Have a flight departing from Japan’s Osaka Itami Airport and need to figure out how to get there from the Osaka Namba area directly?
Many travelers like yourself want a smooth and easy way to travel between the two places.
Justin and I recently experienced this firsthand on our recent trip from Osaka. We’ve been to Osaka over a dozen times, and it was our first time taking Osaka Airport for a domestic flight.
Our quick search led us to this option – a direct Airport Limousine bus from Namba Station to Osaka Itami Airport. It’s operated by Hankyu Kanko Bus. The ride is only 25 to 30 minutes and costs 730 yen per person (for adults).
Since there isn’t much information on this specific route, we’ll share with you the step-by-step guide on how to get to Osaka Itami Airport from the Namba Station by bus. Our goal is to show you how easy it is to take the bus and what to expect so you won’t get lost.
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What About Taking the Train to Osaka Airport?
Most people land and depart at Kansai International Airport (airport code: KIX). It’s located on an artificial island south of Osaka city. Yet, it’s accessible by train by Japan Railways and Nankai Railways.
Itami Airport (airport code: ITM) is located north of Osaka City. Unfortunately, it isn’t connected to a train line. But travelers can take the Osaka Metro line from Namba to Senri Chuo Station, and then transfer to the Osaka Monorail line from Senri Chuo to Osaka Airport Station. It’ll take about 50 to 55 minutes one way and will cost around 770 yen for adults.
So, we recommend the direct Namba to Osaka Airport bus route for a speedier way with no transfers. It’s also 730 yen for adults.
Step 1: Check Google Maps or the schedule below to determine the next bus pick up (schedule current as of September 2025).
If you’re using Google Maps, add your current location, Namba Station, or use this Namba Station bus pick up (map) as the departure destination, and Osaka Itami Airport as the arrival destination. Change the time to current to determine the next bus time.
Here is the schedule that Justin and I took at the bus stop near Namba Station. First pick is at 5:50am and last pick up is at 7:10pm.
Here is the bus schedule next to the bus stop from Namba to Osaka Airport
Or, click here for the online version of the schedule.
Step 2: Travel to the Namba bus stop with ample time before departure.
You’ll need to factor in travel time from your original destination, such as your hotel, and whether you’ll take the train or walk to the bus stop (NB1). Click here for the bus stop location on Google Maps.
The nearest train station is Osaka Metro Namba Station, Hanshin’s Osaka Namba Station, Kintetsu Osaka Namba Station. JR Namba Station is west of the bus stop, so it will require extra walking.
Look for this Namba bus stop. Justin waits at the end of the line.
This is the Namba bus stop that goes to Osaka Airport
We decided to take the 5:50pm bus. We picked up our stored luggage at Onyado Nono Namba hotel at 5:25pm, and we walked 15 minutes to the bus stop to arrive at 5:40pm. We had 10 minutes to spare before the bus departure.
Step 3: Buy a ticket at the Ticket Machine (Optional – If using IC card, such as ICOCA or Suica, skip to the next step).
Near the bus stop is a kiosk to purchase tickets. The machine has English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (traditional and simplified) translations.
Follow the steps on the screen to purchase Adult and Children tickets.
- Adults cost: 730 yen
- Children cost (6 to 12 years old): 370 yen
Cash is accepted as payment. You can also pay with Line Pay, au Pay, etc. No credit cards allowed.
Note: Tickets are valid for today. So, do not buy tickets ahead of time.
Step 4: Wait in line till boarding.
We had a handful of people waiting in line before us. We waited patiently until boarding time.
Step 5: If you have luggage, someone will ask you which airlines you’ll take and place it in the bus’s undercarriage.
If you’re taking ANA or IBEX Airlines, you’ll go to the South Entrance, which is the first stop.
If you’re taking Japan Airlines or AMX Airlines, you’ll go to the North Entrance, which is the second stop.
Please ensure that you get off at the right bus stop at the Osaka Airport
Step 6: Board the bus and either scan your IC card or give the paper tickets to the driver.
I am holding the two bus tickets that we purchased from the ticket kiosk
For those using an IC card such as ICOCA, Pasmo, Suica, you only need to scan your card once.
If you have small luggage, a backpack, or a purse, there is a small overhead bin for storage. Or, you can use the seat next to you if it’s open.
Step 7: Buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.
Safety first. Please wear your seatbelt during the bus ride.
It should take between 25 to 30 minutes to arrive at the airport. But the arrival time can vary depending on the current traffic conditions.
The bus has free WiFi, so you can pass the time. Connecting to the WiFi is fast and easy.
Or, you can relax and enjoy the view from the windows.
We didn’t encounter much traffic on the road, even though it was 6:00pm. The bus took the highway so which expedited the driving time.
Step 8: Once you arrive at the Airport, pick up your luggage if it was stored in the bus undercarriage.
Don’t forget any small items that you may have stored in the overhead bins.
Step 9: Have a safe flight!
If you have time, stop by the Observatory Deck. It’s located between the two terminals. Take the elevator to the top level. From there, you can see planes landing and departing on the outside observatory deck.
I love Kansai Airport’s mascot, Sorayan. She is adorable!
We arrived at Osaka Itami Airport at sunset and went to the observation deck.
Justin and I saw this Japan Airlines plane on the tarmac at sunset
Other Pick Ups Besides Namba Station
The Osaka Itami Airport Limousine Bus also has departures from:
- Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station, Universal Studios Japan, Kansai International Airport
- Kyoto: Kyoto Station
- Hyogo: Himeji Station, Kobe Sannomiya Station
- Nara: Nara Station
There are other pick-up spots not mentioned. Click here to see the bus schedule and pricing for the other locations.
Final Thoughts
We hope you consider taking Osaka Itami Airport to travel to other areas of Japan. It’s a small airport and easy to navigate. Plus, it’s a smooth process to travel from Namba to Osaka Airport (or vice versa) by bus.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Osaka, check out the blog posts we’ve written:
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