Flights
Flying is
the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as
USD 39.83.
Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.
If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.
In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.
Airlines flying between Tokyo and Osaka
Air Do, All Nippon Airways, All Nippon Airways, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Peach Aviation, Star Flyer, Star Flyer, Star Flyer
Bus
Travelling from Tokyo to Osaka overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is
the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Companies operating bus routes between Tokyo and Osaka
AT Liner, ATLINER Co (株式会社ATLINER), ATLINER Shoei Transportation, ATLINER Syoei Kotsu Co (株式会社ATLINER、株式会社昌栄交通), Atliner Tourist Bus (atliner|株式会社ツーリストバス), Chibamirai Kanko Bus (株式会社千葉みらい観光バス), Grace Tourism, Graceliner, Heisei Community Bus HC, Heisei Enterprise HE0 (株式会社平成エンタープライズ), Jamjam Bus, Karuizawa Bus KZ, Kintetsu Bus ZKN12, Kintetsu Bus ZKN22, Koei Kotsu BL5, Osaka Bus ZOS4 (大阪バス ZOS4), Owl Kotsu (アウル交通), Sakura Kanko Bus CJ (さくら観光バス株式会社), Sakura Kotsu (株式会社桜交通), Sakura Syoei, Sakura Syoei, Sakura Syoei (昌栄バス), Sakura Syoei (株式会社桜交通、昌栄バス), Shinki Bus LM (神姫観光株式会社), Sunshine Express SN6, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3 (東京富士交通株式会社), Tourist Bus, Tourist Bus, Yamaichi Service AF5 (山一サービス)
Taxi
Some travellers consider taxi to be
the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.
Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.
Companies offering charters between Tokyo and Osaka
Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver
Train
Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to
sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
