How To Travel From Osaka To Tokyo

With your Japan Rail Pass

• Travel time: About 3 hours
• Cost: Covered by your JR Pass

If you are a Japan Rail Pass holder, the best way to get from Osaka to Tokyo is by taking the Tokaido Shinkansen. The Hikari and Kodama trains on this line are covered by the pass, and can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to either Shinagawa Station or Tokyo Station in Tokyo in under 3 hours.

Shinkansen or bullet train

• Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Cost: From 13,620 yen

The fastest way to travel from Osaka to Tokyo is via the Tokaido Shinkansen’s Nozomi train. In only about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. However, it is not covered by your JR Pass, and you must purchase a one-way ticket that costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat).

Local train

• Travel time: 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours
• Cost: From 17,000 yen

By local trains, it takes at least 7 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Osaka and Tokyo. Moreover, it involves at least 4 transfers, and costs a few thousand yen more than the faster bullet trains. Use Hyperdia for routes, timetables, ticket fees, and more.

Highway bus

• Travel time: About 8 hours
• Cost: From 3,200 yen

There are many daytime and overnight buses that serve the Osaka-Tokyo route on a daily basis. A one-way trip takes around 8 hours, and costs as low as 3,200 yen. They are equipped with the basics, such as restrooms, reclining seats, and luggage storage, and sometimes even offer wi-fi, single private seats, electric outlets, and individual monitors.

You can use the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online websites to book seats or look up routes, schedules, and other information.