Quick Answer
Sannomiya is Kobe's main transport hub with JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Port Liner, and subway lines converging. Osaka is 20-30 minutes away (JR Special Rapid or Hankyu Limited Express). Kyoto is about 50 minutes by JR. Kobe's compact geography means most areas are within 20 minutes of Sannomiya. The Kobe City Subway connects north-south. Get a ICOCA card (Kansai equivalent of Suica) for all trains and buses.
Train Lines
| Line | Key Stations | Destinations | IC Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Tokaido/Sanyo Line | Sannomiya, Kobe, Shin-Nagata | Osaka (20 min), Himeji (40 min) | ICOCA/Suica |
| Hankyu Kobe Line | Kobe-Sannomiya, Okamoto | Osaka-Umeda (27 min), Kyoto | ICOCA/Suica |
| Hanshin Main Line | Kobe-Sannomiya, Motomachi | Osaka-Namba (40 min direct) | ICOCA/Suica |
| Kobe City Subway | Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe (Shinkansen) | Shin-Kobe, Tanigami | ICOCA/Suica |
Buses & Other
Kobe City Bus covers the city (¥210 flat fare). The City Loop (green retro bus) connects major tourist spots including Kitano, Harborland, and Chinatown (¥260, day pass ¥700). Port Liner connects Sannomiya to Kobe Airport on Port Island (18 min, ¥340). Cycling is practical in flat coastal areas — Kobe has bike parking at stations and bike-share services. Shin-Kobe Station (one subway stop from Sannomiya) connects to the Shinkansen.
FAQ
Q: How do I get from Kobe to Osaka?
A: JR Special Rapid from Sannomiya to Osaka (20 min, ¥410), Hankyu Limited Express to Umeda (27 min, ¥320), or Hanshin to Namba (40 min, ¥420). Multiple options throughout the day.
Q: How do I get to Kobe Airport?
A: Port Liner from Sannomiya Station — 18 minutes, ¥340. Kobe Airport serves domestic flights. For international flights, take the Bay Shuttle ferry to Kansai International Airport (30 min, ¥1,880).
Disclaimer
Fares and schedules may change. Use Google Maps or Navitime for current routes.
Last updated: April 2026.