Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto: should you fly or take the bullet train?

You've probably heard people on social media saying they flew between Tokyo and Osaka for less than $40, which is a good $35-50 less than the bullet train. In our 30+ years of living in and travelling to Japan, we've only every flown once between Tokyo and Kansai. Here's why the Shinkansen wins for us every time or why flying is likely to cost you more time and money.

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*Any prices quoted below are subject to change

Are plane tickets really cheaper than the bullet train?

It's true that, because of the growing low-cost airline market in Japan, ticket prices have come down in recent years, making flying between Tokyo and the Kansai area look cheaper than the Shinkansen, on paper anyway. But let's take a closer look at those prices:

Few super-cheap fares anymore

Increased demand and the 2026 fuel crisis mean that you'll not see those super cheap flights anymore these days and the lowest fare we could see for the next few months was just over 11000 yen one-way. And that was the exception, most low-demand fares (unpopular times of day; off-season) hover at around 14,000 yen, which is about the same as a one-way bullet train fare.

The "wrong" airport in Osaka and Tokyo

When you look closely, the cheapest fares will probably be from Narita or into Kansai International or even Kobe and you'll easily spend several 1000 yen more getting to or from these airports than Itami and Haneda.

Luggage is probably extra

As with most low-cost airlines, a checked bag usually isn't included in your ticket price and you can expect to pay 3000-4000 yen extra per bag, if you want to take more than a "personal item" (carry-on up to 7kg) with you.

Is the plane really faster than the bullet train?

A flight between Tokyo and Osaka takes around 75 mins. The Shinkansen ride between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Looks like a huge time saving, right? In reality, that time saving will be eaten up by your travel to/from the airport (especially if you're going through Narita and Kansai International - you'll lose at least an hour on both sides). Then you've got the time you need to check in, go through security, wait at the gate and maybe also collect luggage at the other end. In fact, flying between Tokyo and Kansai is likely to cost you time, especially if you're going to Kyoto, which doesn't have it's own airport. With the bullet train, you leave from the centre of the city and you arrive in the centre of the city. We recommend that you're on the platform 5-10 minutes before your train is due to depart but the only additional time you need is getting to the train station.

Why we have only ever taken the plane once between Tokyo and Kansai

Aside from the reasons above - i.e. flying is not necessarily cheaper nor faster - we always take the bullet train because

1. It's fun! When, like us, you've just gotten off a 14 hour flight from Europe and are facing the same on the way home, the last thing you want to do is to put yourself on another plane. I always get a bit of a buzz out of taking the Shinkansen: maybe it's because it's a very "Japan" thing. And every single time there's a little bit of excitement about maybe, possibly catching Mount Fuji on the way.

2. It's comfy! Even in the regular bullet train seats, you've got so much space. We're a tall family and we really appreciate the leg-room on the Shinkansen that you're definitely not going to have on the plane, even if you'll only have to suffer for just over an hour. The seats are comfortable, you've got a little fold-down table for the bento and snacks you've brought with you, the ride is smooth and there's plenty to see along the way. Sliding into Kyoto and seeing rice fields and pagodas on either side is something you won't experience on the plane.

3. It's convenient! You get your ticket, you turn up on the platform and get into the train. That's all. There's no heading to an airport (sometimes waaaaay) outside of town, checking in, going through security, waiting by a gate, slowly boarding (usually takes less than two minutes for the bullet train, don't forget), slowly deboarding at the other end, waiting for your luggage and making your way into the centre of town. Altogether, we find taking the Shinkansen so much less stressful.

4. It's flexible and reliable! While there are, of course, many flights every day between Tokyo and Osaka, there is a bullet train on the same route literally every 10 minutes or so and you can't beat that flexibility. You can walk into Tokyo station, buy yourself a ticket and be on a train in a few minutes. Shinkansen trains have been known to suffer delays because of flooding or earthquakes but they are generally very reliable indeed. Planes, especially the budget airlines, are more often subject to delays caused by air-traffic congestion or weather, especially in typhoon season.

When does flying between Tokyo and Osaka make sense?

I can honestly only think of two occasions on which it would be better to fly between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto.

1. If you can nab a real bargain flight or get the flight for free. Sometimes JAL or ANA include a domestic flight or two for free when you fly with them from your home country to Japan. If it makes financial sense, even after you factor in the costs of getting to and from the airport and any possible luggage fees, then of course you should fly rather than take the bullet train.

2. If you're connecting to a flight anyway. This is the only time we've ever flown between Kansai and Tokyo: we were leaving early the next morning from Haneda, so it made sense to fly from Osaka the night before and stay in a hotel near the airport.

If you ARE flying between Tokyo and Osaka...

1. Where possible, fly between Itami in Osaka and Haneda in Tokyo: Narita and KIX are so far out of town that the transfers into the city centre will cost time and money.

2. Consider a luggage transfer, especially if checked-in bags are not included in your ticket price. This will save you time and stress at both ends of your journey, since you can have your luggage picked up from your hotel in one city and delivered straight to your new hotel in the destination city. And it's not likely to cost (much) more than paying for checked bags.

Flying vs bullet train FAQ

Can you fly between Tokyo and Osaka?

You can! Tokyo has two airports and Osaka also has two. For the shortest journeys into town, you should choose Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Itami Airport in Osaka.

Can you fly between Tokyo and Kyoto?

Kyoto doesn't have an airport, so you would have to fly to/from Osaka and transfer from there to Kyoto. Itami Airport in Osaka is the closest but there are direct trains from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto, too.

Is it better to fly or take the train from Tokyo to Osaka?

We think it's much better to take the bullet train. Taking the plane won't save you time or money (in fact it could take longer and cost more in the end), plus the Shinkansen is very comfortable (and better for the environment).

What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka?

The Shinkansen is the best way to get from Tokyo to Osaka. Flying is also an option, although it's less convenient and is likely to cost more and take longer. If you are on a budget, the (overnight) highway bus service between Tokyo and Osaka costs about the same as a flight (around 10,000 yen) but saves you a night in a hotel.

How long is a flight from Tokyo to Osaka?

Depending on the airline and the which airports you depart from and arrive into, a flight between Tokyo and Osaka will take between an hour and 10 minutes and an hour and 40 minutes. But don't forget to add on the time it takes to get to the airport from the city centre, check in, go through security, etc.

Trying to work out how you're going to get around Japan? Our Shinkansen 101 guide has all the basics on how to buy tickets for the bullet train, organise luggage, etc. and we give you advice on whether or not you should buy your tickets in advance. We also have tips on taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto or to Osaka, and between Kyoto/Osaka and Hiroshima. You might also find our Suica Card FAQ or our guide to the Tokyo Metro Pass useful.

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