20 FEB

Buses

Whether you’re commuting or travelling a long distance, buses are a good way to get around especially if you want to save on cash. If you want to save on a hotel as well, you might want to consider an overnight bus (夜間バス – yakan basu). Get on the bus in the evening, and arrive at your destination bright and early the next morning.

The following are a light summary of all bus companies that serve Hyogo and the wider Kansai area.

Awaji Kotsu (淡路交通)

Awaji Kotsu is the main local bus transit across Awaji Island. Fares vary between 100 to 500 yen (depending on distance) and they provide connections to Kobe and Tokushima.

Itami Kotsu (伊丹市交通)

Mainly operates in Itami, with a route connecting Hankyu and JR Itami stations to Itami Airport. Flat fare of 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children.

JR West Bus (西日本ＪＲバス)

Along with the train network, JR West operates a bus network, providing a wide range of long distance buses and seasonal tours that connects between the main cities in Kansai to other major cities and famous tourist attractions across Japan.

Kobe City Bus (市バス)

Kobe City Bus is the main local bus transit operated by Kobe Municipal Transportation Bureau (神戸市交通局) and serves every ward across Kobe. Most fares are a flat 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children (though some routes might have distance based fares).

Sanyo Bus (山陽バス)

Sanyo Bus is primarily operates around the western part of Kobe (Tarumi-ku and Nishi-ku) and parts of Akashi. Local buses have a flat fare of 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children. They also run seasonal tours to neighbouring destinations.

Shinki Bus (神姫バス)

Shinki Bus is a major bus company based in Himeji and operates in all areas apart from Tajima and Awaji. They provide both local and highway bus services, as well as special sightseeing buses in Kobe and an airport shuttle to Kansai and Itami aiports (from Himeji and Kakogawa). Overnight bus services are available to Tokyo (Shinjuku), as well as daytime services to Awaji Island, Kyoto, Tokushima, Tottori and Hiroshima.

Zentan Bus (全但バス)

Zentan Bus is the main operator serving around the Tajima region. As well as local buses, they have long-distance buses connecting between Kobe and Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen and Yumura Onsen.

Keio Dentetsu Bus Group (京王電鉄バスグループ)

Major bus operator in Tokyo that have long-distance buses from Himeji, Kobe and Osaka to Shinjuku (in Tokyo).

Willer Express

Major bus operator with extensive coverage across many destinations in Japan. They also operate seasonal tours at many popular destinations.

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