How to Get to Universal Studios Japan: Bus or Train?

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Osaka, but do you understand how to get to Universal Studios Japan and which way is the best, bus or train. Here are the introductions of the best way to Universal Studios Japan from major starting points in Osaka: Kansai International Airport, Itami Airport, Shin-Osaka Station, Umeda/Osaka Station and Namba Station.

This transportation guide to get to Universal Studios Japan also includes recommended budget-friendly passes with unlimited rides of trains in Kansai area.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

From Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport is the largest and most-used airport in Kansai Area. Want to head to Universal Studios Japan directly just after landing on Osaka from your countries or distant areas in Japan by air? In that case, this guide to how to get from Kansai Internation Airport to Universal Studios Japan helps you. With some train pass like JR West Kansai Area Pass, train is a good option to move. On the hand, bus is easier to use than trains, so it is recommended especially for first time visitors.

Time: 70 mins (bus)/65 mins (train)

Fare: 1,550 yen (bus)/around 1,200 yen(train)

Train

60 mins from Kansai International Airport to Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) by JR Hanwa Line (Kansai International Airport Express Line)

5 mins from Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) to Universal-City Station by JR Yumesaki Line (a.k.a. Sakurajima Line)

Bus

Terminal 1 (International Terminal Arriving Lobby)

Bus departs to Universal Studios Japan from the platform No.3 on the map below

Terminal 2

Bus departs to Universal Studios Japan from the platform No.7 on the map below

From Itami Airport

Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport) is located a little far from the center of Osaka city. In the case of train, you need to change trains for some times. Too complicated and troubling for the strange around there. It is highly recommended to take a bus to get from Itami Airport to Universal Studios Japan. Much easier and faster!

Time: 40–45mins (bus)/50–60 mins (train)

Fare: 930 yen (bus)/around 600 yen(train)

Bus

Bus departs to Universal Studios Japan from the platform No.1 on the map below

From Shin-Osaka Station

There are many visitors who start your USJ trip from Shin-Osaka Station since Shinkansen (bullet train) arrives there from Tokyo or other major areas in Japan. Please be noted that shuttle bus is unavailable from Shin-Osaka Station to Universal Studios Japan.

Train

Time: 15–20 mins (train)

Fare: around 400 yen(train)

4-5 mins from Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅) to Osaka Station (大阪駅) by JR Kobe Line

5 mins from Osaka Station (大阪駅) to Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) by JR Osaka Loop Line (JR大阪環状線)

5 mins from Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) to Universal-City Station by JR Yumesaki Line (a.k.a. Sakurajima Line)

*From Osaka Station, direct train sometimes departs to Universal-City Station. With the train, you don’t need to change train at Nishi-kujo Station.

From Osaka Station (Umeda Station)

Osaka Station and Umeda Station are located really close. If you stay near Osaka Station or Umeda Station, please refer to this train guide. Train is the best way from Osaka Station to Universal Studios Japan.

Time: 10–12 mins (train)

Fare: around 180 yen(train)

Train

5 mins from Osaka Station (大阪駅) to Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) by JR Osaka Loop Line (JR大阪環状線)

5 mins from Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) to Universal-City Station by JR Yumesaki Line (a.k.a. Sakurajima Line)

*From Osaka Station, direct train sometimes departs to Universal-City Station. With the train, you don’t need to change train at Nishi-kujo Station.

From Namba Station

Namba Station is one of the most used train station since there are a great number of tourist attractions including Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi with numerous restaurants and shops. Here is the direction from Namba Station/Osaka-Namba Station by train.

Time: 30 mins (train)

Fare: around 360 yen(train)

Train

10 mins walk from Namba Station (なんば駅)to Osaka-Namba Station (大阪難波駅)

*Namba Station (なんば駅) is different one from Osaka-Namba Station (大阪難波駅)

10 mins from Osaka-Namba Station (大阪難波駅) to Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) by Hanshin-Namba Line (阪神なんば線)

5 mins from Nishi-kujo Station (西九条駅) to Universal-City Station by JR Yumesaki Line (a.k.a. Sakurajima Line)

The best way to get to Universal Studios Japan from these starting points except Itami Airport is train. With the train pass, you can move around there without extra cost. Additionally, you can book the economical passes online.

▶ JR West Kansai Area Pass (with your choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4-Day)

You can also book Studio Pass for Universal Studios Japan online!

▶ Book Universal Studios Japan: Studio Pass

If you have a plan to travel in Kansai Area including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, JR West Kansai Area Pass or the set passes are really recommended to purchase. Book them online before you leave your country!!

▽For info about more USJ passes, check out this perfect Universal Studios Japan pass guide!!▽

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