The Best Osaka Airport For Travelers

Osaka is served by two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). While Kansai International Airport is located further from downtown Osaka, it offers better public transport connections and serves a wide range of international destinations. On the other hand, Itami Airport is much closer to the city centre and is easily accessible by car or taxi. It primarily caters to domestic flights within Japan.

Transport options from Osaka's airports

Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (Itami; ITM). KIX is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and is around 40 kilometres from central Osaka. Itami is much closer to the city, at just 11 kilometres from central Osaka.

Transport Options from Kansai International Airport

As KIX is quite far from the city centre, it is well-connected by public transport. Here are some options for travelling from KIX to Osaka:

• Train: The JR Haruka airport express train is the best option for travellers with a Japan Rail Pass. It goes directly to Tennoji Station (35 minutes, Y1710) or Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, Y2330), from where you can take the subway or a taxi to your final destination. If you don't have a Japan Rail Pass, the Nankai Rapi:t airport express train goes to Namba Station (45 minutes, Y1130), from where you can take a subway or taxi.
• Bus: Limousine bus services run frequently between KIX and various locations in Osaka, including Osaka Station, Namba Station, and Universal Studios. The journey takes around 60 minutes and costs Y1550. Night buses also run hourly between 12 am and 5 am.
• Taxi: This is the most expensive option, costing around Y15,000 during the day and Y17,500 at night. The journey takes around 50 minutes.

Transport Options from Itami Airport

As Itami Airport is much closer to the city, there are fewer transport options available. Here are some ways to get from Itami to Osaka:

• Bus: An Osaka Airport Limousine bus goes from Itami to Osaka Station/Umeda in around 30 minutes and costs Y640.
• Taxi: A private taxi from Itami to downtown Osaka will take around 25 minutes and cost about Y5000.
• Train/Subway: You can take the Osaka Monorail from Itami Airport to Hotarugaike, and then switch to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line, which goes to Umeda (downtown Osaka, Kita district). This journey takes around 33 minutes and costs Y420. Alternatively, you can ride the monorail to Senri-Chuo Station and switch to the Midosuji subway line, which connects to most of Osaka's urban hubs. This route takes about 50 minutes and costs Y690.

Which airport is closer to the city?

Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.

Itami Airport is the closer of the two airports to downtown Osaka, situated just 12 miles away. By car or taxi, the journey to the city takes around 30 minutes. However, there is no direct train service to Itami Airport. Passengers must take a shuttle bus, which can take up to 40 minutes and is subject to traffic.

Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island, around 22-28 miles from Osaka. Despite being further away, Kansai is better connected by public transport, with a direct train reaching the city in 50 minutes.

International vs. domestic flights

Osaka has two major airports: Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. Of these two, Kansai International Airport is the only one that serves international flights, while Itami Airport is primarily a domestic airport.

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island 28 miles south of Osaka. While it is further from downtown Osaka than Itami Airport, Kansai International Airport is better connected by public transport, with a direct train reaching the airport in 50 minutes. The airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges and shops. It is served by Japan's two major carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), as well as other international airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and United Airlines.

Itami Airport

Itami Airport is located just 12 miles from downtown Osaka and is easily accessible by car or taxi, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. However, there are no direct trains serving the airport, and passengers must take a 40-minute shuttle bus service. Itami Airport exclusively serves domestic lines across Japan and is particularly convenient for flights to Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. It is primarily served by Japan Airlines, although All Nippon Airways also operates some routes. The airport offers various shops and restaurants, as well as lounges for Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

The choice between Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport depends on the type of trip you are taking. For international flights, Kansai International Airport is the only option. For domestic flights, Itami Airport is generally more convenient due to its closer proximity to downtown Osaka. However, it is worth checking which airport is more suitable for your specific itinerary, as both airports offer reasonable public transport options.

Airport facilities and services

Osaka has two major airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). Kansai International Airport is located further from downtown Osaka, approximately 34 miles from the city centre, while Itami Airport is just 12 miles away. Kansai International Airport is built on a man-made island and is the only international airport in Osaka, catering to both international and domestic flights. Itami Airport, on the other hand, only handles domestic flights within Japan.

Both airports offer essential facilities and services for travellers. Kansai International Airport, being the larger of the two, provides a wider range of amenities. It features disabled-friendly facilities, banks, currency exchange services, information counters, lounges, resting areas, storage and locker services, immigration counters, and Wi-Fi and internet services. The airport also offers medical facilities, a kids' play area, accommodation services, and a variety of dining and shopping options. Additionally, Kansai International Airport has been recognised for its excellent staff and baggage delivery services by SKYTRAX in 2020.

Itami Airport, while smaller, still offers a comprehensive range of services. It provides ATMs, currency exchange, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi and charging spots, lounges, and facilities for travellers with disabilities. The airport has recently undergone renovations, introducing new dining options, including Wolfgang Puck Pizza, Katsukura, Umi Kitchen Kinosaki, and Starbucks. Itami Airport also offers a wider range of shops selling sweets, local delicacies, and confectioneries. However, it is important to note that Itami Airport does not provide dedicated sleeping or showering facilities.

When it comes to transportation, both airports offer convenient options. Kansai International Airport is well-connected by public transport, with a direct train reaching the airport in 50 minutes. There are also buses, taxis, and high-speed ferries available. Similarly, Itami Airport can be accessed by bus, taxi, or train. However, there are no direct trains, and passengers must take a shuttle bus service, which is subject to traffic.

Travel time to the city

The travel time to Osaka's city centre from its two airports varies depending on which one you fly into.

Kansai International Airport is located further from downtown Osaka but offers better public transport connections. It is about 37 kilometres or 22.5 miles from the city centre. The JR Haruka airport express train takes 50 minutes to reach Shin-Osaka Station, and the Nankai Rapi:t airport express train takes 45 minutes to Namba Station. A limousine bus is also available and takes about 60 minutes.

Itami Airport is much closer to the city, just 12 miles away. However, it does not have any direct train connections. Passengers can take a shuttle bus, which takes around 40 minutes, or a taxi, which takes 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions