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Tokyo to Osaka from $15: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Tokyo, Japan
to
Osaka, Japan

How to Get from Tokyo to Osaka: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$15 by busBest price
252 milesDistance
2h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Tokyo to Osaka with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Japan Railways Shinkansen
Train
Average Duration
2h  40m
Estimated price
$82-112
Recommended
Company
JR Bus Kanto
Bus
Average Duration
8h  33m
Estimated price
$15-110
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 252 miles
Duration: 2h 40m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  25m
Estimated price
$55-80
Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
3h  18m
Estimated price
$67-230
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  10m
Estimated price
$92-292
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  11m
Estimated price
$97-296
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  25m
Estimated price
$113-222
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$155-255
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  7m
Estimated price
$163-274

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Fly $46 $38 $37 $38 $50 $48 $51
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Traveling From Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo offers a fast-paced urban vibe with skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, while Osaka invites you to experience its vibrant street food culture and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Osaka

Osaka is known for vibrant neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.

Dotonbori
• Famous for neon lights and street food.
• A lively atmosphere by the canal.
Namba
• Central hub for shopping and entertainment.
• Home to iconic landmarks like Tsutenkaku.
Shinsaibashi
• High-end boutiques and avant-garde shops.
• Lively nightlife and dining options.

Best Times To Visit Osaka's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Osaka.

Osaka Castle
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Universal Studios Japan
Plan your visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for shorter wait times.
Dotonbori
Explore in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset and vibrant lights.

Osaka Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Osaka experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) the most pleasant times to explore the city. Weather conditions can influence your travel plans, from enjoying cherry blossoms in spring to experiencing vibrant foliage in autumn.

Dining Recommendation in Osaka

Try the iconic street food dish, takoyaki, which features crispy exterior balls filled with tender octopus, giving you a delightful taste of Osaka’s casual dining scene. The vibrant atmosphere of bustling street stalls contrasts sharply with Tokyo’s more refined dining experience, allowing you to savor local flavors made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Tokyo - Osaka operators

Explore transport companies operating between Tokyo and Osaka, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
050-2016-1603
Website
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/

Train from Tōkyō Station to Shin-Ōsaka Station

Average Duration
2h 29m
Estimated price
$80-110
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
0570-048905
Website
http://jrbuskanto.co.jp.e.wn.hp.transer.com

Bus from Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit to Ōsaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal

Average Duration
8h 33m
Estimated price
$27-55
Contact phone
(050) 5805-0383
Website
https://willerexpress.com

Bus from Tokyo Station Kajibashi to Osaka Station

Average Duration
8h 55m
Estimated price
$28-110
Contact phone
050-3802-1544
Website
https://jamjamliner.jp

Bus from Tokyo Station Kajibashi to Osaka-Umeda

Average Duration
8h 20m
Estimated price
$15-70
Contact phone
0570-001631
Website
https://kintetsu-bus.co.jp

Bus from Tokyo Station Yaesu Street to Osaka Station

Average Duration
8h 13m
Estimated price
$26-55
Contact phone
047-712-7400
Website
https://www.keiseibus.co.jp/en/

Bus from Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu to Osaka Hankyu Sanbangai

Average Duration
8h
Estimated price
$40-60
Plane Show flights
Website
jal.com

Plane from Tokyo Haneda to Osaka Itami

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$65-230

Plane from Tokyo Narita to Osaka Itami

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$70-240

Plane from Tokyo Haneda to Kobe

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$80-260
Website
ana.co.jp

Plane from Tokyo Haneda to Osaka Itami

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$85-270

Plane from Tokyo Haneda to Kobe

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$80-260

Plane from Tokyo Narita to Osaka Itami

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$90-370
Website
skymark.co.jp

