Osaka Transportation Guide: A Must-Read to Avoid Getting Lost!

🚍 Osaka Transportation Overview ✈️ Airports 「Kansai International Airport (KIX)」: Osaka's main international airport with global connections. 「Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)」: Primarily serves domestic flights and some international charters, located closer to the city than KIX. 🚂 Trains 「JR West」: Operates multiple lines like the Osaka Loop Line, Kyoto Line, Kobe Line, and Nara Line, connecting major Kansai cities. 「Hankyu/Hanshin/Kintetsu Railways」: Other private railways covering Kansai with various ticket options. 🚇 Osaka Metro 9 subway lines serving major attractions (e.g., Shinsaibashi, Osaka Castle). 🚌 Osaka Municipal Bus Ideal for short transfers, with an extensive but complex route network. 🚕 Taxis Starting fare: ¥660 (1.3 km), then ¥100 per 260 meters. Nighttime surcharges apply. 🚲 Osaka City Bike Share Requires the "Bike Share Service" app. First 30 mins: ¥165, then ¥165 per additional 30 mins. 💳 Common Transit Cards 1️⃣ ICOCA/Suica (IC Cards) ● Use: Works on Osaka Metro, municipal buses, and JR West—skip paper tickets! ● Purchase: Buy physical cards (¥500 deposit) at KIX JR counters or metro ticket machines. Apple users can add e-Suica. 2️⃣ 1-Day Pass "Enjoy Eco Card" ● Best for: Tourists visiting multiple spots in one day (🌟Perfect for power travelers!). ● Use: Unlimited rides on Osaka Metro and municipal buses, plus discounts at select attractions (excludes Dream Island Station, IKEA Tsuruhama/USJ buses, on-demand buses, and Morinomiya/Kyobashi loop buses). ● Price: Weekdays ¥820, weekends/holidays ¥620. 3️⃣ Kansai Mini Rail Pass ● Best for: Frequent travelers between Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Osaka. ● Use: Unlimited rides on select JR West local trains (check covered routes on JR West’s website). ● Price: 3-day pass ¥3,000. 🚇 JR/Private Rail/Metro Tips 1. Boarding Tips Stations often combine Shinkansen, JR, private rails, and subways—easy to get lost! 「Pro Tip」: Use Google Maps to check platform numbers and verify train info on station screens before boarding. 2. Last Trains Most subways/private rails end service between 23:30–00:00. ⚠️ Important Notes 1️⃣ Shinkansen Luggage Rules: Oversized luggage (sum of sides: 160–250 cm) requires advance reservation (¥1,000 fee if unreserved). 2️⃣ Seat Types: Shinkansen/JR HARUKA offer "Reserved" and "Non-Reserved" seats (assigned vs. open seating). Sitting in the wrong section may incur extra charges! 3️⃣ Priority Seats: Turn off phones near subway priority seats (to avoid interfering with pacemakers). 4️⃣ Taxi Apps: Uber/DiDi/Go are available but pricier than regular taxis. Search 🔍【Osaka Local Guide】for more insider tips!