Osaka City Bus

In Osaka, where subways and trains dominate public transportation, the city bus remains a cost-effective travel option. 

Get on Osaka's City Bus

How much is Osaka City Bus?

For all routes of Osaka City Bus, a unified fare system applies:
• Adults (12+ years old): 210 yen
• Children (6-11 years old): 110 yen
• Infants (1-5 years old): Up to 2 infants can ride free with one adult
• Babies (under 1 year old): Free of charge

What Bus Can I Take & Where Can I Get to?

The Local Bus is the most frequently utilized buses in the city, operating from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm generally with a bus coming every 20 minutes. Conveniently, Osaka Station, just a 2-minute walk from JR Osaka Station provides direct access to most attractions in downtown Osaka. 

Accessible Attractions	Approx. Travel Time from Osaka Station
Osaka Castle Park	23 min
Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori	21 min
Kuromon Ichiba Market	15 min, with a metro transfer
Tsutenkaku Tower	17 min, with a metro transfer
Shitennoji Temple	47 min
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan	48 min

While Osaka City Bus also operates the rapid transit Imazato Liner and the express Ikea-Tsuruhama Bus, these services are not covered here due to their limited utility to tourists.

How to Take an Osaka City Bus?

In an Osaka City Bus

1. Wait at the designated bus stop. For real-time bus location updates, use Google Map searches, while some bus stop board also display.

2. Board with caution. Upon arrival, verify the route number and destination direction.

3. Enter from the rear, exit via the front. No need to pay the fare until you exit. 

4. Press the stop button in advance. When it is near your stop, press the button on the back of the front seat or beside the back door to signal the driver and then exit.

How to Pay on Osaka City Bus?

Cards: The Swift and Effortless Choice

For seamless travel on Osaka city buses, leverage cards like ICOCA, Suica, PiTaPa, PASMO, Kitaka, manaca, TOICA, Hayakaken, nimoca, and SUGOCA. Simply tap your card to pay. In case of insufficient balance, the driver can assist with topping up at the on-board machine.

Passes: Maximizing Cost Savings

Frequent travelers (more than three bus or subway rides daily) in Osaka may consider travel passes, which offer discounts on buses, subways, trains, and attractions, ensuring cost-effective travel. According to your itinerary, you can choose from passes for downtown Osaka, between Osaka and neighboring cities, as well as for the entire Kansai region.

Note that their usage varies upon exiting: magnetic passes require a tap, while paper or electronic passes must be shown to the driver.

Cash: Another Option

Insert bills or coins into the designated slots. For denominations up to 1,000 yen, the machine provides automatic change. For larger bills, the driver will assist with the change.

A City Bus in Himeji, Osaka

See More Kinds of Osaka Buses

Osaka Express Bus

Osaka Sightseeing Bus

Osaka Water Bus