A lively city located in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka is the place to be if you’re looking to let loose. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out at Universal Studios Japan, exciting nightlife at Umeda and Dotonbori, or planning day trips to Kyoto and Kobe, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here.
But with so much to do in and around Osaka, you might find yourself spending too much on transportation if you’re not careful. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of tips for the best ways to get around Osaka on a budget. Read on below to know more:
1. Plan a walkable itinerary
Exploring on foot is the best way to get around Osaka on a budget.
When you’re creating your Osaka itinerary, it’s best to group nearby attractions together so you can visit them on foot and save your yen. For example, you can visit Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori during the day, then Denden Town for video games and anime souvenirs, and even Tsutenkaku to go up the tower for panoramic views of the city at night.
Similarly, you can also go to Umeda during the daytime for the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, then head up the Umeda Sky Building in the afternoon for sunset views of the city. From there, you can experience a different side of Osaka by visiting the high-rise cocktail bars, bustling underground pubs, and trendy nightclubs.
2. Take public transportation as much as possible
Travel hassle-free on the Osaka Metro and Osaka City Buses with the Osaka Metro Pass. (Credit: Alan W | Unsplash)
While you can see many of Osaka’s attractions on foot, you’ll still need to take public transportation for those located outside the city center. Key options include:
- Osaka Metro: A subway system that conveniently connects central Osaka to key attractions around the city such as Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and more.
- City Buses: An extensive bus network ideal for visiting locations that are further away from train stations, or for exploring local neighborhoods in Osaka.
Other options include shared transfers such as the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t for travel between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka, as well as bus transfers for Universal Studios Japan. These convenient, point-to-point transfers are available at affordable prices, which save you the cost of renting private taxis.
3. Use local train lines
Taking local trains instead of the Shinkansen is a cost-effective way to visit cities in Kansai. (Credit: Sho K | Unsplash)
If you’re not in a rush, one of the best ways to get around Osaka, as well as to other cities in the region, is by taking local trains. While they typically take longer than Shinkansen trains, you can save anywhere from a few hundred yen to a thousand yen per trip, which adds up in the long run. Some popular routes include:
- KIX <> Umeda Station: Kansaikuko Line, Osaka Loop Line
- Osaka Station <> Kyoto Station: Tokaido-Sanyo Line
- Osaka Station <> Kobe Station: Tokaido-Sanyo Line and Kobe Line
Klook tip: The Kansai Railway Pass is a great option to save money if you’re planning to take day trips to other cities in the region like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. This gives you unlimited use of most non-JR trains in the Kansai Region, including intercity lines and the subways of Osaka and Kobe. Note that this pass no longer includes unlimited use of Kyoto subways as of 1 Apr 2026.
4. Get a regional JR Pass
Traveling a lot with the Shinkansen? Get a JR Kansai Pass to save some yen.
In case you really need to take the Shinkansen, then we recommend getting a JR Kansai Area Pass to save some money, especially if you’re frequently traveling from Osaka to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. If you’ll be traveling deeper in Kansai, such as to Tottori and Kurashiki, then you can also opt for the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass instead for better coverage in the region.
5. Try the Osaka Amazing Pass for discounts on transportation and attractions
Enjoy discounted entry to the Kuchu Teien Observatory with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
If you want to maximize your yen, why not consider the Osaka Amazing Pass? With free entry to 40+ different attractions in the city, along with unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro, Osaka City Bus (except certain routes), and private railway lines such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, and Nankai, it’s definitely one of the best ways to get around Osaka on a budget.
Klook tip: Planning to get a different Osaka transport pass but still want to visit top attractions in the city? Check out the Osaka E-PASS instead, which offers discounted entry to 25+ attractions in Osaka, including Umeda Sky Building and Tsutenkaku Tower.
Now that you know everything there is to know about the best ways to get around Osaka, all that’s left to do is finalize your itinerary, pack your bags, and you’re all set. Make sure to book any travel essentials ahead of time, such as your Japan eSIM and insurance. Happy travels!
Check out the following guides for things to do with a small budget in Osaka:
FAQs about the best ways to get around Osaka
1. What is the best pass to get around Osaka?
This depends on your itinerary. We recommend the following passes:
- Osaka Metro Card: Also called the Osaka Metro Pass, this gives you unlimited rides on Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus journeys for 1-2 days. Best if you’ll be staying only in Osaka.
- Kansai Railway Pass: Unlimited rides on local trains in Kansai, covering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and more, as well as the subways in Osaka and Kobe. Best if you’re traveling via non-JR trains in the Kansai region.
- JR Kansai Area Pass or JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass: Unlimited rides on Shinkansen trains across Kansai. Best if you’ll be traveling between cities throughout the region.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: Unlimited rides on Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus routes, private railway lines such as Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, and Nankai, and free entry to 40+ attractions in the city. Best for a comprehensive Osaka-only itinerary.
2. How much does it cost to get around Osaka?
It typically costs about USD4-7 per day (JPY600-1,000) to travel around Osaka using the local trains and buses. You can enjoy savings on transport within Osaka with passes such as the Osaka Metro Pass, Kansai Railway Pass, and the Osaka Amazing Pass. A JPY100 discount is also available for transfers from the subway to a bus when you use an IC card like ICOCA.
3. How much is an Osaka 1 day metro pass?
An Osaka Metro 1 Day Pass costs approximately USD6 (JPY1,000). Meanwhile, an Osaka Metro 2 Day Pass costs about USD10 (JPY1,700).
4. Is the Osaka E-Pass worth it?
Yes, as it gives you access to 25 of Osaka’s best sightseeing spots with just one purchase. You’ll also get to access some unconventional ways to explore the city through various cruises, including one with a live jazz band.
5. Is it cheaper to use buses or trains in Osaka?
This depends on your itinerary. While Osaka City Buses charge a flat fare of JPY210, routes typically don’t cover key attractions in the city. The Osaka Metro, on the other hand, has distance-based fares that start from JPY190, connecting central Osaka to key locations. You’ll likely be using the train more, or use a combination of both.
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