Osaka Airport (Itami) is the main hub for domestic flights in the Kansai region, approximately 15 km from Osaka's city center.
Unlike Kansai International, it handles exclusively domestic flights, making it convenient for arrivals from other Japanese cities.
How to get to Osaka International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ITM
Parking near Osaka International Airport
Adjacent to the terminal stands a multi-level parking structure.
Rates are in line with Japanese standards for a city airport.
How to get to Osaka from ITM
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Kansai KIX Airport: Private Transfer to/from Osaka or Kyoto
Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Osaka
Itami Airport (ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto
Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Share Transfer to/from Osaka
Car rental at Osaka International Airport
Large car rental companies operate with dedicated desks near the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP); remember that driving is on the left in Japan.
Hotels near Osaka International Airport
Umeda
Direct limousine bus from stop 9 at the airport to Osaka/Umeda in around 30 minutes (650 yen); a slower alternative via monorail and the Midosuji subway with a change at Senri-Chuo, rarely used with luggage.
Best for: Anyone wanting Osaka's most central and best-connected district, amid skyscrapers, department stores and the city's busiest station.
- Grand Front Osaka, the office towers and Osaka/Umeda station within walking distance of the area's hotels
- A hub with JR, Hankyu, Hanshin and several subway lines to move in any direction across the city
- An office and department-store district, less picturesque than Namba's alleys in the evening
- Spread across different stations (Umeda, Higashi-Umeda, Osaka-Umeda) depending on the line: check which one is closest to the chosen hotel
Recommended hotels
- Conrad Osaka On the upper floors of the Nakanoshima Festival Tower West, less than a kilometre from Umeda and linked to Higobashi and Watanabebashi stations; an indoor pool with city views. View availability
- InterContinental Osaka by IHG Inside the Grand Front Osaka complex, about a 3-minute walk from Umeda station on the Midosuji line; the complex's restaurants and shops are accessible without stepping outside. View availability
Namba
Direct limousine bus from stop 10 at the airport to Namba in around 30 minutes (650 yen).
Best for: Anyone wanting Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi's nightlife within walking distance, with a transfer from the airport practically identical to the one for Umeda.
- Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Kuromon market within walking distance of the area's hotels
- Same transfer time as Umeda, so no trade-off for anyone who prefers this atmosphere
- A tourist area, crowded and noisy until late on weekends
- Less suited to anyone taking the Shinkansen, for whom Shin-Osaka stays more convenient
Recommended hotels
- Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka About a 5-minute walk from Nankai Namba station, in the heart of the Dotonbori area; contemporary design and a rooftop bar. View availability
- Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba A more affordable chain hotel in the same Namba area, designed for anyone who wants the central location without the price of a 5-star. View availability
Shin-Osaka
Direct limousine bus from stop 8 at the airport to Shin-Osaka in around 25 minutes (510 yen), the fastest link between Itami and the three districts.
Best for: Anyone taking the Shinkansen the next day and wanting the shortest route from Itami on this list.
- The fastest transfer from the airport among the areas on this list, around 25 minutes
- The Shinkansen station a minute's walk from some hotels, convenient for anyone heading on to Tokyo or Hiroshima
- An office and station district, with less evening life than Umeda or Namba
- For Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi you need a metro change of about ten minutes
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station About a minute's walk from Shin-Osaka's north exit, along the pedestrian walkway leading to the Shinkansen platforms; direct access to JR, subway and local lines. View availability
- Four Points Flex by Sheraton Shin Osaka A more affordable alternative in the same station area, convenient for anyone arriving late by bus and leaving early the next day on the Shinkansen. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact compared to Kansai International, dedicated exclusively to domestic traffic.
It is better to be at the airport with 1.5 hours of buffer time if you are traveling with flights.
Map of Osaka International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Does Itami handle international flights?
No, Osaka Airport (Itami) is dedicated exclusively to domestic flights; for international flights, the Kansai region is served by Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Q. How do you get to downtown Osaka from Itami?
The easiest way is the limousine bus to Osaka Station (Umeda), about 30 minutes for 730 yen.
Q. How much does a taxi cost from Itami to downtown Osaka?
About 5,500-6,500 yen, for a route of about 15 km (with taxi apps like DiDi you can get discounts).
Q. Is Itami also connected to Kyoto and Kobe?
Yes, with dedicated limousine bus lines, in addition to Osaka.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
Nearby Airports
Things to do in Osaka
Osaka: Sumo Experience with Live Show & Audience Challenge
Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour Shinsekai: 15 Tastings 3 Drinks
Osaka: Castle Tower Admission / Guided Walking Tour
