[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

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[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

A thorough explanation of how to get from Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba in Osaka Minami. We will introduce three routes in total: two routes using the airport limousine bus and one route using the monorail and train!

Latest update :
Minatomachi Development Center Co., Ltd.

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One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is the stop for express buses departing and arriving at all over Japan, as well as buses to Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport for departures around the world. As OCAT has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy food from all over the world. There are also many stores where you can do your everyday shopping, making it a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind, not just while waiting for the bus. On the first basement floor of OCAT, Ponte Square is a large sphere that sparkles in the sunlight. This open-air space with a view of the blue sky is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.

The way from Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba in Osaka Minami is complicated and very difficult for first-time visitors to understand.

I left the airport wanting to enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and sightseeing in Namba, Minami, Osaka, but I don't know how to get there.

What is the difference between the destinations of the airport limousine bus "JR Namba Station (OCAT)" and "Namba Station"? Can't I go to "Namba" from the monorail's Osaka International Airport Station? Can I get on the monorail or bus if I have a suitcase?

We will answer all your concerns.

A thorough evaluation of how to get to Namba, Minami, Osaka

We will introduce an overview of three routes in total: two routes using the airport limousine bus and one route using the monorail and train.

1. [Fastest route] Take the airport limousine bus from JR Namba Station (OCAT) to Namba

This is the quickest way to get there, taking about 25 minutes from bus stop number 10 in the South Terminal of Osaka Itami International Airport.

Furthermore, the OCAT bus terminal, where you will get off, is indoors and is connected to the Osaka Metro, Kintetsu, and Hanshin Namba stations, as well as shopping facilities such as Takashimaya, via an underground mall, so you can get to the center of Namba in Osaka's Minami district without getting wet even on rainy days.

The fare is 730 yen (as of June 2025).

② [Beginner Course] Head to Namba Station by Airport Limousine Bus

There are many bus services, and if you take one, you can reach the center of Namba, Minami, Osaka without having to transfer, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

The ride takes about 35 minutes, and the fare is 730 yen, the same as the fastest route ① (as of June 2025).

However, since the bus stop is off-street and the drop-off area is on the first floor, passengers can get wet, especially when it rains, and it can be difficult to find access to get on and off the bus to transfer to the subway, etc.

3. [Cheapest route] Take the train or monorail to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line

First, you have to take the monorail, then the Hankyu line, and then the Osaka Metro, and you have to transfer twice, and the transfer at Umeda Station is so crowded that you may get lost, so it's a difficult route until you get used to it. Also, the Hankyu line and the Osaka Metro are often used by commuters, so you need to be careful when traveling with large luggage.

However, the fare is just 680 yen (as of June 2025), making it the cheapest way to travel, and it's the perfect route if you're heading to Namba while stopping off at Umeda and Shinsaibashi.

The ride takes approximately 26 minutes, but since you have to transfer twice, you will need to add an additional 20 minutes or so to your travel time.

Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare.

Location of the three destinations

No matter which route you take (1) to (3), you can use your IC card in the unreserved seats.

The locations of the alighting points are ① JR Namba Station (OCAT), ② Namba Station, and ③ Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

No matter which bus stop or station you get off at, you can fully enjoy the charms of Namba. In addition, JR Namba Station (OCAT) is connected to Kintetsu and Osaka Metro Nihonbashi Station via the underground shopping malls OCAT Walk and Namba Walk on Sennichimae Street, so you can travel between JR, Kintetsu, Hanshin, Osaka Metro, and Nankai Namba Stations and Kintetsu, Osaka Metro Nihonbashi, and Takashimaya without worrying about the weather.

What is OCAT, the bus terminal directly connected to JR Namba Station?

OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) is the largest bus terminal in western Japan and is directly connected to JR Namba Station. It also houses offices, restaurants, and shopping facilities.

The second floor bus terminal has limousine buses to Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport, as well as intercity express buses from Sendai in the north to Kumamoto in the south.

On the rooftop, there is a rooftop garden with approximately 10,000 plants of 200 species of perennial herbs such as lavender and rosemary, and trees, serving as a place of relaxation for citizens as an "urban oasis."

OCAT is also a frequent venue for music performances, and the outdoor Ponte Square is a place where Osaka's young street dance community comes to practice and socialize.

OCAT/Osaka City Air Terminal

OCAT/Osaka City Air Terminal

1-4-1 Minato-cho, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0017
Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) is a multi-purpose commercial complex located in Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka. It is home to the South Osaka City Bus Terminal and the Kansai International Airport bus terminal, and is directly connected to JR Namba Station. The six-storey commercial floors also house shops, restaurants, travel agencies and a tourist information centre. OCAT is also a frequent venue for music performances, and the outdoor "Ponte Square" is a place where Osaka's young street dance community can practice and socialise. In addition, an urban dance contest is held here every August.

Check the latest information on the OCAT official website

[Fastest route] ①How to get to JR Namba Station (OCAT) by Airport Limousine Bus

Here is the route from the central block of Osaka Itami International Airport (2nd floor arrivals) to JR Namba Station (OCAT). The route is connected to JR, Osaka Metro, Kintetsu and Hanshin Namba stations and commercial facilities such as Takashimaya via an underground mall. Please note that as this is a bus, your arrival may be delayed if you get caught in traffic on the Hanshin Expressway.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you leave the central block of Osaka Itami International Airport (2nd floor arrivals), go straight and head towards the exit.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes
[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you go outside, there will be an elevator right in front of you, so please use that to go down to the first floor. Also, if you turn right, there is an escalator and stairs that you can use to go down to the first floor as well.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you get off the elevator on the first floor, you will see a guide sign. Follow the sign and turn left to platform 10. After you go down the escalator or stairs, head towards platform 10, which you will see ahead of you.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Buses going to Namba Station and JR Namba Station (OCAT) depart from the same bus stop, No. 10. Buses going to JR Namba Station (OCAT) only run once per hour from the first train until around 4pm, but there are three buses per hour after 4pm. Therefore, it is important to check the timetable carefully until around 4pm. Buses going to JR Namba Station (OCAT) also go to Namba Station.

