Travel Guide: Osaka Airports Compared

Osaka is served by two main airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM), more commonly known as Itami Airport. ITM is Osaka's main domestic airport, while KIX is the only international airport in Osaka. When deciding which airport is better, several factors come into play, including location, transportation options, and the nature of the trip (domestic or international).

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Itami Airport vs Kansai Airport

Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM), also known as Itami Airport.

Location

Kansai International Airport is located 28 miles south of Osaka on an artificial island, which was purpose-built for the airport. Itami Airport is much closer to downtown Osaka, just 12 miles away.

Transport

For passengers travelling by car or taxi to Kansai, journey times are in the region of 45–50 minutes, crossing the road bridge that connects the island to the mainland. To Itami, it is a quick and easy 30-minute trip. Despite being further away, Kansai is better connected by public transport, with a direct train reaching the airport in just 50 minutes. No direct trains serve Itami. Instead, passengers must take a 40-minute shuttle bus service, subject to traffic.

Routes

Kansai International Airport is Osaka's international airport and the main point of entry to Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe). It is home to all of Osaka's international traffic, with long-haul services, including Air France to Paris, Lufthansa to Munich, and United Airlines to San Francisco. Itami Airport is Osaka's main domestic airport.

Amenities

Kansai Airport has many of the same shops and services as Itami but on a much larger scale. Kansai Airport has far more lounges to match its diverse international route network. Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines have exclusive lounges at Kansai, along with several pay-per-use facilities.

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Transport options to and from the airport

Osaka is served by two airports: Kansai for international flights and Itami for domestic. Here are the transport options for travelling to and from each airport.

Kansai International Airport

Located 28 miles south of Osaka on an artificial island, Kansai International Airport is well-connected to the city by public transport. Here are some transport options to get from the airport to Osaka:

• Train: The Haruka Express Train connects the airport to Tennoji Station in 35 minutes and Shin-Osaka Station in 50 minutes. The Kansai Airport Rapid Service train also connects the airport to Osaka Station in 65-70 minutes.
• Bus: Limousine buses run 24 hours a day between the airport and Osaka Station, with one service every hour between midnight and 5 am. The journey takes around one hour. Night buses are also available to Nankai Namba Station, taking around one hour.
• Taxi: A regular taxi from the airport to Osaka is expensive, costing at least US$100.

Itami Airport

Itami Airport is Osaka's domestic airport, located just 12 miles from downtown Osaka. Here are some transport options to get from the airport to Osaka:

• Bus: The Osaka Airport Limousine Bus is a popular choice, taking around 30 minutes to reach downtown Osaka.
• Taxi: A private taxi is a convenient option, taking around 25 minutes to downtown Osaka.
• Train and subway: There is no direct train service to Itami Airport. Passengers can take a 40-minute shuttle bus to the nearest train or subway station, but this is not recommended if you have a lot of luggage.

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Location and proximity to the city

Osaka has two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM), more commonly known as Itami Airport.

Itami Airport is the "in-town" domestic airport, located about 11 kilometres or 6.5 miles north of central Osaka. It is the better option for those staying in Umeda and north. The airport is well connected to the city by bus, with a 30-minute Osaka Airport Limousine bus service available to downtown Osaka. A private taxi will take around 25 minutes and cost around Y5000. Alternatively, passengers can take a shared taxi or the Osaka Monorail and then the train or subway, although this is not recommended for those with lots of luggage.

Kansai International Airport is located 28 miles south of Osaka on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Despite being further from the city, it is well connected by public transport, with a direct train to the airport taking just 50 minutes. A limousine bus is also available from the airport, as well as taxis.

For those flying internationally, Kansai International Airport is the only option. However, for those flying domestically, Itami Airport is the better choice due to its proximity to the city.

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Amenities and facilities at the airport

Osaka has two main airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM), more commonly known as Itami Airport. ITM is Osaka's domestic airport, while KIX is the only international airport in Osaka.

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International Airport is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, 28 miles south of Osaka. It was built in 1994 to manage the large influx of passengers to the region. The airport has been awarded 'Best Airport Staff' in the world and Asia, as well as 'Best Baggage Delivery' in 2020 by SKYTRAX.

Kansai Airport offers a range of shops and services, including exclusive lounges for Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines. The airport also features a SkyView Observation Hall for plane spotting. In terms of dining, there are various eateries available, such as Wolfgang Puck Pizza, Katsukura, and Umi Kitchen Kinosaki. Other amenities include ATMs, currency exchange, medical facilities, free WiFi, charging spots, lounges, and facilities for those with disabilities.

For transportation, KIX is well-connected to Osaka by public transport, with a direct train reaching the airport in approximately 50 minutes. Buses are also available to and from the airport.

Itami Airport (ITM)

Itami Airport is Osaka's primary airport for domestic travel and is located just 12 miles north of downtown Osaka. It used to serve as the city's international airport before KIX was built.

ITM offers essential facilities and services, including ATMs, currency exchange, medical facilities, free WiFi, charging spots, lounges, and disability access. The airport has recently undergone a renovation, introducing new dining options such as Wolfgang Puck Pizza, Katsukura, and Starbucks.

In terms of transportation, ITM does not have direct train access. Passengers can take a shuttle bus service, which takes approximately 40 minutes but is subject to traffic. Alternatively, a limousine bus service is available for a more comfortable journey, or passengers can opt for a private taxi.

International vs domestic flights

Osaka's two major airports, Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport, primarily serve international and domestic passengers, respectively.

Itami Airport is located just 12 miles from downtown Osaka, making it the more convenient option for those travelling domestically. It is easily accessible by car or taxi, with journey times in the region of 30 minutes. However, there are no direct trains serving Itami. Instead, passengers must take a 40-minute shuttle bus service, which is subject to traffic. Itami is also limited to 18 landings per hour and 370 landings per day.

On the other hand, Kansai International Airport is located 28 miles south of Osaka on an artificial island that was purpose-built for the airport. While it is further from the city, Kansai offers better public transport connections, with a direct train reaching the airport in 50 minutes. Journey times by car or taxi are in the region of 45-50 minutes. Kansai also has a larger scale and more diverse options for shops and lounges.

In terms of route networks, Kansai is home to all of Osaka's international traffic, with long-haul services to destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Popular international routes include Air France to Paris, Lufthansa to Munich, and United Airlines to San Francisco. The airport is also served by Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Itami Airport, on the other hand, exclusively serves domestic lines across Japan and its islands. Popular domestic destinations include Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. However, Itami has seen increased domestic passenger traffic following the easing of flight restrictions and the introduction of quieter regional jets.

Frequently asked questions