Osaka to Hiroshima: Direct Bullet Train or Bus?

The direct Sanyo Shinkansen covers Osaka to Hiroshima in about 1 hour 30 minutes, the gateway to Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park. It runs direct, Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima Station, with no change either on the fastest Nozomi or the Rail-Pass-eligible Sakura. Direct buses cost less and take far longer, around 5 to 6 hours. Here is how they compare.

Making Hiroshima part of a longer route? Read our two-week Japan itinerary. Doing this trip by rail? Read our JR Pass Calculator: pass vs individual tickets.

Distance	About 340 km
Fastest	Direct Nozomi Shinkansen (about 1h30)
Rail Pass pick	Direct Sakura (about 1h30 to 1h40)
Don't miss	Miyajima's floating torii gate

Mode	Departures/day	First-last departure	Fastest	Typical fare	Top operators
Train	73	06:00-22:29	1h 21m	USD 50-67	Shinkansen JR Central, Shinkansen JR West
Bus	2.5	22:10-23:15	6h 15m	USD 25-46	AT Liner, Jamjam Bus
Flight	4.1	06:40-21:05	1h 10m	USD 167-245	All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Star Flyer
Prices checked July 9, 2026 from 4423 scheduled departures.

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi (direct) Fastest, direct with no change. Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.	about 1h30	approx €65 to €75	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura (direct) Also direct, nearly as fast, and Rail Pass eligible.	about 1h30 to 1h40	approx €60 to €70	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	Chugoku JR Bus / Willer (direct) Cheapest, direct with no change, day and overnight departures.	about 5 to 6 hours	approx €20 to €35	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima?

About 1 hour 30 minutes on the fastest direct Nozomi, or much the same, about 1h30 to 1h40, on the direct Rail-Pass-eligible Sakura.

Is there a direct train from Osaka to Hiroshima?

Yes. Both the Nozomi and Sakura Shinkansen run direct, Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima Station, with no change required.

Is Hiroshima worth visiting from Osaka?

Yes. It is a comfortable day trip or overnight, with the Peace Memorial Park and the floating torii gate on nearby Miyajima island.

Does the Japan Rail Pass cover Osaka to Hiroshima?

It covers the direct Sakura and Hikari trains, but not the fastest Nozomi. The time difference between them is small.

What is the cheapest way from Osaka to Hiroshima?

The direct Chugoku JR Bus or Willer coach, about 5 to 6 hours, with both day and overnight departures.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.