Plane from Tokyo Haneda to Kobe

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$60-150

Tokyo to Osaka: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Tokyo and Osaka offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Experience the scenic beauty of Japan as you drive 511.8 km from Tokyo to Osaka in approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes. 💸 The cost of this road trip can range between $55 to $80, offering an affordable and flexible way to travel between these two vibrant cities.
Average price
$55 - $80
🚄 Traveling by train from Tokyo to Osaka is a convenient and efficient way to explore Japan. Despite the lack of a direct route, the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, including transfers. 📍 Departing from Tōkyō Station, passengers can board Japan Railways Shinkansen services that will take them to Shin-Ōsaka Station. 💰 Prices for the train ticket between Tokyo and Osaka range from $82 to $112, making it a cost-effective option for travelers looking to move between these two major cities in Japan.
Departure Point
Tōkyō Station
Arrival Point
Shin-Ōsaka Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Shinkansen (bullet train) route from Tokyo to Osaka, catering services include a limited menu of bento boxes called 'Ekiben.' These can be purchased from trolley services that pass through the aisles or at stations before boarding. Ensure to try the regional specialties offered in the bento boxes, as they vary depending on the train.
• The Shinkansen offers several seating options: 'Green Car' (First Class) seats provide spacious, comfortable seating with a larger recline, 'Ordinary Car' (Economy Class) seats offer standard seating arrangements, and 'Reserved' or 'Non-Reserved' options allow for suitable flexibility based on your travel needs. Note that the 'Nozomi' trains on this route are the fastest and provide all these seating options.
• For the Tokyo to Osaka route, the main train operators are JR East (East Japan Railway Company) and JR Central (Central Japan Railway Company). You can find more information about schedules and ticketing on their respective websites: jreast.co.jp and railway.jr-central.co.jp Additionally, services like Japan Rail Pass can be utilized for this journey.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka is by taking a direct flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Osaka Itami Airport, which only takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between Osaka and Tokyo can range from $163 to $274, offering a variety of fare options for different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Tokyo Haneda Airport
Arrival Point
Osaka Itami Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways for the most efficient flights from Tokyo Haneda to Osaka Itami, as they generally provide better on-time performance and in-flight service tailored for domestic routes.
• Upon arrival at Osaka Itami Airport, follow the 'Domestic Terminal' signs; the airport is relatively compact, so be prepared to make a quick connection to either the Osaka Monorail or the Limousine Bus, which offers direct routes to popular city centers like Namba and Umeda.
• Expect taxi fares from Osaka Itami Airport to the city center to range from approximately ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 (around $30-$45), depending on traffic and your specific destination within Osaka, making ride-sharing apps like Uber a viable option for cost comparison.
🚌 Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by bus is a convenient and economical option, with services departing every three hours and operating daily. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 33 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the Tokyo to Osaka bus range from $15 to $110, making it an affordable choice for those looking to explore Japan without breaking the bank.
Departure Point
Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit
Arrival Point
Ōsaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Tokyo to Osaka.

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The distance between Tokyo and Osaka is approximately 406 km by road. It takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes to reach Osaka from Tokyo by train, making it the quickest and most popular mode of transportation. If you prefer to fly, it takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes for a direct flight from Tokyo to Osaka. However, if you choose to drive, it can take approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes by car or 8 hours and 33 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Tokyo to Osaka is by bus, with prices starting at $15 and travel time of 8 hours and 33 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is by train, which takes only 2 hours and 29 minutes and costs between $80 and $120.
The prices for traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by train can range from $80 to $120, depending on factors such as the class and type of train. On the other hand, bus tickets for the journey from Osaka to Tokyo can range from $15 to $110, with prices varying depending on the bus operator and the level of comfort provided.
To travel from Tokyo to Osaka without using public transportation, you can drive the entire distance which is approximately 512 km. The journey takes around 5 hours and 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from Tokyo to Osaka varies but is usually around $55 - $80 for fuel and toll fees.
The best way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes and costs between $80 and $120. If you prefer a more affordable option, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes around 8 hours and 33 minutes and costs between $15 and $110. Another option is flying, which takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $75 and $240.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Tokyo and Osaka. The train operated by Japan Railways Shinkansen departs from Tokyo Station and arrives at Shin-Osaka Station, with services running every 15 minutes. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus option available, with services departing from Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit and arriving at Osaka Station JR Express Bus Terminal. The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 33 minutes, with departures every four hours.
The flight between Tokyo Haneda Airport and Osaka Itami Airport typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the airline and the specific flight. As for the cost, prices for flights between Osaka and Tokyo range from $77 to $235.
There are many accommodation options near Osaka with over 1219 hotels available to choose from. The prices for these hotels start at $19 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly options for travelers.