Also, staff will load large luggage onto the bus, so you only need to bring small luggage onto the bus.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

You will arrive at platform 10 of OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal). After getting off, collect your baggage and go left. OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) is on the second floor, so take the elevator on your right to go down to the first floor.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

You can also go down to the first floor by taking the escalator ahead of you, without taking the elevator. However, the down escalator has an entrance further back, so please be careful not to get on the escalator in front of you. It will take you up to the third floor.

[Beginner Course] ②How to get to Namba Station by Airport Limousine Bus

Here is the route from the central block of Osaka Itami International Airport (2nd floor arrival gate) to Namba Station. There are many bus services, and if you are on one, you can reach Namba without changing buses, making it ideal for first-time visitors. However, since the bus stop is on the 1st floor and is off-street, you may get wet, especially in rainy weather, and it may be difficult to find a lift to transfer to the subway. Please note that as this is a bus, your arrival may be delayed if you get caught in traffic on the Hanshin Expressway.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you leave the central block of Osaka Itami International Airport (2nd floor arrivals), go straight and head towards the exit.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes
[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you go outside, there will be an elevator right in front of you, so please use that to go down to the first floor. Also, if you turn right, there is an escalator and stairs that you can use to go down to the first floor as well.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you get off the elevator on the first floor, you will see a guide sign. Follow the sign and turn left to platform 10. After you go down the escalator or stairs, head towards platform 10, which you will see ahead of you.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Buses going to Namba Station and JR Namba Station (OCAT) depart from the same bus stop, bus number 10. Buses going to Namba Station depart about three times per hour from the first departure, so please board the bus that comes. Note that buses going to JR Namba Station (OCAT) also go to Namba Station.

Also, staff will load large luggage onto the bus, so you only need to bring small luggage onto the bus.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

The bus stop in front of Namba Station is off-street, so you will need to take measures to keep your luggage dry in rainy weather.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

After getting off the bus, you can enter the underground mall from Osaka Metro Exit 7 on your right to get to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Namba Station on the Nankai Line. However, as there are only stairs, it may be difficult to move luggage etc.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

After getting off the bus, turn left into the Osaka Metro Namba Building and you can take the elevator down to the basement floor. However, the passageways leading to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Namba Station on the Nankai Line require you to go up and down stairs, so moving luggage etc. can be difficult.

[Cheapest route] 3. How to get to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line by train or monorail

Here is the route from Osaka Itami International Airport Central Block (2nd floor arrivals) to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. First, you will need to take the monorail, then transfer to the Hankyu Railway, and then to the Osaka Metro twice. The transfer at Umeda Station is so crowded that you may get lost, so it is a difficult route until you get used to it. Also, the Hankyu Railway and Osaka Metro are often used by commuters and students, so you should be careful when traveling with large trunks.

However, once you get used to it, it is the cheapest route and allows you to fully enjoy Osaka from Kita to Minami. Also, since it is a train, it is a route that is rarely delayed.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you leave the central block of Osaka Itami International Airport (2nd floor arrivals), go straight and head towards the exit.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Take the escalator/stairs ahead on the left.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Once you reach the top, turn right and go straight.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Enter Osaka Monorail Osaka Airport Station, which you will see ahead of you, and head towards the platform through the ticket gate on the right.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

Osaka Airport Station is the last stop, so please board the first monorail and get off at the first stop, Hotarugaike Station.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

After exiting the ticket gate, turn right and head towards Hotarugaike Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

After passing through the ticket gates, turn right and go to the platform level. You can take any train to Umeda, but we recommend the express train.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you arrive at Umeda Station, there will be signs for multiple routes leading to Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, so look at the signs near where you get off the train and make your way to Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

There are three ticket gates at Umeda Station: the North Gate, the Middle Gate, and the South Gate. The photo shows the North Gate.

Also, please be careful because Osaka Metro has Higashi Umeda Station on the Tanimachi Line and Nishi Umeda Station on the Yotsubashi Line near Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line. However, even if you get on the wrong line, you can still get to Namba Station on the Yotsubashi Line, and if you take the Tanimachi Line, you can get to Namba Station by transferring to the Sennichimae Line at Tanimachi Kyuchome Station, so don't panic and take your next step.

[2025 Update] From Osaka Itami International Airport to Namba, Osaka Minami! Explaining how to get there via 3 routes

When you arrive at Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, choose the exit that best suits your destination. The photo shows the Northeast ticket gate.

Enjoy sightseeing in Namba, Minami, Osaka!

Namba is a lively area with many tourist attractions.

Once you arrive at Namba, be sure to use this article as a reference to head to downtown Osaka and enjoy sightseeing!

Minatomachi Development Center Co., Ltd.

One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is the stop for express buses departing and arriving at all over Japan, as well as buses to Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport for departures around the world. As OCAT has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy food from all over the world. There are also many stores where you can do your everyday shopping, making it a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind, not just while waiting for the bus. On the first basement floor of OCAT, Ponte Square is a large sphere that sparkles in the sunlight. This open-air space with a view of the blue sky is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.

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