This guide explains the best ways to travel from Osaka to Tokyo, including bullet train options, journey times, ticket prices, and useful travel tips.
Table of Contents
Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train
The Tokaido Shinkansen line runs the bullet train service between Shin-Osaka station and Tokyo Station, offering more than 120 departures daily.
Different Shinkansen services vary by speed and number of stops.
You can arrive in Tokyo in just 2 hours and 25 minutes on the fastest service.
Shinkansen train services and ticket costs
Osaka and Tokyo are connected by 3 different bullet trains services:
| Train service | Standard fare |
Fare with JRP |
|---|---|---|
| Hikari | ¥14,400 |
Included |
| Kodama | ¥14,400 |
Included |
| Nozomi | ¥14,720 |
¥4960 |
Hikari and Kodama trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. A Nozomi ride requires a small extra fee if you hold a JR Pass.
Osaka-Tokyo Shinkansen timetable
Here are the first and last train scheduled times for each Shinkansen service from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo:
| Shinkansen type |
First train departure |
Last train departure |
Journey length |
Stops on route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi |
06:00 |
21:24 |
2 hrs 25 min |
3-4 |
| Hikari |
06:11 |
20:45 |
3 hrs |
5-9 |
| Kodama |
07:54 |
18:54 |
3 hrs 54 min |
16 |
Times can change, so always check before your travel date. Check return trips from Tokyo to Osaka.
Travelling between Osaka and Tokyo with the Japan Rail Pass
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can ride the Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen trains at no extra cost. Simply show your pass at the gate. Hikari is quicker, stopping only at major cities like Kyoto and Nagoya, while Kodama stops at every station.
- Hikari: Stops at major cities between Osaka and Tokyo.
- Kodama: Stops at every station along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.
- Nozomi: Stops 3-4 times from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station. You’ll need to buy a Nozomi / Mizuho ticket in addition to your JR Pass.
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.
A single ticket, huge savings.
Need help with trains? See our guide on how to use the JR Pass for Japanese trains.
Osaka to Tokyo by Bus
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, long-distance buses between Osaka and Tokyo are available. These options are not included in the JR Pass.
- Willer Express: runs daily buses from Osaka (Osaka Umeda) to Tokyo (both Shinjuku and Tokyo Stations).
- JR Bus Kanto: Japan Railways’ own bus service connects Osaka to Tokyo both day and night.
- Keio Bus: Keio Bus offers a range of affordable departures throughout the day and night.
Here is a simple table comparing the 3 different services:
| Bus Company | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Bus Kanto | Osaka Station | Shinjuku, Tokyo Station | 8–10 hours | ¥5,000 to ¥8,500 |
| Willer Express | Osaka Umeda | Tokyo Station, Shinjuku | 8–10 hours | ¥3,500 to ¥7,500 |
| Keio Bus | Osaka Station | Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal | 9–10 hours | ¥4,500 to ¥8,000 |
Airport transfers for Osaka and Tokyo
If you’re starting at Kansai International Airport (KIX), the Haruka Airport Express offers a straightforward connection to JR Osaka Station, JR Tennoji Station and Shin-Osaka Station in about 50 minutes. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the cost is already covered. Without the pass, the fare is ¥2,900.
Tokyo is served by two airports, Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND).
Narita Express offers a direct link between Tokyo Station and Narita Airport. To reach Haneda Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail from Hamamatsucho Station.
Comparing Transport Options from Osaka to Tokyo
Still not sure which form of transport is best for your trip? Here is a handy table explaining the pros and cons of each Shinkansen, along with the other ways of getting to Tokyo from Osaka.
| Transport Method | Duration | Price (One-Way) | JR Pass Coverage | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi Shinkansen | 2 hr 25 min | ¥14,720 | Extra fee of ¥4,960 | Fastest option, 3–4 stops only | Not fully covered by JR Pass |
| Hikari Shinkansen | 3 hr | ¥14,400 | ✔ Fully included | Covered by JR Pass, stops at major cities | Slower than Nozomi |
| Kodama Shinkansen | 3 hr 54 min | ¥14,400 | ✔ Fully included | Covered by JR Pass | Slowest Shinkansen, many stops |
| Willer Express Bus | 8–10 hr | ¥3,500–¥7,500 | ✘ Not included | Cheap, reclining seats, power outlets | Long travel time |
| JR Bus Kanto | 8–10 hr | ¥5,000–¥8,500 | ✘ Not included | Runs day and night, part of JR Group | Not valid with JR Pass |
| Keio Bus | 9–10 hr | ¥4,500–¥8,000 | ✘ Not included | Many departure times | Very long journey |
| Flight (average) | ~1 hr (air time) + 2–3 hr transit | ¥8,000–¥20,000+ | ✘ Not included | Fast air time, frequent flights | Airport transfers and wait times |