Trains from Tokyo to Osaka

Trains from Tokyo to Osaka

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Tokyo to Osaka Train Schedule

Tokyo to Osaka Train Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Japan Airlines Economy #JL22107:25 - 08:50¥ 15,220
Shinkansen JR Central Green Car 09:30 - 12:00¥ 19,972
Shinkansen JR Central Standard 11:30 - 14:00¥ 15,162
Japan Airlines Economy #JL11712:30 - 13:40¥ 15,797
Shinkansen JR Central Unreserved seat 15:30 - 18:00¥ 14,286
Japan Airlines Economy #JL12716:20 - 17:25¥ 15,034
Japan Airlines Economy #JL13318:00 - 19:15¥ 17,829
Nishi Tokyo Bus XNTK6 Intercity 21:10 - 05:56¥ 4,081
Yamaichi Service AF5 Express 22:40 - 07:45¥ 3,245

Transportation from Tokyo to Osaka

Facts about the train from Tokyo to Osaka

Cheapest Train$95
Fastest Train2h 30m
Earliest Train6:00 AM
Latest Train9:24 PM
Daily Train Routes0
Distance498 kilometers
TrainShinkansen JR Central

Tokyo to Osaka Destination Reviews

VA
Overall, it is very easy to purchase and very easy to use. The vehicle is very comfortable, on time. All good!
Train #NOZOMI 49 Unreserved seat, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Apr 11, 2023
JB
Surprised to learn you will confirm the ticket… if it was a shorter delay between buying and taking the train I will be very stressed. Then, very limited information to reach the right gate, because if the we code scan ( good solution but better with an app like adding it on a wallet) So, finding the right place in this huge station was a challenge. Getting a real ticke fat the gate should be clear too… So, selling a ticket is not enough.
Train #NOZOMI 33 Standard, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Feb 23, 2023
4.8
17 customer reviews
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How to get from Tokyo to Osaka by train

Train from Tokyo to Osaka is a decent alternative to bus or air travel. Travelling from Tokyo to Osaka by train is easy, safe, and convenient. There is a direct railway link between the two destinations, which makes your trip smooth and hassle-free. Tickets are available for online booking and it is a good idea to buy them in advance to secure your seat. To get the most out of your train journey, check the schedule and choose the most convenient departure. As a rule, trains and ticket classes are available for every taste and budget.

How far is Tokyo from Osaka?

The distance from Tokyo to Osaka is 498 km. Railways link the two destinations so that you can travel direct without connections. If there are connections, they will be indicated in your ticket.

How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka by train?

Depending on the type of train, the length of your railway journey from Tokyo to Osaka may vary. The slowest train needs about 2h 30m to get to Osaka, and the fastest one brings you there in about 2h 30m. We recommend opting for the fastest service to save you time, especially if you travel by day. With overnight service, the difference of a couple of hours seems not so crucial and may prove even convenient.

Note that trains normally depart on time from their station of origin but sometimes come later than scheduled to their terminus. It is better not to plan short connections if you are going to continue your journey immediately after arrival to Osaka.

In many destinations, train stations are located very centrally and have good transport connections with the rest of the city, bus stations, and airports. It mostly concerns the older and well-established railway stations. The newer and bigger ones tend to appear in the outskirts of towns and cities, first of all, due to the reason of limited space in the central locations. Getting to and from there may be challenging even by taxi, as restrictions may apply on taxi operators allowed to serve the passengers. Hence, we highly recommend double-checking the location of the station you will depart from and arrive at as some destinations have several train stations.

How much does it cost to get from Tokyo to Osaka by train?

There may be carriages of a different class on one and the same train on one and the same route. The price of your ticket will vary accordingly – from a dirt-cheap tag for hard seats to high numbers for super comfy overnight sleeper berths on luxury trains. For the Tokyo – Osaka route, the cheapest ticket costs while if you want to travel with more comfort, expect to pay for the most expensive option.

Travelling by train essentials

  • Train tickets often sell out well before the date of departure. Book them in advance even if your travel does not fall onto high-season dates. Travelling during peak periods which also include public and national holidays, and long or bank weekends, advanced booking is a must if you do not want to remake your travel plans on the spot. It is unnecessary to go to the train station to book – buy your ticket online in a few clicks.
  • Advanced booking ensures you get the seats and berths you want. For example, the lower berths are always the first to sell out, while upper berths may be available even on the departure date. Similarly, for longer distances, it is the night trips that enjoy the highest demand, while you may be able to grab a ticket for the same route an hour before departure if it is an inconvenient day ride that eats a huge part of your time.
  • There may be different carriages within one and the same train: fan-only and air-conditioned; hard seats and soft seats; second class berths and private compartments. Before buying your ticket, make sure you understand what type of seat you are paying for. Prices may differ greatly, but sometimes it is a good idea to pay more not to spend 20 hours on a hard seat in a fan-only carriage. In general, second-class berths are a good choice for longer overnight trips, while for shorter 4-6-hour day journeys, a soft seat is a great option.
  • Air-conditioning on trains can be excessive – as well as heating during the cold season. Make sure to pack layers not to get cold or hot during your trip. In hot countries, fan-only carriages are a cheaper and acceptable alternative to air-conditioned carriages.
  • There are toilets on board a train. Depending on the type of train, some carriages can be equipped with simple squat-type toilets or normal Western toilets. Regardless of your ticket's price, the train toilets' cleanness is not often up to the standard, alas. It especially concerns cheaper classes, though even in first-class carriages, complaints are not unheard of.
  • There is normally a dining carriage on long-distance trains, but on some routes, dining carriages have become extinct due to covid-19 restrictions. Check in advance if food is available on board or simply pack some snacks to be on the safe side. On many trains, you will also see hawkers patrolling the aisles during the journey and selling soft beverages and snacks. Alcohol drinks are prohibited on trains.
  • Smoking is prohibited, too, if, of course, you are not travelling by a common class somewhere in China or Indonesia!
  • Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure to allow enough time to find your platform and go through check-in formalities. A passport or other ID which you use for buying your train ticket is almost always needed, so keep it at hand to produce when asked at check-in or boarding.
  • Trains may arrive at their destination later than scheduled. These delays are not uncommon, especially for long-haul routes. Be ready and plan accordingly. Yet compared to buses, trains are less weather and traffic dependent hence more reliable schedule-wise.