With the opening of Terminal 2 (T2) and the launch of international flights from Taiwan, South Korea, and other destinations, Kobe Airport has become an increasingly convenient gateway for travel in the Kansai region.

Kobe Airport may be best known as an airport for travelers heading to Kobe or Osaka.

However, because you can travel directly by bus to Shin-Kobe Station, where the Shinkansen stops, the airport is also a convenient option for trips to Okayama and Nagoya.

In particular, passengers arriving on international flights can board a local Shinki Bus bound for Shin-Kobe Station directly from Bus Stop A at Terminal 2 (T2).

This creates a simple route:

Kobe Airport T2｜Bus Stop A
↓
Local bus (Shinki Bus)
↓
Shin-Kobe Station
↓
Shinkansen
↓
Okayama or Nagoya

If you take the Port Liner instead, you first need to walk from T2 to Kobe Airport Station on the Terminal 1 (T1) side. You must then transfer to the subway at Sannomiya Station.

For international travelers carrying large suitcases, the bus is a convenient option because it takes you from T2 to Shin-Kobe Station without any transfers.

This article provides a detailed guide to traveling from Kobe Airport to Okayama and Nagoya.

Why Kobe Airport Is Also Convenient for Travel to Okayama and Nagoya

One of Kobe Airport’s advantages is its compact, easy-to-navigate layout.

Compared with a large airport such as Kansai International Airport, walking distances inside the terminals are shorter and the route after arrival is relatively straightforward.

Sannomiya in central Kobe is also only about 18 minutes away by Port Liner.

For travelers planning to use the Shinkansen, the Shinki Bus service connecting Kobe Airport and Shin-Kobe Station is especially convenient.

Because the bus goes directly to Shin-Kobe Station, you can follow a simple route:

“Flight → Bus → Shinkansen”

This route is also convenient for travelers arriving at Kobe Airport from Taiwan or South Korea and continuing directly to Okayama or Nagoya.

Traveling to Okayama or Nagoya? Head to Shin-Kobe Station First

If you are traveling from Kobe Airport to Okayama or Nagoya, the first thing to consider is how to reach Shin-Kobe Station.

We recommend taking a local Shinki Bus from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station.

Kobe Airport → Shin-Kobe Station

• Operator: Shinki Bus
• Travel time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
• Fare: ¥340 for adults
• No transfers required to Shin-Kobe Station

Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, so allow plenty of time if you are connecting to a Shinkansen.

Board the Bus Directly at Bus Stop A Outside International Terminal 2

This is an important point for travelers arriving at Kobe Airport from overseas.

You can board a local Shinki Bus bound for Shin-Kobe Station directly from Bus Stop A at Terminal 2 (T2), where international flights arrive.

The route is as follows:

Arrive at T2
↓
Complete immigration procedures and collect your baggage
↓
Go to Bus Stop A outside T2
↓
Board a local Shinki Bus
↓
Arrive at Shin-Kobe Station

There is no need to travel to T1 to board the Port Liner.

Even if you have a large suitcase, being able to travel from T2 (Bus Stop A) to Shin-Kobe Station without changing vehicles is a major advantage.

If you are departing from Terminal 1 (T1), Shinki Bus services toward Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya leave from Bus Stop 5.

How to Get from Kobe Airport to Okayama

The recommended route from Kobe Airport to Okayama is:

Kobe Airport T2
↓ Local bus (Shinki Bus): approximately 35–40 minutes
Shin-Kobe Station
↓ Sanyo Shinkansen: approximately 31–35 minutes
Okayama Station

It is a very simple journey.

There is no need to change trains at Sannomiya Station.

STEP 1: Travel from Kobe Airport T2 to Shin-Kobe Station

After arriving at Kobe Airport T2 on an international flight, take a local Shinki Bus toward Shin-Kobe Station from Bus Stop A.

Because you can board the bus directly at T2, there is no need to walk to the T1 side, where the Port Liner’s Kobe Airport Station is located.

The bus takes you directly to Shin-Kobe Station with no transfers.

STEP 2: Travel from Shin-Kobe Station to Okayama Station

After arriving at Shin-Kobe Station, board a Sanyo Shinkansen bound for Okayama, Hiroshima, or Hakata.

You can take a train that stops at Okayama Station, such as the Nozomi, Mizuho, or Sakura.

From Shin-Kobe Station to Okayama Station:

• Travel time: Approximately 31–35 minutes
• Fare: ¥5,170 one way for an adult (example fare for a non-reserved seat)

Shin-Kobe is a relatively compact Shinkansen station, making it easier to navigate than a large terminal station.

Shinkansen trains toward Okayama generally depart from Platform 1.

Kobe Airport to Okayama Takes Just Over One Hour

Looking only at travel time, the journey is:

Kobe Airport
↓ Approximately 35–40 minutes
Shin-Kobe Station
↓ Approximately 31–35 minutes
Okayama Station

Excluding the transfer and waiting time at Shin-Kobe Station, the journey to Okayama takes just over one hour.

Okayama is closer to Kobe Airport than many travelers may expect.

Direct highway buses also operate from Kobe Airport to the west exit of Okayama Station, but some services do not depart from T2.

For international travelers arriving at T2, taking a local Shinki Bus from T2 to Shin-Kobe Station and then transferring to the Shinkansen is another straightforward option.

Direct Highway Buses from Kobe Airport to Okayama Are Also Available

Timetable
Kobe Airport T1 (Terminal 1), Bus Stop 7

Departs at 3:20 p.m. → Arrives at Okayama Station at 6:40 p.m. (Chutetsu Bus)
Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only.

Departs at 5:50 p.m. → Arrives at Okayama Station at 9:20 p.m. (Ryobi Bus)

Fare: ¥3,400

Timetable (English)

Details and Reservations (Japanese)

Information checked on September 11, 2026.

How to Get from Kobe Airport to Nagoya

When traveling to Nagoya, first head to Shin-Kobe Station.

Kobe Airport T2
↓ Local bus (Shinki Bus): approximately 35–40 minutes
Shin-Kobe Station
↓ Tokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen: approximately 1 hour
Nagoya Station

You can travel from Shin-Kobe Station to Nagoya Station without changing trains.

STEP 1: Travel from Kobe Airport T2 to Shin-Kobe Station

As with the route to Okayama, take a local Shinki Bus directly from T2.

No transfers are required before reaching Shin-Kobe Station.

There is no need to take the Port Liner via Sannomiya.

STEP 2: Travel from Shin-Kobe Station to Nagoya Station

From Shin-Kobe Station, board a Shinkansen bound for Nagoya or Tokyo.

Take a train that stops at Nagoya, such as the Nozomi, and you can travel there without changing trains.

From Shin-Kobe Station to Nagoya Station:

• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 2–4 minutes
• Fare: ¥7,470 one way for an adult (example fare for a non-reserved seat)

Shinkansen trains toward Nagoya and Tokyo generally depart from Platform 2.

You Can Also Transfer at Shin-Osaka

In most cases, taking a direct Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe Station to Nagoya Station is the simplest option.

However, Shin-Osaka Station also has services for Nagoya and Tokyo that begin their journey there.

Depending on the time you wish to travel, you may also consider this route:

Shin-Kobe
↓
Shin-Osaka
↓
Nagoya

If you have large luggage, however, we recommend checking for a direct Shin-Kobe–Nagoya train first to minimize transfers.

What If You Take the Port Liner to Shin-Kobe Station?

You can also travel from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station using the Port Liner.

However, if you are starting from T2, where international flights arrive, this route requires more walking and transfers than taking the bus.

The route is as follows:

Kobe Airport T2
↓ Walk or use another means of transport
T1 / Port Liner Kobe Airport Station
↓ Port Liner
Sannomiya Station
↓ Walk to transfer
Subway Sannomiya Station
↓ Kobe Municipal Subway
Shin-Kobe Station

In other words, the 18-minute Port Liner journey from Kobe Airport Station to Sannomiya does not take you all the way to Shin-Kobe Station.

