By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 27 May 2024 | Updated: 26th January 2026
Both Tokyo and Osaka are cities you have to visit whilst in Japan. Both have a vast array of attractions to visit as well incredible food scenes. So how do you get from Tokyo to Osaka, and what is the best way to travel?
Getting Around Japan
When planning a trip to Japan, one of the best and we think the easiest ways to get around is via public transport. Having visited a couple of times, and not just the main tourist destinations, we would always opt for taking the train over driving (you can’t take in the views of Mount Fuji properly if you are driving!).
The most popular option for getting around is with the Japan Rail Pass, an all-in-one pass which includes most public transport across the country. With this pass, you simply need to exchange the voucher at a station within Japan for a JR Pass, then keep it with you for your entire trip so you can show it if asked for it. You can book all of your onward trains and seats for your entire trip right away, saving time and hassle!
How to get from Tokyo to Osaka
There are five main transportation options to get between Tokyo and Osaka: renting a car, by bus, by local train, by Shinkansen or flying.
Tokyo to Osaka by Car
It takes approximately 6 hours to drive between Tokyo and Osaka without breaks (and of course more with any traffic). The expressway toll (which takes the quickest route via the Tomei and Meishin expressways) is around 14,000 yen one way.
Car Hire
There are a wide range of vehicles to rent in Tokyo, with numerous companies to choose from but we would recommend going through Rentalcars.com as not only have they got a great comparison tool but plenty of rental options for every budget and group size too, (we have used them a few times in both Switzerland as well as other destinations and they have always been fantastic).
Tokyo to Osaka by Bus
A trip from Tokyo to Osaka by bus takes anywhere from 8 hours, depending on the traffic. One-way fares cost from 2,500 yen on a discount bus such as Willer Express, and up to 20,000 yen on premium buses. You can get a Japan Bus Pass, which reduces the costs and reserve a seat online at Japan Bus Online.
Tokyo to Osaka by Local Train
It takes a least 9 hours to take the local trains between Tokyo and Osaka, so not for those who want to travel between the two cities quickly! It also involves at least 4 train transfers, but it is cheaper than riding the Shinkansen at roughly 9,000 yen.
Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen
The Shinkansen is the quickest and easiest way to get from Tokyo to Osaka, with multiple trains each hour that run along the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozumi trains take roughly 2.5 hours to travel between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka Station, whilst the Hikari and Kodama trains take 3 and 4 hours respectively.
🚄 The first Shinkansen departure between Tokyo and Osaka is at 12:30 and the last at 21:30 🚄
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen?
It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get between Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen.
How much is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?
The Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka costs roughly 13,870 yen for a non-reserved seat and 14,500 yen for a reserved seat.
What rail passes cover the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka?
The JR Pass covers the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, as does the Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass, which costs from 24,500 yen for 7 days.
Tokyo to Osaka by Flight
You can also fly between Tokyo Haneda Airport and Osaka Itami Airport, which takes roughly 60 minutes, however this can cost anywhere from 5,000 yen to 31,000 yen depending on discount fares and the airline you fly with. ANA and JAL tend to cost the most, with Jetstar Japan and Peach costing the least.
Tokyo to Osaka Tours
There aren’t many dedicated tours between Tokyo and Osaka, as you can easily take the train between them, so why not do a dedicated tour in one of the cities instead? These are our favourite tours for each:
Where To Stay In Tokyo & Osaka
Where to stay in Tokyo
🏨 Budget – Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho-Daimon
🏨 Mid Range – Shiba Park Hotel (we stayed here on our first trip and loved how close it was to Tokyo Tower!)
🏨Luxury – The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Where to stay in Osaka
🏨 Budget – The OneFive Osaka Namba Dotonbori
🏨 Mid-range – APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
🏨 Luxury – The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
How To Get From Tokyo To Osaka FAQs
Is it better to fly or train from Tokyo to Osaka?
Whilst you can fly from Tokyo to Osaka, which will save you some time, we think it’s much better to take the train. Not only does it mean you can see some of the wonderful Japanese countryside as you go, but it can also save you money as well.
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka?
The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is via train, be it via a regular train or via Shinkansen.
Can you do a day trip from Tokyo to Osaka?
In theory you could do a day trip between Tokyo and Osaka as the quickest route between them only take 2 hours, but we would suggest you spend more than one day in Osaka if you want to see more than just the typical sights that this city has to offer.
How far is it from Tokyo to Osaka?
Tokyo is located approximately 498 km / 310 miles north east of Osaka.
Should I buy a JR Pass to get from Tokyo to Osaka?
We wouldn’t suggest buying a JR Pass for the route between Tokyo and Osaka, as unless you are going to be regularly using the Shinkansens over the next few days of your trip, it doesn’t work out as cost effective as if you were to buy tickets as you go. Check out our Getting Around Japan Guide for more information.
Conclusion: How To Get From Tokyo To Osaka
So there are a few different ways to get between Tokyo and Osaka, with some options taking up to 9 hours and others around 2 or 3, but with such varying prices and some options taking numerous changes, taking the Shinkansen is by far the best way to get between Tokyo and Osaka.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.