival: Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.
| Train info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 2.5 – 4 hours |
| Price | From $96 (€96) |
| Distance | 515 km (320 miles) |
| Frequency | several trains per day |
| First train | 6 am |
| Last train | 9:24 pm |
| Departure station | Tokyo |
| Arrival station | Shin-Osaka |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Operators | JR Central |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| JR | 06:00 | 08:30 | Check tickets |
| JR | 07:00 | 09:30 | Check tickets |
| JR | 08:09 | 09:39 | Check tickets |
| JR | 09:00 | 10:30 | Check tickets |
| JR | 10:30 | 13:00 | Check tickets |
How long is the train from Tokyo to Osaka?
Shinkansen to Osaka takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the train services. Please note that the schedule may change due to weather or unforeseen situations. You should be at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
How much is the train ticket from Tokyo to Osaka?
The train ticket to Osaka starts at $96 (€96). Please note that prices may change on weekends and national holidays. You should book your tickets in advance to secure the best seat and prices. It’s best to get JP Rail Pass if you travel long in Japan.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
All trains depart from Tokyo station (1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan) and arrive at Shin-Osaka station (Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan).
When is the first and last train depart from Tokyo?
The first train leaves the station at 6 am, and the last one departs at 9.24 pm. For the latest schedule, please check here.
Tokyo to Osaka bus
Traveling by bus is another option to get from Tokyo to Osaka. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours, and the ticket price starts at $30 (€30).
Please come at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in procedures.
| Bus info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 8 hours |
| Price | $30 (€30) |
| Distance | 515 km (320 miles) |
| Frequency | 51 buses per day |
| First bus | 8 am |
| Last bus | 11:55 pm |
| Departure station | Tokyo |
| Arrival station | Osaka |
| Operators | Willer Express, Sakura Kotsu, Kintetsu, Nishi Tokyo, Heisei |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Willer Express | 08:00 | 17:20 | Check tickets |
| Sakura Kotsu | 08:40 | 18:30 | Check tickets |
| Sakura Kotsu | 20:50 | 06:00 | Check tickets |
| Heisei | 21:15 | 06:50 | Check tickets |
| Heisei | 22:00 | 08:00 | Check tickets |
How long is the bus from Tokyo to Osaka?
The bus to Osaka takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on your departure location and bus providers. Please note that the travel time could be slightly longer due to traffic time. There may be a toilet and food breaks on the way.
How much is the bus ticket from Tokyo to Osaka?
The bus ticket to Osaka costs about $30 (€30) to $50 (€50). Please note that prices may change on weekends and national holidays.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
Buses leave from Tokyo and arrive in Osaka at multiple locations.
When is the first and last bus depart from Tokyo?
The first bus departs at 8 am, while the last leaves at 11:55 pm. For the latest schedule, please check here.
Tokyo to Osaka flight
Flying is the fastest way to travel to Osaka.
ANA, Japan Airlines, Peach Airlines, and Jetstar offer direct flights from Tokyo to Osaka. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Planes frequently depart from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport and arrive at Osaka Airport. For hassle-free transit, booking airport transfers between airports and your hotel is best.
I always use Skyscanner and 12go to find cheap flights and get the best deals.
| Flight info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 1 hour 10 mins |
| Price | From $42 (€42) |
| Distance | 400 km (250 miles) |
| Frequency | 51 flights per day |
| First flight | 6:20 am |
| Last flight | 9 pm |
| Departure | Narita, Haneda Airport |
| Arrival | Osaka Airport |
| Changes | Direct flights available |
| Operators | ANA, Japan Airlines, Peach Airlines, Jetstar |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| ANA | 06:20 | 07:30 | Check tickets |
| Peach | 07:10 | 08:50 | Check tickets |
| Japan Airlines | 07:30 | 08:50 | Check tickets |
| Jetstar | 08:30 | 10:15 | Check tickets |
| ANA | 09:00 | 10:10 | Check tickets |
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Osaka?
The flight takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the service providers. Please note that the flight time depends on many factors, such as weather conditions and the airline you choose.
How much is the flight ticket from Tokyo to Osaka?
The flight tickets start at $42 (€42). If you book flight tickets in advance, you may get better deals.
Where are the departure and arrival airports?
Planes frequently depart from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport and arrive at Osaka Airport.
When is the first and last flight depart from Tokyo?
The first flight departs at 6:20 am, and the last flight leaves the airport at 9 pm. However, the schedule may change depending on the day and weather. You can check the latest schedules here.