To Use the Port Liner from T2, First Walk Toward T1

The Port Liner’s Kobe Airport Station is located on the T1 side.

There is no Port Liner station inside the international T2 building.

If you wish to use the Port Liner after arriving at T2, you must first walk toward T1 and Kobe Airport Station.

It is possible to walk from T2 to the Kobe Airport Station area.

If you are carrying a large suitcase, be sure to factor in this additional walk.

In contrast, you can board a local Shinki Bus toward Shin-Kobe Station directly at T2.

How to Transfer from the Port Liner to the Subway at Sannomiya

Another point to keep in mind when using the Port Liner is the transfer at Sannomiya.

Port Liner Sannomiya Station and the Kobe Municipal Subway’s Sannomiya Station are not inside the same ticketed area.

You must exit through the Port Liner ticket gates and walk to the subway station.

Sannomiya can be slightly confusing for first-time visitors because stations operated by JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, the subway, and the Port Liner are all clustered in the area and use the name “Sannomiya” (written as either 三宮 or 三ノ宮 in Japanese).

How to Transfer at Sannomiya

1. Get off at Port Liner Sannomiya Station

Take the Port Liner from Kobe Airport Station and get off at the final stop, Sannomiya Station (P01).

2. Exit the Port Liner ticket gates

After exiting the gates, follow signs for the subway.

3. Head to Sannomiya Station on the Seishin-Yamate Line

The line you need is the:

Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line

The station number is:

S03 Sannomiya Station

This distinction is important.

Sannomiya also has another subway station:

K01 Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station

This station is on the Kaigan Line. To travel to Shin-Kobe, use Sannomiya Station (S03) on the Seishin-Yamate Line—not Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station (K01).

International travelers can look for signs reading:

• “Seishin-Yamate Line”
• “S03 Sannomiya”
• “Shin-Kobe”

4. Board a subway train toward Shin-Kobe and Tanigami

From Sannomiya Station (S03), take a train toward Shin-Kobe and Tanigami.

5. Shin-Kobe is the next station

Sannomiya Station (S03)
↓ One stop
Shin-Kobe Station (S02)

The subway journey takes approximately two minutes.

Comparing the Bus with the Port Liner

Here is a comparison of the two ways to reach Shin-Kobe Station when traveling onward to Okayama or Nagoya.

The Port Liner is very convenient if you plan to visit Kobe or Sannomiya.

However, if you are continuing by Shinkansen to Okayama or Nagoya immediately after arriving at the airport, the bus from Bus Stop A at T2 directly to Shin-Kobe Station is a convenient choice.

The Bus Is Also Recommended for Travelers with Large Suitcases

Many international travelers arriving from Taiwan, South Korea, and other destinations carry large suitcases.

When traveling by train, you may need to walk through stations, find elevators, and make transfers.

In particular, the rail route involves the following steps:

T2
↓
T1 / Kobe Airport Station
↓ Port Liner
Sannomiya
↓ Walk
Subway
↓
Shin-Kobe

This requires several stages of travel while carrying your luggage.

With a local Shinki Bus, the route is simply:

T2
↓ Bus
Shin-Kobe

If your goal is to catch the Shinkansen, this simplicity is a major advantage.

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets at Shin-Kobe Station

After arriving at Shin-Kobe Station, you can purchase a Shinkansen ticket from a Shinkansen ticket machine or at a JR ticket counter.

For Okayama, select:

SHIN-KOBE → OKAYAMA

For Nagoya, select:

SHIN-KOBE → NAGOYA

You can also use SmartEX, the online reservation service for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen.

Booking your Shinkansen ticket online before traveling to Japan can make your onward journey after arriving at Kobe Airport even smoother.

However, flight arrivals and immigration procedures can sometimes take longer than expected. If you reserve a Shinkansen, be sure to allow plenty of time for the connection.

