How to Get from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen? Compare 4 Travel Options by Time and Cost!

Are you wondering how to get from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen? You're not alone! In this guide, we’ll introduce four transportation options: Shinkansen (bullet train), highway bus, domestic flight, and car. We’ll compare the travel time and estimated costs for each method, so you can easily find the fastest route or the cheapest way to reach Kusatsu Onsen from Osaka. Don’t miss this helpful comparison if you’re planning your relaxing onsen getaway!

◎ Comparing the Cost and Travel Time from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen via 4 Transportation Options

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Traveling from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture covers a distance of approximately 461 kilometers. The fastest way to get there is by shinkansen (bullet train) via Tokyo, taking around 6 hours. While this is the quickest route, it can be relatively expensive.

If you're looking for a cheaper way to reach Kusatsu Onsen from Osaka, taking a highway bus is a great option. There are both daytime and overnight buses, with the overnight bus being faster—taking about 13 hours or more.

For those flying, a one-way plane ticket from Itami Airport to Haneda Airport costs around ¥15,000, and the total travel cost to Kusatsu Onsen will be approximately ¥22,710 and up.

If you book your flight early or travel during the off-season, you may be able to fly to Kusatsu Onsen more affordably. However, take note that this route requires multiple transfers, and total travel time can vary significantly depending on your flight schedule.

1. 【Shinkansen】Access from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen

The fastest way to travel from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen is by Shinkansen. The total travel time is approximately 6 hours, and the fare is ¥21,570.

From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the limited express Kusatsu/Shima train. With reserved seating, this leg of the trip takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes, offering a comfortable and efficient route.

Please note that the Kusatsu/Shima limited express train has limited departures, so depending on the time of day, using the Shinkansen alone may be necessary for smoother travel.

Route from Shin-Osaka Station → Tokyo Station → Ueno Station → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station → Kusatsu Onsen

Route from Shin-Osaka Station → Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station → Kusatsu Onsen

When traveling by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki, the transfer sequence becomes: Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station

After arriving at Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station, take the JR Bus Kanto bound for Kusatsu Onsen. The journey takes approximately 22 to 28 minutes. Buses run about once every hour, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.

2.【Highway Bus】Access from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen

If you want to travel from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen as affordably as possible, highway buses are a recommended option. However, please note that there is no direct bus from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen.

There are three available routes via Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal), Karuizawa Station, or Nagano Station, with the lowest fare starting at ¥6,800 when traveling via Busta Shinjuku.

For travelers looking for the cheapest way to get from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen, we recommend taking an overnight bus to Busta Shinjuku and transferring from there.

Route from JR Osaka (Umeda) Station → Busta Shinjuku → Kusatsu Onsen

From Busta Shinjuku to Kusatsu Onsen, the JR Bus Kanto operates the “Joshu Yumeguri-go” direct highway bus.

Since the earliest departure from Busta Shinjuku is at 8:05 AM, you may experience a 2–3 hour waiting time depending on your arrival from Osaka.

Access from JR Osaka Station (Higashi-Umeda) to Karuizawa Station and Kusatsu Onsen by Highway Bus

If you're traveling from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen by highway bus, the most time-efficient and low-wait option is via Karuizawa Station. An overnight bus called the Chikumagawa Liner departs from JR Osaka Station (Higashi-Umeda) and takes you directly to Karuizawa.

From Karuizawa Station North Exit, you can board the Kusakaru Kotsu Bus to Kusatsu Onsen. Please note that the bus frequency is limited, so make sure to check the timetable in advance.

JR Osaka Station (Hankyu Sambangai) → Nagano Station East Exit → Kusatsu Onsen

You can also access Kusatsu Onsen via an overnight bus route that stops in Nagano. Total travel time is approximately 14 hours or more, and the lowest fare starts from ¥9,100.

Please note that there is only one daily bus from Nagano Station to Kusatsu Onsen, departing at 9:25 AM. Be sure not to miss it.

3. 【Air Travel】Access from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen

If you're traveling from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen by airplane, you'll first fly from Itami Airport to Haneda Airport. The total travel time is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes or more, and the fare starts at around ¥22,710.

Compared to the Shinkansen, this route takes more time and is more expensive. Additionally, there are multiple transfers involved since you’ll need to pass through Tokyo Station.

[Umeda Station → Itami Airport → Haneda Airport → Hamamatsuchō Station → Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station → Kusatsu Onsen]

If you book your JAL ticket from Itami to Haneda early—such as 75 days in advance using early bird discounts—it can be as low as ¥9,950, which is cheaper than the Shinkansen and faster than highway buses.

Skyticket also offers low-cost airfare, feel free to check the latest deals.

[Nankai Namba Station → Kansai International Airport → Haneda Airport → Hamamatsuchō Station → Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station → Kusatsu Onsen]

Low-cost carrier Star Flyer also operates flights from Kansai Airport to Haneda, with prices starting from ¥7,400 when booked at least 75 days in advance.

Skyticket also sells discount airfares, so be sure to check it out.

4. 【Car】Access from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen by Car

If you're traveling from Osaka to Kusatsu Onsen by car, it will take approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes via expressways. The recommended route includes the Meishin Expressway, Tomei Expressway, Chuo Expressway, Nagano Expressway, and Joshinetsu Expressway .

For a standard car using ETC (Electronic Toll Collection), the total toll cost is around 10,600 yen.

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This option is especially cost-effective and ideal if you are traveling in a group.

Rental car services are available around Osaka Station , making it convenient to start your road trip. We recommend reserving a car in advance through rental agencies in the area.

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