Home › Train Tickets › Osaka to Kobe

Osaka to Kobe by Shinkansen

Osaka to Kobe is a very short hop. The Shinkansen links Shin Osaka and Shin Kobe in about 13 minutes, though many travellers use the cheaper JR rapid or the private lines. Here is how the Shinkansen option works.

Check live fares & book →

Fastest

13 min (Shinkansen)

Typical

20 to 25 min (JR rapid)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 35 km

Daily services

frequent through the day

JR Pass

Sakura, Hikari and Kodama covered; Nozomi and Mizuho need a supplement

Osaka to Kobe ticket prices

One-way fares by seat class. Return simply doubles the fare.

Seat class	Price (AUD)	Good to know
Non-reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 14	Cheapest Shinkansen seat
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 27	Guaranteed seat
JR Special Rapid	from AUD 4	Local train to central Kobe

Fares are indicative from prices and vary by date and train. The live fare is shown when you search. For such a short hop many travellers simply take the JR Special Rapid to Sannomiya.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Osaka–Kobe route direct — they differ in how many stations they skip.

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Nozomi or Mizuho	13 min	Fastest, but need a supplement with a pass	Supplement required
Sakura or Hikari	13 min	Same speed, covered by the pass	Covered by JR Pass
JR Special Rapid	20 to 25 min	Cheaper local option to Sannomiya	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Osaka → Kobe departures.

Depart Osaka	Arrive Kobe	Train	Duration
07:00	07:13	Sakura	13 min
09:12	09:25	Nozomi	13 min
12:00	12:13	Hikari	13 min
15:12	15:25	Nozomi	13 min
18:12	18:25	Sakura	13 min

Indicative departures. Shin Kobe is a subway ride from central Kobe. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

Shin Kobe is not central

Shin Kobe Station sits above the city; it is a short subway ride down to Sannomiya in central Kobe.

Consider the JR rapid

For a few dollars the JR Special Rapid runs to Sannomiya in about 20 minutes and is often more convenient.

Use a pass if you have one

Pass holders can take a Sakura or Hikari at no extra cost, or the JR rapid.

Great as a day trip

Kobe pairs easily with Osaka or Kyoto for a day of harbour views and beef.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Osaka to Kobe bullet train?

From about AUD 14 one way for a non reserved Shinkansen seat. The JR Special Rapid is cheaper again at around AUD 4.

How long does it take?

About 13 minutes on the Shinkansen from Shin Osaka to Shin Kobe, or 20 to 25 minutes on the JR rapid to central Kobe.

Is the Shinkansen worth it?

Only if you already hold a pass or value the few minutes saved. The JR rapid drops you closer to the centre for less.

Which station is central in Kobe?

Sannomiya is the central station, a short subway ride from Shin Kobe.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes on the Sakura, Hikari, Kodama and the JR rapid. The Nozomi and Mizuho need a supplement.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Osaka → Kyoto Tokyo → Kobe Osaka → Hiroshima All train tickets →

Ready to book Osaka to Kobe?

Reserve your seat, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

Check live fares & book →

Booking is handled by our travel booking partner. We may earn a commission — it never changes your price.