Summary: Getting from Kobe Airport to Okayama and Nagoya

To Okayama:

Kobe Airport T2
↓ Local bus (Shinki Bus): approximately 35–40 minutes
Shin-Kobe Station
↓ Shinkansen: approximately 31–35 minutes
Okayama Station

To Nagoya:

Kobe Airport T2
↓ Local bus (Shinki Bus): approximately 35–40 minutes
Shin-Kobe Station
↓ Shinkansen: approximately 1 hour 2–4 minutes
Nagoya Station

Kobe Airport is not only for travelers visiting Kobe or Osaka.

You can travel directly by bus to Shin-Kobe Station, then take the Shinkansen for convenient access to Okayama or Nagoya.

If you arrive at T2 on an international flight, it is useful to remember that going to Sannomiya first is not your only option.

You can also take a bus directly from Bus Stop A at T2 to Shin-Kobe Station.

If you are arriving at Kobe Airport from Taiwan, South Korea, or another international destination and continuing directly to Okayama or Nagoya, consider this simple route:

Kobe Airport T2
↓
Local bus (Shinki Bus)
↓
Shin-Kobe Station
↓
Shinkansen
↓
Okayama or Nagoya

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I board a bus to Shin-Kobe Station directly at Kobe Airport T2?

Yes. You can take a local Shinki Bus toward Shin-Kobe Station from Bus Stop A at Terminal 2 (T2), where international flights arrive. You do not need to travel to T1 to board the Port Liner.

How long does it take to travel from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station?

The journey by Shinki Bus takes approximately 35–40 minutes. Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, so allow extra time if you are connecting to a Shinkansen.

Do I need to transfer between Kobe Airport and Shin-Kobe Station?

No. A local Shinki Bus takes you directly from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station without any transfers.

Can I board the Port Liner at T2?

The Port Liner’s Kobe Airport Station is located on the T1 side. After arriving at T2, you must walk toward T1 and Kobe Airport Station to board the train.

Can I reach Shin-Kobe Station using only the Port Liner?

No. The Port Liner takes you as far as Sannomiya Station. From there, you must transfer to the Kobe Municipal Subway’s Seishin-Yamate Line to reach Shin-Kobe Station.

Are Port Liner Sannomiya Station and Subway Sannomiya Station the same station?

Both are called Sannomiya, but they are not inside the same ticketed area. You must exit the Port Liner ticket gates and walk to Subway Sannomiya Station.

Which subway should I take from Sannomiya to Shin-Kobe?

From Sannomiya Station (S03) on the Kobe Municipal Subway’s Seishin-Yamate Line, board a train toward Shin-Kobe and Tanigami. Shin-Kobe Station (S02) is the next stop.

Can I travel from Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station to Shin-Kobe?

Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station (K01) is on the Kaigan Line. To reach Shin-Kobe, use Sannomiya Station (S03) on the Seishin-Yamate Line.

How long does it take to travel from Kobe Airport to Okayama?

The bus from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station takes approximately 35–40 minutes, and the Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe Station to Okayama Station takes approximately 31–35 minutes. You will also need to allow time to transfer and wait for your train at Shin-Kobe Station.

How many transfers are required from Kobe Airport to Nagoya?

If you take a Shinki Bus from Kobe Airport to Shin-Kobe Station and then a direct Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe to Nagoya, you only need to change transportation once, at Shin-Kobe Station.

Which is more convenient if I have a suitcase: the bus or the Port Liner?

If you are traveling onward by Shinkansen toward Okayama or Nagoya, the local Shinki Bus is convenient because it takes you directly from Bus Stop A at Terminal 2 (T2) to Shin-Kobe Station. This allows you to avoid transferring to the subway at Sannomiya.

Fares, travel times, boarding locations, and service details are subject to change. Please check the latest information on each transport operator’s official website before traveling.

Complete Kobe Airport Access Guide

Supervised by: 高橋英知｜Certified General Itinerary Control Manager / Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager
In cooperation with: Shinki Bus Co., Ltd.